100 Most Technically Skilled Male Rock Vocalists

[Chubby321]

100 Most Technically Skilled Male Rock Vocalists
http://forums.nutsie.com/viewtopic.php?t=18672

Tier 1: Breath support, register switching, register blending, pitch, vocal runs, consistency throughout registers, volume control, vibrato control, sustain, and diction.
Tier 2: Projection, Resonance, Endurance, Range, and Versatility(Tonal/Stylistic, Technical).

For criteria breakdowns, each criterion from either tier is worth equal points. Influence and impact have no bearing on a singer's placement.

The first 50 for now.

1. Jackie Wilson
2. Adam Lambert
3. Freddie Mercury (Queen, Solo)
4. Steve Perry (Journey, Solo)
5. Geoff Tate (Queensryche)
6. Steve Balsamo (Jesus Christ Superstar, Solo, The Storys)
7. Jeff Buckley
8. Tim Buckley
9. Michael Kiske (Helloween, Solo)
10. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Solo, Audioslave)
11. Stevie Wonder
12. John Farnham (Little River Band, Solo)
13. Rob Halford (Judas Priest, Fight, Solo)
14. Roy Khan (Kamelot, Conception)
15. Mike Patton
16. Daniel Gildenlow
17. Brad Delp
18. Myles Kennedy
19. Jimmy Gnecco
20. Mark Boals
21. Todd Hall
22. Tobias Sammet
23. Matt Barlow
24. Bruce Dickinson
25. Ronnie James Dio
26. Roger Daltrey
27. Robert Plant
28. Roy Orbison
29. Al Green
30. Freddie Curci
31. Glenn Hughes
32. Lou Gramm
33. Russell Allen
34. Eric Adams
35. Dennis DeYoung
36. Axl Rose
37. Bobby Kimball
38. Arnel Pineda
39. Hansi Kursch
40. Ian Gillan
41. Cedric Bixler-Zavala
42. Jimi Jamison
43. James Labrie
44. Ted Neeley
45. Jon Bon Jovi
46. D.C. Cooper
47. Luther Vandross
48. Meat Loaf
49. Elvis Presley
50. Donny Hathaway

They are still updating the list but what say you?

[Jeremey]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

[kgdjpubs]

interesting. I think the original list is probably "closer" although it's both male/female, but at least some of the "good singers but outside of major bands" are included, which is surprising. Number of records sold have little relevance to talent level, and voting tends to make it more of a popularity contest than a pure technical debate--and gives an unfair advantage to the current crop and a disadvantage to some of the older singers. Not quite sure how to compare some of the singers also given the difference in genres (ie Perry vs Rob Halford, for example).

I still think live ability should rank VERY close to the top, as with today's technology, you can make anybody sound good in a studio. Live--if it's really live--separates the real singers from the pretenders. There are plenty of studio singers that (even in their prime) were very pitchy, etc. live. Everybody is entitled to a bad night and weather conditions (temp, humidity, air conditioning, etc) can play havoc with vocal cords, but overall, live is the best source of determining the greats.

[steveo777]

[Jana]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

When Adam Lambert is put as second, right off the bat this list is discounted by me. And I like Adam but come on . . . . . . . .

[Chubby321]

Looking at the same website and found these:
http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/

100 Greatest Alternative Songs
100 Greatest Vocal Groups Vocal Groups
100 Greatest Metal Drummers Metal Drummers
100 Greatest Rock Songs of the 2000s 2000s Songs
100 Greatest Popular Songs of the 1940s 1940s Songs
100 Greatest Popular Songs of the 1930s 1930s Songs

[Deb]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

Agreed, looks more like a popularity thing. Especially going on their Teir 1 & 2 rock vocals criteria??? Jon Bon Jovi? and no Eric Martin? Sorry, I'm a long time Bon Jovi fan, but talking strictly vocals......JBJ is no where near the same league as EM?

[kgdjpubs]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

Agreed, looks more like a popularity thing. Especially going on their Teir 1 & 2 rock vocals criteria??? Jon Bon Jovi? and no Eric Martin? Sorry, I'm a long time Bon Jovi fan, but talking strictly vocals......JBJ is no where near the same league as EM?

haha. Not that I disagree on that one. Only time I've ever been impressed with Bon Jovi's vocals was the These Days album, which were pretty good--and he went downhill fast from that point.

[JasonD]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

When Adam Lambert is put as second, right off the bat this list is discounted by me. And I like Adam but come on . . . . . . . .

You're absolutely right, Jana !!! I don't know HOW they could have made such a mistake. Here, I fixed the list for Chubby:


1. Adam Lambert
2. Jackie Wilson
3. Freddie Mercury (Queen, Solo)
4. Steve Perry (Journey, Solo)
5. Geoff Tate (Queensryche)
6. Steve Balsamo (Jesus Christ Superstar, Solo, The Storys)
7. Jeff Buckley
8. Tim Buckley
9. Michael Kiske (Helloween, Solo)
10. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Solo, Audioslave)
11. Stevie Wonder
12. John Farnham (Little River Band, Solo)
13. Rob Halford (Judas Priest, Fight, Solo)
14. Roy Khan (Kamelot, Conception)
15. Mike Patton
16. Daniel Gildenlow
17. Brad Delp
18. Myles Kennedy
19. Jimmy Gnecco
20. Mark Boals
21. Todd Hall
22. Tobias Sammet
23. Matt Barlow
24. Bruce Dickinson
25. Ronnie James Dio
26. Roger Daltrey
27. Robert Plant
28. Roy Orbison
29. Al Green
30. Freddie Curci
31. Glenn Hughes
32. Lou Gramm
33. Russell Allen
34. Eric Adams
35. Dennis DeYoung
36. Axl Rose
37. Bobby Kimball
38. Arnel Pineda
39. Hansi Kursch
40. Ian Gillan
41. Cedric Bixler-Zavala
42. Jimi Jamison
43. James Labrie
44. Ted Neeley
45. Jon Bon Jovi
46. D.C. Cooper
47. Luther Vandross
48. Meat Loaf
49. Elvis Presley
50. Donny Hathaway

[Chubby321]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

When Adam Lambert is put as second, right off the bat this list is discounted by me. And I like Adam but come on . . . . . . . .

I was surprised too that he's that high on the list.

Edit: Saw the post of Jason. ^^^^

[Deb]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

Agreed, looks more like a popularity thing. Especially going on their Teir 1 & 2 rock vocals criteria??? Jon Bon Jovi? and no Eric Martin? Sorry, I'm a long time Bon Jovi fan, but talking strictly vocals......JBJ is no where near the same league as EM?

haha. Not that I disagree on that one. Only time I've ever been impressed with Bon Jovi's vocals was the These Days album, which were pretty good--and he went downhill fast from that point.

And I agree with that. One of my faves from the These Days album....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G01K6F2-HZ0

[kgdjpubs]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

When Adam Lambert is put as second, right off the bat this list is discounted by me. And I like Adam but come on . . . . . . . .

You're absolutely right, Jana !!! I don't know HOW they could have made such a mistake. Here, I fixed the list for Chubby:


1. Adam Lambert

I think you're moving him the wrong way. The guy is good and well above the average singer, but has a LONG way to go to even deserve a mention of a best singers list--he's pretty raw still. Maybe we can revisit this in 10 years and see where his voice is at that time.

[kgdjpubs]

Agreed, looks more like a popularity thing. Especially going on their Teir 1 & 2 rock vocals criteria??? Jon Bon Jovi? and no Eric Martin? Sorry, I'm a long time Bon Jovi fan, but talking strictly vocals......JBJ is no where near the same league as EM?

haha. Not that I disagree on that one. Only time I've ever been impressed with Bon Jovi's vocals was the These Days album, which were pretty good--and he went downhill fast from that point.

And I agree with that. One of my faves from the These Days album....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G01K6F2-HZ0

He was very good vocally on that album---and did some drastic overhaul in singing style immediately after that. Probably had to do with lifestyle (smoking, getting older, etc) and the range he was singing at on the cd--and trying to pull it off live. On some of the These Days vocals, I might even use the word soulful for his singing (which is a MAJOR compliment considering his past work), but it certainly didn't last long. Still not sure how he managed the quantum leap downward by the time Crush came out. You're supposed to get better over time, at least on the technique side of things.

[etcetera]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

Yep. By the look of things, that's but a forum thread authored by a moderator...he started with a personal ranking based on the parameters he laid out, and periodically modified it as suggestions/comments he deemed sensible came in.

[SYNCH]

Agreed, looks more like a popularity thing. Especially going on their Teir 1 & 2 rock vocals criteria??? Jon Bon Jovi? and no Eric Martin? Sorry, I'm a long time Bon Jovi fan, but talking strictly vocals......JBJ is no where near the same league as EM?

haha. Not that I disagree on that one. Only time I've ever been impressed with Bon Jovi's vocals was the These Days album, which were pretty good--and he went downhill fast from that point.

And I agree with that. One of my faves from the These Days album....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G01K6F2-HZ0

He was very good vocally on that album---and did some drastic overhaul in singing style immediately after that. Probably had to do with lifestyle (smoking, getting older, etc) and the range he was singing at on the cd--and trying to pull it off live. On some of the These Days vocals, I might even use the word soulful for his singing (which is a MAJOR compliment considering his past work), but it certainly didn't last long. Still not sure how he managed the quantum leap downward by the time Crush came out. You're supposed to get better over time, at least on the technique side of things.

Fan of Bon Jovi here, These Days is one of their greatest album. And Jon being at the lower list is ridiculous. Except for cheesy songs, but he can belt up pipes on 80s till early 90s and he sounded good and it was all live. And what is quite impressive is the way they capitalize his voice even if it's going down.

Adam Lambert who? And he is better than Perry? Really? And no Eric Martin? Really? Sad.

[ScarabGator]

arnie boy pineda on that list????? What a joke!

[G.I.Jim]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

Agreed. Hell, on their original list, they put Deen ahead of Lou Gramm for crying out loud!!! I love hearing Deen sing the Journey tunes, but he's not anywhere NEAR the league of Perry and Gramm.

[Ehwmatt]

Adam lambert? Christ, other than a simulated cocksucking fest, this guy is one wardrobe malfunction or HIV diagnosis away from total obscurity

What a fucking crock. Who is Adam Lambert? The guy shouldn't be on any list besides Gayest Entertainers. How many songs does this dude have, 12?

[cinkidd]

I love lists that allow drunk and wasted people to vote.

Rich the Wasted Guy

[Michigan Girl]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

I'm totally w/you and it started with #2, I love #1 but iffy about his placement!!
Vocalists are rated on their Technical Skill based on their prime ability by the following criteria.
Tier 1: Breath support, register switching, register blending, pitch, vocal runs, consistency throughout registers, volume control, vibrato control, sustain, and diction.
Tier 2: Projection, Resonance, Endurance, Range, and Versatility(Tonal/Stylistic, Technical).
For criteria breakdowns, each criterion from either tier is worth equal points. Influence and impact have no bearing on a singer's placement.


Hey Cruz ...you're an idiot!!

[Michigan Girl]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

Agreed, looks more like a popularity thing. Especially going on their Teir 1 & 2 rock vocals criteria??? Jon Bon Jovi? and no Eric Martin? Sorry, I'm a long time Bon Jovi fan, but talking strictly vocals......JBJ is no where near the same league as EM?

Love JBJ, but you are absolutely correct ...

[JohnH]

These lists and polls are all total rubbish anyway. Like who was the best race car driver....there is no such thing. Stupid.

JH

[Rockindeano]

EVERY year, digitaldreamdoor does these stupid polls and everyone from Journeymusic runs over there and votes of course for the Journey guys. It's ridiculous.

Oh and I hate to bring it up, but one of the criteria is "diction." Sorry, but for that alone, Pineda should be long gone from this list. I love how Pineda is ahead of Elvis Presley. Yeah, real legitimate.

[slucero]

why isn't Janis Joplin on this list??

[Jeremey]

Based on the criteria set out in the moderator's original post, there is one person and one alone who should be at the top of the list.

[Ehwmatt]

EVERY year, digitaldreamdoor does these stupid polls and everyone from Journeymusic runs over there and votes of course for the Journey guys. It's ridiculous.

Oh and I hate to bring it up, but one of the criteria is "diction." Sorry, but for that alone, Pineda should be long gone from this list. I love how Pineda is ahead of Elvis Presley. Yeah, real legitimate.

LOL, not only that, but diction is supposedly one of the criteria for being in "Tier 1." Yeah, ok. First of all, even giving diction a broad reading and including phrasing and not just pronunciation in it, Arnel fails miserably. Just listen to his laughable ad-libbing on the end of live DSB. Terrible. How anyone can say diction piuts you in Tier 1 and let Arnel even get a whiff of the list is fucking beyond me and beyond the pale.

[Rip Rokken]

This list makes no sense....? Who compiled it? Looks like it's just a moderator on a forum's list based on forum poster's criteria....Sorry, don't agree with much of this list at all.

Agreed, I was confused, too. Adam Lambert is too new to make it above so many other great singers, and Axhole Rose?!? When he shows up to honor a gig at all, he's lucky to screech thru a few numbers before blowing our his voice, throwing the mic down and blaming the crowd for him stopping the show.

[brywool]

"Bon Jovi"

um, yeah...

[Don]

Internet polls are for losers. Let me drop a Vote For The Greatest Rock Vocalist link into a Jonas Bros. Forum and see how the results pan out.

[Rockindeano]

Based on the criteria set out in the moderator's original post, there is one person and one alone who should be at the top of the list.

Ok, I'll bite...I would say Elvis,Perry or Mercury. You say?