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With “Always on My Mind” closing out s2e2 of The Newsroom, lots of my Internet nerd friends were raving about Willie Nelson. They praised his distinct voice that used behind-the-beat timing and unique phrasing. While I dig Willie Nelson on multiple levels, the surge in his popularity (in the nerd world, anyway) got me thinking about voices in popular music that I find unique. Of course there are obvious ones like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. For millions of people Elvis Presley’s voice is synonymous with rock and roll. After thinking about it for a few days, three vocalists stood out — Roy Orbison, Barry Gibb, and Freddie Mercury.
Keep in mind that I’m talking about distinct voices, not necessarily the most powerful or ones with ridiculous range (though Mercury definitely possessed crazy power and range). I’m talking about singers that are so unique that you can identify their voices after two notes and can’t imagine anyone else singing their songs (other than homages).
Roy Orbison — Depending on the song, Orbison’s voice could be ethereal or haunting (and sometimes ethereally haunting). I was always amazed by how expressive he could be while being so controlled at the same time. While I love lots of his solo stuff, hearing him in the Traveling Wilbury’s “Handle With Care” is one of my favorites. It’s a very good song that’s made great by Orbison’s bridge.
Barry Gibb — I love the Bee Gees. While the Aussie trio’s harmonies were awesome, Barry’s voice is what made the band stand out. What makes his voice so memorable to me is that he had two distinct styles that were both fantastic. There’s the falsetto that everyone knows from songs like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” but there’s also the deeper, breathy voice he used for “How Deep is Your Love?”
Freddie Mercury — Best. Rock. Singer. Ever.
If geneticist and sorcerers teamed together to make the perfect rock-and-roll singer, you’d have the second coming of Freddie Mercury.
So those are my picks for some of the most distinct voices in pop music. I’d love to hear about yours! Kindly use the comments section to share the voices that stand out in your head (not the voices in your head).
Axl Rose. I hate this man but his voice is quite unique.
Johnny Cash. Grr. I cant think of any other english ones. Spanish artists are coming to mind mostly now.
Chris Cornell. Not really pop, but it is distinct.
As far as pop goes, I would say Weird Al has a very distinctive voice.
-M
Cornell is totally acceptable. I was being broad with the use of pop. What I really meant was “not opera.”
Michael Jackson is the first that comes to my mind.
I can recognize Springsteen anytime anywhere as well.
Stevie Nicks has a CRAZY unique voice on a different level.
Eminem and Eazy E are both hip-hop artists I could name anytime.
Tim McIlrath from Rise against has a very unique sound to his voice.
I also have to give a very honorable mention to Otis Redding. Holy HELL do I love me some Otis.
F’n vein head. How could I forget him.
Getty Lee, Roger Waters. Don Henley
Rush, Pink Floyd and the Eagles kick your ass. they kick your face, they kick your balls into outer space, much like the famed New York street gang, Los Locos.
Also that dude from ACDC
come to think of it, every one of my favorite bands have distinct sounding singers….as well as kick ass guitar players :D
Except Rush and Eagles :P
I had thought of Geddy Lee, but I hesitated based on whether or not I could justify calling Rush pop music.
Is it spelled Geddy?
What a fool I’ve been
Yes, he’s not a gas station or a museum.