OT: Who are the best rock vocalists?

Submitted by wolverine1987 on

Here is my incomplete list. As I'm a child of the 80's and 90's it is weighted that way. I'm sure there are more that you guys will advocate for.

Chris Cornell (Soundgarden. Audioslave, Solo)

Thom Yorke (Radiohead)

Brad Delp (Boston)

Steve Perry (Journey)

EDiT: Sorry hit enter before done, more complete list continues

Robert Plant (Led Zepplin)

Van Morrison

Freddie Mercury (Queen)

Bono (U2)

Have at it. Who else belongs here?

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rob f

July 14th, 2017 at 10:03 PM ^

for your mention of Jon Anderson (Yes) and Greg Lake of Emerson Lake and Palmer. Two fantastic voices of the Progressive Rock genre. As was Peter Gabriel of Genesis. Another I'd like to nominate: Terry Kath (RIP) of Chicago. When Kath tragically passed away, I stopped paying attention to Chicago---he was the heart and soul of that band. Their best vocalist and one of the most talented guitarists ever, too (Jimi Hendrix idolized him).

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Some Call Me.... Tim

July 14th, 2017 at 9:37 PM ^

To add a few from the Hard rock/metal genre: Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour), Brent Smith (Shinedown), Serj Tankian (SOAD), Shaun Morgan (Seether), Adam Gontier (formally Three Days Grace). Obviously there's more, but those are some of my favorites

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A2toGVSU

July 14th, 2017 at 11:56 PM ^

When shinedown toned down the edginess and started playing stadiums on Sound of Madness, all the music was written to showcase his range and intensity. I still love the old, dark Shinedown though. Us & Them is my favorite album of the aughts.

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potomacduc

July 15th, 2017 at 11:43 AM ^

That's a ridiculous & inaccurate comment. First, the Stones (certainly Mick, Keith & Brian) were focused on fame & commercial success from day one. They never "sold out" to go commercial. They were there from day one. Second, they were MUCH more under the control of management in the 60s then the 70s & later. Breaking away from Allen Klein in '69 was not an act of selling out but of declaring independence & taking complete control of their band & creative catalog. They were pioneers in self-publishing & producing. Third, the Stones made some of the greatest music of all time in the 70s. Sticky Fingers & Exile were the Stones at the height of their power & the peak of their creativity. While the later 70s & early 80s still produced great music, they did slip some, criticizing that is a bit ridiculous. It's very difficult to maintain the highest levels of greatness. Have the Stones faltered now & then from the mid-80s until today? Sure, but I'd still rather listen to some of their weakest stuff than the schlock bullshit that is produced today. It's really hard to maintain greatness, especially when you're an old man in a young man's game. Nonetheless, even in the worst records they've made, you can catch a glimpse of greatness. Oh, & Mick is the greatest, hands down. It's not about amazing vocal range or power or any traditional measure of the voice as an instrument. This is not opera. This is rock and roll. It's about the performance. It's about having the feel for the song & bringing the listener along. The only performance that really makes it is one that achieves madness. The Stones have maintained insanity for over 50 years.

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rob f

July 14th, 2017 at 10:35 PM ^

Nilsson never seemed to get the recognition he deserves. Great songwriter and lyricist, too. Harry had some of the wittiest songs around during his heyday. The song "Fuck You (You're Breaking My Heart)" from his album 'Son of Schmilsson' was one of my favorites.

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A2toGVSU

July 15th, 2017 at 12:01 AM ^

Range, power, and overall talent is undeniable. I think the reason he hasnt been mentioned sooner is he's not exactly easy to listen to. After listening for a while, he can sound shrilly. He also takes a LOT of creative liberties with melodies; sometimes more than he should.

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