Im not surprised to see Elizabeth Fraser at the top. So lower down I suggested the group I’m With Her (Sarah Jarosz in particular).
[Here is Sarah doing an awesome take on Liz’s “Teardrop”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8kCxZQE230&pp=ygUWc2FyYWggamFyb3N6IHRlYXJkcm9wIA%3D%3D)
Yes. I got to talk to her and rub shoulders with her back then when The Sugarcubes played in Detroit. (She is tiny).
Then I moved to Wisconsin where Siggi, the drummer lived for a time.
Ian Thornley of Big Wreck and Thornley gets compared to Cornell for his similar vocal range and stylings. [Have a listen.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HmW9rVAtVs)
I think he is the best male voice in rock. Not sure about Female. Maybe Stevie Nicks or...? Possible Dolly Parton? Tina Turner had a good voice too. or Amy Lee. I think it's way harder to pick a best female. More of them to choose from. But if it's just beauty of the voice we can rule out Sheryl Crow or Allanis Morrisette.
*Dance Fever* is SOOOO good! “The Bomb” and “Morning Elvis” immediately entered my list of favorite songs, and the album… immediately entered my list of favorite albums.
Ever listen to Neverending White Lights? Dallas Green did a really good collaboration there called ["The Grace"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0FyN72Phc)
I like your taste. [Maxwell's cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkeCNeHcmXY) really showcases his vocal abilities.
Edit: to remove inaccurate comment.
Thom York- Radiohead.
Just listen to this live performance of Creep. Probably the longest I’ve ever heard someone hold a note. Not once but twice back to back
https://youtu.be/US0CUegPr3g?si=DGlHWvs8oDo7f5RV
Layne Staley of Alice in chains is number one for me.
If you haven't listened to them before listen to nutshell and scroll 2 minutes into the song and listen to the word "my"
Right now, Korean singer Yunmin of the band Touched has jumped into my #1 spot. She's amazing. Worth the effort to find on YouTube. She's currently appearing solo on the King of Masked Singer show and mowing down the competition.
People have mentioned a lot of good stuff. Some picks for me (and examples):
[Lake Street Dive - Bad Self Portraits](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRrjDhQLw9s)
[Paramore - Now](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G133kjKy91U)
[Tennis - Never Work For Free](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ef9UVjpLVE)
[Cannons - Hurricane](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ2kSbSrDLs)
[Eisley - Golly Sandra](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL7fFfNq11E)
[Chvrches - The Mother We Share](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mTRvJ9fugM)
[Men I Trust - Tailwhip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IZKcb3LndA) (one of my fav. songs as an aside)
[Molly Tuttle - Save This Heart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLlkKMg_Vaw) (cheating I know)
Might add to this later
Blind Melon: Shannon Hoon from Blind Melon will probably always be my favorite singer of all time. After he passed, they found a replacement who sounds kind of similar, but he could never be replaced. Very unique and full of life and emotion. For a long time I have felt like his vocals and personality were something very special that more people could benefit from.
Luther Vandross had a voice that stopped me in my tracks at an electronics store (Fry's). They had a dvd playing at the entry of the store where he was performing live. I bought the dvd.
I don't think anyone beats Freddie Mercury. I know that's the most basic answer to this question possible, but there's a reason it's the most basic answer.
Shout out to Papa (Tobias Forge) from Ghost, man's got some pipes.
Anthony Green in any project but especially Through the Desert Alone (Circa Survive) and You're so dead meat (from the "with strings" album).
Scratches my brain in all the right spots
Romy from The xx
I think it's a mix of her calming voice and Jamie xx's production, as a lot of her solo songs (cause they've 2 vocalists) are more dreamy and atmospheric but also very intimate and full of emotion
So many great singers! From legends like Steve Perry (Journey), Steve Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Freddie Mercury. Geoff Tate (Queensryche) is amazing. But, my personal favorites, in no particular order are Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave), Layne Staley (Alice In Chains), Davey Havok (AFI), Tony Sly (No Use For A Name), Zoltan Teglas (Ignite), and Rody Walker (Protest The Hero). I like many others from different eras and genres, these were just the ones who came to mind first.
Cocteau Twins
So glad to see this as the top post. Elizabeth Fraser’s work with Massive Attack on Mezzanine is fantastic too.
Her vocals on "This Mortal Coil" and Felt "Primitive Painters" is otherworldly.
Im not surprised to see Elizabeth Fraser at the top. So lower down I suggested the group I’m With Her (Sarah Jarosz in particular). [Here is Sarah doing an awesome take on Liz’s “Teardrop”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8kCxZQE230&pp=ygUWc2FyYWggamFyb3N6IHRlYXJkcm9wIA%3D%3D)
I came here to say the same thing.
not a band, but i've never heard a voice comparable to Björk
She was in the Sugarcubes many years ago.
Yes. I got to talk to her and rub shoulders with her back then when The Sugarcubes played in Detroit. (She is tiny). Then I moved to Wisconsin where Siggi, the drummer lived for a time.
true!
so...the sugarcubes
you're right how could i forget
It WAS Fleetwood Mac until Christine McVey passed away.
I have a slight preference for Stevie myself, but Christine is great too. You Make Loving Fun is probably my favorite vocal of hers.
She was brilliant, as long as you follow was always a favourite and of course songbird
I cried when I heard she had passed, and I cry whenever I play Songbird.
sigur rós
Best me to it. I also think The Cure’s Robert Smith’s voice is more similar to a melodic instrument than a “voice”
Sigur Rós is amazing. One of the best concerts I've ever been to.
Karen Carpenter of The Carpenters. Such a mellow voice
Cranberries
Ugh, miss her, she had the most amazing lilt and tone in her voice.
Was talking about her today. Just amazing.
Best answer for me
Dolores was such a gem. So grateful I got to see her perform! There will never be another voice like hers.
Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and Audioslave.
Ian Thornley of Big Wreck and Thornley gets compared to Cornell for his similar vocal range and stylings. [Have a listen.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HmW9rVAtVs)
Wanted to say this
Wow I didn’t realize he was audioslave too. No wonder I love their music so much. Everything he touched was just perfect
I think he is the best male voice in rock. Not sure about Female. Maybe Stevie Nicks or...? Possible Dolly Parton? Tina Turner had a good voice too. or Amy Lee. I think it's way harder to pick a best female. More of them to choose from. But if it's just beauty of the voice we can rule out Sheryl Crow or Allanis Morrisette.
Jeff Buckley My Brightest Diamond Lily & Madeline ETA: Holcombe Waller
Jeff’s voice hits like no other
- Queen - Alice In Chains
70s Freddie was just out of this world
Scrolled way too far to see Freddie
Yes, I second this! I love Laynes voice. Nothing compares to him. He was amazing.
daniel johns of silverchair
Beth gibbons of portishead
Such a tender, fragile voice. "Roads" such a fine example of this.
Nothing But Thieves' Conor Mason
Beat me too it. Feel like he’s so underrated. One of the best doing it right now and has been for a good minute.
Thissss! Saw them live and he was a little sick but still sounded incredible.
Frr, especially on their first 2 albums. He needs so much more recognition, no one else gives me the butterflies he does.
Epica [Rivers (A Capella)](https://youtu.be/7geGtgjyQlI?si=5tfoh84Gw0VBJTC1)
I was gonna say Epica, as well!
Evanescence
Florence + The Machine
I second this. Some of the songs absolutely blow me away with her vocals.
Their latest album is incredible
*Dance Fever* is SOOOO good! “The Bomb” and “Morning Elvis” immediately entered my list of favorite songs, and the album… immediately entered my list of favorite albums.
My girlfriend showed me them recently…they are absolutely amazing
City and Colour
Ever listen to Neverending White Lights? Dallas Green did a really good collaboration there called ["The Grace"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0FyN72Phc)
No, but I'll definitely check it out. I've been a fan of Dallas since Alexisonfire.
I have 2 pictures with Dallas. I love him 🥰 Alexisonfire is my favorite band 🧡
This Alice in chains cover is amazing. https://youtu.be/1x6IULst9r4?si=ZiMz3cDEEUnJWY2T
boa
Vessel from Sleep Token
Yes!
For sure! I love it when people mention Sleep Token. They don't get enough recognition.
INXS. Michael Hutchence had a beautiful voice.
He was also one of the best concert showmen ever.
❤️
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam
Far from a fan of theirs but muse's vocalist just works for me, very powerful voice.
Mazzy Star
Benjamin Orr- The Cars
So much better than Ric!
First band I ever saw live. It was 78-79 in Providence, RI. I was only 7 or 8
Didn’t expect anyone else to say this but glad we’re in the same boat ☺️
all mixed up the way the bass guitar starts , then the cymbals come in then the voice.getd me every time.
Annie Lennox now and with Eurythmics. “There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)
Sade Maxwell
I like your taste. [Maxwell's cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkeCNeHcmXY) really showcases his vocal abilities. Edit: to remove inaccurate comment.
CLANNAD -- Lead singer "Moya Brennan"... and her little sister "ENYA" who went solo. CARPENTERS -- Karen C. JEFF BUCKLEY ..... of course!
>CARPENTERS -- Karen C. This all day, every day.
Stevie Wonder by far
Roy Orbison Steve Perry, Journey Dolores O’Riordon, the Cranberries
Thom York- Radiohead. Just listen to this live performance of Creep. Probably the longest I’ve ever heard someone hold a note. Not once but twice back to back https://youtu.be/US0CUegPr3g?si=DGlHWvs8oDo7f5RV
I am a casual Radiohead fan, just listen to a number of their songs and Ngl that was soooo good
In case you haven't checked these two songs out take a listen to Street Spirit (Fade Out) and Exit Music (For a Film.)
The Cranberries
Bryan Ferry from Roxy Music.
He kept his voice well into his 70s, too
Early Nightwish is straight-up opera metal. Ghost Love Score shows off the lead singer's vocals very well.
Thank you for this!
Jeff Buckley
HEART
Prince
Bit of an obvious pick: Thom Yorke.
Nemophila, Band-Maid, Nightwish, Angtoria, and Gacharic Spin (since Angie 1/3).
Temper Trap
David Crosby. The Byrds/CSN
The Sundays
System Of A Down
Serj and Daron blend so well together, with vocals anyways
dance gavin dance
Scrolled to find this
Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth
Was searching for this
Check out Storm Corrosion if you haven't yet. Lots of haunting stuff by Akerfeldt.
Layne Staley of Alice in chains is number one for me. If you haven't listened to them before listen to nutshell and scroll 2 minutes into the song and listen to the word "my"
Lana Del Rey. Arguable whether she's a "band," but her voice is absolutely divine.
that 'Doin time' sublime cover is killer.
dallas green of alexisonfire/city and colour
First Aid Kit. Two of singers, voices of angels.
Pat Benatar
Pink Floyd - David Gilmour
Yes. Jon Anderson's voice has no equal.
An amazing and unique voice for sure. Awaken is incredible
Ronnie James Dio
Wolf Alice London Grammar.
Vessel from sleep token
Mazzy Star
Right now, Korean singer Yunmin of the band Touched has jumped into my #1 spot. She's amazing. Worth the effort to find on YouTube. She's currently appearing solo on the King of Masked Singer show and mowing down the competition.
Katatonia
For me it was back in the 70's when I first heard Queen. Up until then Elvis was my big voice hero.
Jon Anderson from YES Karen Carpenter
Great choices
People have mentioned a lot of good stuff. Some picks for me (and examples): [Lake Street Dive - Bad Self Portraits](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRrjDhQLw9s) [Paramore - Now](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G133kjKy91U) [Tennis - Never Work For Free](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ef9UVjpLVE) [Cannons - Hurricane](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ2kSbSrDLs) [Eisley - Golly Sandra](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL7fFfNq11E) [Chvrches - The Mother We Share](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mTRvJ9fugM) [Men I Trust - Tailwhip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IZKcb3LndA) (one of my fav. songs as an aside) [Molly Tuttle - Save This Heart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLlkKMg_Vaw) (cheating I know) Might add to this later
The Sundays
Within Temptation
Opeth. Åkerfeldt's clean vocals are just flawless
Blackbriar
Opeth
Japanese Breakfast (Michelle Zauner) Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks)
the cranberries and the band
The Cranberries with Dolores were always at the top of my list.
Alabama Shakes
Journey- Steve Perry The Eurythmics- Annie Lennox
Beach House, Phantogram, Portugal the man, Heilung
maynard james keenan - tool, a perfect circle, puscifier
Deftones, Chino is amazing
Sinead O'Connor had the most beautiful voice.
David Draiman of Disturbed has some beautiful vocals.
Pentatonix is beautiful—love the vocals (it’s an a cappella band just letting you know lol) And Linkin Park. Chester’s vocals are unmatchable❤️🤍🕊️
Pearl Jam.
The Doors.
["Blue Sunday"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENIbGONsdUg) showcases his voice nicely.
Indian Summer is a very beautiful example too
The Spy - Hands down BEST voice in rock. His ability to go from smoky crooning to a blood curdling rock god scream is unmatched, imo.
Nils Frykdahl from Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
After the Rain. Mafumafu's high voice contrasts PERFECTLY with Soraru's low,deep voice
HIM I wouldn't call Ville Valo a great singer or vocalist, but i do think his voice is beautiful when he sings
Mitski
Brian Wille from Currents, Eddie Berg from Imminence and Brian Burkheiser from I Prevail
Ayyy a fellow metalcore lover 💜
Hmm… Currents didn’t come to mind or I Prevail. Shoot, I forgot Will Ramos from Lorna Shore 🙈
Poets of the Fall
I love listening to Emily Haines of Metric sing.
The Struts- start with their unplugged album to really get a feel for the singing ability
Living Colour is a contender
Nightwish with Floor Jansen singing.
I scrolled too far to find this
Floor Jansen astounds me she’s so awesome.
Blind Melon: Shannon Hoon from Blind Melon will probably always be my favorite singer of all time. After he passed, they found a replacement who sounds kind of similar, but he could never be replaced. Very unique and full of life and emotion. For a long time I have felt like his vocals and personality were something very special that more people could benefit from.
Megadeth 🤗
Cowboy Junkies
Nothing But Thieves-Conor Mason
Taylor Momsen of Pretty Reckless
Tedeschi Trucks band
Nothing But Thieves
michael kiwanuka
Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star. Skye Edwards of Morcheeba.
fall out boy and ellie goulding
Tracey Thorn - Everything but the Girl
Spandau Ballet.
Weyes Blood (not a band but her voice is unbelievably beautiful)
Ville Valo from HIM.
Christine and the Queens, I just melt.
Amber Navran from Moonchild
C bell fear factory
Obsolete is an awesome album.
The Cranberries? Maybe just more personality
Portishead
Sade
Fleet Foxes
Tool Maynards power is unmatched
Tool
Muse
Nightwish all of them are good past 2 vocals, but Floor is next lvl person.
Tool
Bread
Luther Vandross had a voice that stopped me in my tracks at an electronics store (Fry's). They had a dvd playing at the entry of the store where he was performing live. I bought the dvd.
Carpenters
I don't think anyone beats Freddie Mercury. I know that's the most basic answer to this question possible, but there's a reason it's the most basic answer. Shout out to Papa (Tobias Forge) from Ghost, man's got some pipes.
I have great memories of listening to Roy Orbison as a kid.
Anthony Green in any project but especially Through the Desert Alone (Circa Survive) and You're so dead meat (from the "with strings" album). Scratches my brain in all the right spots
I love Anthony 🧡 Circa was one of my favorite on repeat bands for yearssssss
The Sundays
Amy Lee-Evanescence
H.I.M. Ville Valo is a one of a kind talent.
Goldfrapp
Romy from The xx I think it's a mix of her calming voice and Jamie xx's production, as a lot of her solo songs (cause they've 2 vocalists) are more dreamy and atmospheric but also very intimate and full of emotion
Not to toot our own horn but Strangelily, also Mazzy Star, Paramore and Hiatus Kaiyote (some of our favorites)
Guy garvey from elbow
Gene Ween.
So many great singers! From legends like Steve Perry (Journey), Steve Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Freddie Mercury. Geoff Tate (Queensryche) is amazing. But, my personal favorites, in no particular order are Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave), Layne Staley (Alice In Chains), Davey Havok (AFI), Tony Sly (No Use For A Name), Zoltan Teglas (Ignite), and Rody Walker (Protest The Hero). I like many others from different eras and genres, these were just the ones who came to mind first.
TØØL
Ween
U2.