July 21, 2006

25 Amazing Voices

It’s just that simple. 25 people with absolutely incredible voices.

Aretha Franklin. The best female singer in American history.

Paul Robeson. He might have had the voice of God. And this is an agnostic saying that.

Marvin Gaye. Again, another worrisome case of a man whose best skill was the ability to exhibit longing.

Eartha Kitt. When she talks, it sounds like she’s trying to get in your pockets. And if she did it to me for real, I’d walk out of there with my pockets looking like elephant ears.

Michael Jackson. If only he used it more. I’ll always have that knock on MJ, but I’ll never knock what he can do.

Chris Cornell. The best rock singer of the last twenty years. Him and that weirdo…

Mike Patton. but my goodness, he’s crazy. He can do a bunch of shit with his voice, though.

Chuck D. Just screams out “authority.”

Etta James. Oh yeah, “At Last” is one of the greatest records ever made. Ever.

Van Morrison. This sounds patronizing, but I don’t know another way to put it–Van Morrison is the greatest white singer ever. I don’t even think it’s close.

Patti Labelle. Good lord.

Pimp C. Find out if you don’t know.

Andre 3000. Rappin, not singin. Rappin.

Method Man. No matter what anyone said before, Meth’s voice is an all-time classic.

Snoop Doggy Dogg. You know it.

Barry White. The gold standard for bass voices.

David Ruffin. Perhaps the gold standard for niggaz singin that can’t sing but rip it.

Donny Hathaway. Here’s the thing–he’s a one-trick pony. Can be absolutely touching or utterly boring. Yes, I know a few of you are about to cut up on that one.

MC Lyte. Powerful cadence.

Rick James. The underrated part of his game.

Sam Cooke. But I wonder about anyone that naturally sound sad like that, yanno? That said, he’s one of hte fuckin’ greatest.

Slick Rick. No better hip hop delivery.

Busta Rhymes. Fuck it, I love The Big Bang.

MJG. Underrated delivery.

Paul Simon. Odd choice, right? Simon’s no boss vocalist. But every song he sings just sounds like Paul Simon’s singing it. I really feel like I know him, and it’s because of his voice and how they perfectly fit his lyrics.

Oh yeah, peep that Ray Cash. Peep it.

29 Comments »

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  1. Seems like this is a topic that is better suited to being split up into eras in some way. Too many people that need to be included and not enough that can be reasonably taken out. Except for that Chris Cornell asshole. I still think he’s overrated. He’s good, but not great. Snoop can go too.

    Comment by Kirk — July 21, 2006 #

  2. what a great list…

    Here are some of my favorite that were left off the list.

    Monica: Underrated

    Johnnie Taylor: My Mother drove me crazy with his music as a child…now I appreciate it.

    Mariah can do no wrong with me. I forced myself to go to her concert and was an instant fan.

    You said David Ruffin but let’s not forget Eddie Kendricks…Nothing but sweetness there.

    Robert Cray is a good choice.

    My mother is throwing in her two cents and she said that you left off Jackie Wilson. What’s up with that?

    Johnnie Gill does everything for me. Bobby Brown brought him on stage during the Summer Concert series that featured En Vogue, SWV, BBD, and the afore mentioned. Johnnie is the bomb…did I just say bomb? You know what I mean.

    My mother and my friend are bombarding me with some of the blues greats. They feel you have done a disservice to them.

    Wilson Picket and Lou Rawls

    Lionel Richie…I didn’t come to this conclusion until he was on a local radio station and they were playing some of his music. I found out that I was taking this musical genius for granted.

    I’m sure you are going to be barraged with feedback and people giving their opinion and saying that you were WRONG but I definitely respect your opinion.

    Comment by zstephaniez — July 21, 2006 #

  3. Some others:
    QTip
    Guru
    Billy Joel

    Heard the whole Ray Cash joint in passing, but I definitely plan on giving it a good listen. Bumpin’ My Music is my personal “get right” record of the moment. A straight up head nodder that you can also shake your ass to. I’m partial to the video as well, you just got to love a big ass radio.

    Comment by Stephanie — July 21, 2006 #

  4. I agree with that list mostly, I just think that Kurt Cobain should take the place of Chris Cornell.

    Comment by JD — July 21, 2006 #

  5. I second the vote for Kurt Cobain.

    I’m sure I’ll catch some heat for this, but I’d rather see Tupac on that list then MJG. Not Biggie, just Tupac. No one’s voice captured raw emotion better than Tupac’s.

    Comment by Shot Clock — July 21, 2006 #

  6. Johnny Cash, yo.

    Comment by George Kelly — July 21, 2006 #

  7. Great list.

    I love Aretha, but I just can’t see how she’s better than Billie Holiday or even Ella, but mostly Billie.

    On Mike Patton–I appreciate his range and creativity and all, but I just don’t feel his singing on any of his projects (though I don’t have a problem with his work on the last Bjork album).

    Good look on MJG. I was never a big 8 Ball fan, but MJG has a great voice. Khujo of Goodie has the same vibe, as does Slim Thug, to a lesser extent.

    Some voices I feel:
    Sade (obvious)
    Amel Larrieux
    Jill Scott
    Lauryn Hill (obvious)
    Son House
    Thom Yorke (obvious)
    Bjork
    Laetitia Sadier
    Beth Gibbons
    Trish Keenan
    Rakim (obvious)
    The DOC (like a more fierce DMC)
    Rockness Monsta
    Buckshot
    OC
    Planet Asia
    Joni Mitchell
    Chaka Khan
    Bilal (I used to be indifferent to him, but he grew on me)
    Chet Baker
    Sly Stone (range)

    Too many 60s and 70s soul singers to name—it’s almost unfair.

    Comment by eauhellzgnaw — July 21, 2006 #

  8. Al Green anyone…

    Comment by Farmdog — July 21, 2006 #

  9. I’m a regular (silent) reader of this blog. I went through the crazy hassle of creating account and jumping through verification hoops just so could scream into cyberspace..”WHY NO STEVIE WONDER????”

    Comment by Char — July 21, 2006 #

  10. Char, a distinction between voice and songwriting perhaps? Not that Stevie doesn’t have a good voice, of course, but I always felt like the writing made him stand out as much as the voice.

    In re: Patton, 99% of what he does is completely incomprehensible, but he gets a free pass just on the strength of the Lovage album and a couple others.

    Comment by Kirk — July 21, 2006 #

  11. Somebody’s gonna hate me for this but, I have to say that Whitney Houston (Brown), B.C.(Before Crack) has an extraordinary voice. Her voice range was and is (on a good day, when she isn’t high) incredible.

    I still love Whitney!

    Comment by Tyffany — July 21, 2006 #

  12. Disclaimer: Yes I do normally have better things to be doing on a Friday night. However, she’s asleep.

    Not sure how you managed to miss Adam Duritz. Don’t even lie, I know you agree. I also am very partial to Louis Armstrong.

    I’ll shut up now.

    Comment by Kirk — July 21, 2006 #

  13. Jeff Buckley.

    Possibly the greatest male singer ever in my book (3.5 octaves). Died way to soon though (just like his 5-octave dad). Never go swimming in the Mississippi with your boots on…

    Comment by Rex — July 22, 2006 #

  14. Eva Cassidy.

    Why am I listing dead people? Seriously, these two are tops for me, on this day July 22…

    Her “Over the Rainbow” is the current definition of the song that is being covered by everyone and their sister. And her remake of Sting’s “Fields of Gold” has probably surpassed his own. But check this: If you can find it, listen to her version of “Blues In The Night.” Put the repeat feature on. You’ll have a hard time taking it off…

    She was primarily known for covers. Major record companies tried to sign her to do original material, but she only wanted to sing her favorite songs. And then…

    Cancer can be cruel!

    Comment by Rex — July 22, 2006 #

  15. no ella fitzgerald? no sarah vaughn? wtf?!?

    what about judy garland? daaaang.

    decent list, but without those three on it, i can’t give it an ‘a’…it gets a solid ‘b’.

    Damn, no honor roll certificate.

    Comment by nikki — July 22, 2006 #

  16. Where is Luther???? :)
    Prince. The man has range.
    Anita Baker.
    Chaka Khan.
    Ella Fitzergerald.
    Nancy Wilson.
    Dionne Warwick.
    Erykah Badu.
    Michael Jackson, i agree with.
    and, Mariah…when she’s not doing that breathy crap.

    I think that’s good for now.

    Comment by Fenaba Rena — July 22, 2006 #

  17. Great list…i’m actually a bit surprised to see some of the people on it..like Eartha Kitt…but no one can deny her voice is iconic. I think Bruce Springsteen…Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, and a few others should be added.

    Comment by CandyAcidReign — July 23, 2006 #

  18. Well CandyAcidReign, if we’re dipping into the actor pool, then how about Al Pacino?

    Hoooaah!
    I’m just gettin’ warmed up!
    A-T-T-I-C-A, A-T-T-I-C-A
    Say “Hello” to my l’il fren…
    I keep trying to get out, but they keep pullin’ me back IN!

    …and so many more…

    Comment by Rex — July 24, 2006 #

  19. How you gonna break out actor’s voices and not mention…

    James Earl Jones.

    Singers?

    Nat King Cole

    MC
    Someone has got to give Twista credit for rapping THAT fast and being the LEAST bit coherent and articulate.

    Comment by PWordsmith — July 24, 2006 #

  20. The greatest singer I’ve ever heard is Ella Fitzgerald.

    At his peak, John Fogerty was one of the all-time great rock vocalists, a fearsome yell that blew down the door.

    When it comes to actors, the most commanding speaking voice I’ve ever heard is Keith David, with James Earl Jones second in a squeaker.

    Comment by Alex — July 24, 2006 #

  21. Boo not including Stokely from Mint Condition.
    Hooray Beer!

    Comment by Mr Carter — July 24, 2006 #

  22. Mary J. Blige.

    Hard and a voice you can’t help but feel when she hits the *painfully* high notes.

    Comment by Tim — July 25, 2006 #

  23. lol…my bad for opening up that door, but some of the best voices have come from actors.

    okay okay

    other voices in music to add: (tone and style…good or not, still memorable)

    Randy Crawford
    Smokey Robinson
    Tupac
    O.D.B
    Jimi Hendrix (unique)
    Jewel (yep)
    Macy Gray (unique)
    Alanis Morissette
    Tracy Chapman
    DMX
    Janet Jackson
    Luther Vandross
    Eminem
    Anthony Reeds (lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers)
    Adam Duritz (lead singer of ‘Counting Crows’)
    Michael Stipe (lead singer of R.E.M)
    Bono (frontman from U2)
    Cher
    Madonna
    Tboz (from TLC)
    MC Eight…lmao…it’s true..look it up.
    Dru Down (look it up)
    E-40
    Too Short (lol)
    Luke (laughin’ out louder)
    Nelly
    Saul Williams
    Anita Baker
    Toni Braxton
    Fionna Apple
    Jaheim
    KC from Jodeci (before drugs, lol)
    Stevie Wonder
    India Arie
    Gwen Stefani
    Prince (how could you forget him… :(( )
    Janis Joplin
    Frank Sinatra (yep)
    Nat King Cole
    Gladys Knight

    drum roll please…

    Kirk Franklin

    Comment by CandyAcidReign — July 25, 2006 #

  24. oops forgot…

    Tom Jones (lol)
    Michael Bolton
    Johnny Cash
    George Clinton
    Me’shell NdegeOcello
    Mos Def
    Tone Loc
    Celine Dion
    Christina Aguilara
    Cee-lo
    Lauryn Hill
    Wyclef
    Bob Marley
    Beenie Man
    Ja Rule
    50 cent
    Michel’le (early 90’s, squeeky voice)

    Comment by CandyAcidReign — July 25, 2006 #

  25. how could we forget

    Flava Flav

    Comment by CandyAcidReign — July 25, 2006 #

  26. For fuck’s sake, that was longer than the original list.

    I’ll wait for Rex to chime in on exactly what was wrong with the RHCP singer.

    Comment by Kirk — July 26, 2006 #

  27. CandyAcidReign,

    good googly-moogly! So I guess you mean just about everyone, EVER.

    And did you mean Anthony Kiedis from RHCP?

    Comment by alove — July 26, 2006 #

  28. And while I’m at it, Bonnie Raitt.

    Comment by alove — July 26, 2006 #

  29. lol…yeah…forgot his last name..and thats no where near everyone. Everyone on that list has amazing or memorable voices…I don’t think that can be denied…at least not by me, but then again, I’m an artist. Peace.

    Comment by CandyAcidReign — July 26, 2006 #

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