James LaBrie vs. Geddy Lee

[7thHanyou]

Yeah, I know there've been a lot of JLB vs. threads, but this one seems valid.  Both vocalists are key to their bands' sound, both are pretty often criticized, and Rush was a huge influence on Dream Theater.

I almost can't make up my mind--my opinion could differ on any given day.  Taking both at their best (Images and Words vs. A Farewell to Kings, in my opinion), I'd have to go with Geddy by a slim margin.  Also, considering how diverse Rush's discography is, I think Lee's shown he can fit perfectly into a number of styles.  I prefer their hard rock sound, though, and definitely think Lee was at his best in the late 70's.

[In The Name Of Rudess]

JLB. I can't stand Geddy Lee's style.

[7thHanyou]

JLB. I can't stand Geddy Lee's style.

Haha, I know a lot of people in the music community agree, but I've always wondered how people who listen to metal see his vocals.  This might just be a landslide for JLB.

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

Geddy is terrible. JLB.

[wkiml]

can we just get one JLB vs the world thread...rather than individual threads for each singer

[Bertielee]

can we just get one JLB vs the world thread...rather than individual threads for each singer

Agreed. A landslide JLB for me.

B.Lee

[Lowdz]

JLB is the better singer. I like Geddy's voice and it suited the band. I do have an issue with the melodies on the last few albums (post Counterparts) as they appear as though Geddy just makes them up on the first read through of the lyrics. they don't feel part of the song to me, but sound like an afterthought. bland verses, bland choruses. Some good music but after listening to the last few albus the melodies just don't stand out. Nothing memorable.

[rumborak]

I always thought it is a sign of Rush's greatness that they got famous despite Geddy's voice.

rumborak

[jsem]

I always thought it is a sign of Rush's greatness that they got famous despite Geddy's voice.

rumborak

You're correct.

[Mebert78]

I think the next logical step is JLB vs. JLB, in which we compare different singing and fashion styles of JLB's career. 

[PlaysLikeMyung]

Geddy is terrible. JLB.

WHAT

[rumborak]

Later Geddy is ok. Early Geddy, not so good.

rumborak

[wolfking]

These threads are getting tiresome.

[yeshaberto]

i've grown to love geddy's voice so that I couldn't imagine their music without it, but it isn't a sound I naturally prefer.
JLB to the max

[DarkEternalNight]

Geddy is actually my favorite singer so Geddy.

[Dublagent66]

As much as James rocks, I've gotta go with Geddy.  He's the man and has a level of musicianship that is difficult to equal.  On the other hand, I think Geddy and James are equal in regards to being the signature voice of their respective bands, but Geddy has the edge overall.

Geddy is terrible. JLB.

WHAT

[PlaysLikeMyung]

Later Geddy is ok. Early Geddy, not so good.

rumborak

OOH THERE'S NO BREAD, LET THEM EAT CAKE! THERE'S NO END TO WHAT THEY'LL TAKE!

You don't like Banshee Geddy? I Banshee Geddy

[KevShmev]

Geddy is the textbook example that you don't have to have a naturally great voice or perfect technique to be both a good and memorable rock singer.  Having said that, I totally get why a lot of people don't like his voice.

Oddly, a lot of people seem to not like JLB's voice either, which kind of surprises me, but I guess too many think his voice is too 80s hair metal or something.

Oh well, I am a big fan of both of them as singers, so it's all good from where I am standing.

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

Geddy is terrible. JLB.

Hmm I came off kinda harsh here. I'll say now is he's a decent singer, but he has NO variation. He puts me to sleep.

[j]

I love Rush, but Geddy Lee's voice is tough to defend.  I don't like it to this day, even though when I was first getting into Rush everybody was like "you're just a Rush n00b, you'll learn to appreciate it".

LaBrie's voice didn't take long to grow on me, and now I really like it for the most part.  But I can definitely sympathize with some of the criticisms.

-J

[7thHanyou]

Geddy is the textbook example that you don't have to have a naturally great voice or perfect technique to be both a good and memorable rock singer.  Having said that, I totally get why a lot of people don't like his voice.

Oddly, a lot of people seem to not like JLB's voice either, which kind of surprises me, but I guess too many think his voice is too 80s hair metal or something.

Oh well, I am a big fan of both of them as singers, so it's all good from where I am standing.

I think it's the WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILIIIIIIIIIING that throws people off with JLB.  At least, that's the impression my girlfriend gave me, because she seems to dislike JLB.

As for Lee, I have absolutely never had any problem with his voice at all.  The first Rush song I heard was 2112, and I thought his voice was awesome.

[TempusVox]

  at this thread.

[PlaysLikeMyung]

I think Temp voted Geddy Lee. Just a hunch though

[ReaPsTA]

LaBrie is the better technical singer in pretty much every way.  No debate to be had here.

But Geddy Lee's voice is much more iconic.  I know Rumborak said Rush succeeded in spite of his vocals, but are we really sure about that?  I can't imagine Rush's vocals and lyrics delivered by any other person.  He adds a special energy and spirit to the wordiness of Peart's writing.  He has an exuberance to match the music.  Who else could really be the vocalist of Rush?  I don't want to imagine it.

[7thHanyou]

LaBrie is the better technical singer in pretty much every way.  No debate to be had here.

But Geddy Lee's voice is much more iconic.  I know Rumborak said Rush succeeded in spite of his vocals, but are we really sure about that?  I can't imagine Rush's vocals and lyrics delivered by any other person.  He adds a special energy and spirit to the wordiness of Peart's writing.  He has an exuberance to match the music.  Who else could really be the vocalist of Rush?  I don't want to imagine it.

I should point out that I didn't ask which was "better."  The question could be: which is your favorite?  Which is technically better?  Which is more effective? Etc.

I just went for which I preferred, and that's Lee.  I agree with you.  I can't imagine Rush's music being written with another vocalist in mind.

[Dublagent66]

LaBrie is the better technical singer in pretty much every way.  No debate to be had here.

But Geddy Lee's voice is much more iconic.  I know Rumborak said Rush succeeded in spite of his vocals, but are we really sure about that?  I can't imagine Rush's vocals and lyrics delivered by any other person.  He adds a special energy and spirit to the wordiness of Peart's writing.  He has an exuberance to match the music.  Who else could really be the vocalist of Rush?  I don't want to imagine it.

Good point Reap.  When I first heard Moving Pictures, I said that's a signature voice.  No other voice could say Rush like Geddy Lee's.

[rumborak]

Moving Pictures I already consider "later Geddy". Listening to 2112 the first time I had to continue listening *despite* the vocals.

rumborak

[tri.ad]

James LaBrie is the better singer. But Geddy is awesome as well (not so much as a singer, though; however, he has stepped up a lot since their debut).

[LTE3]

Early Geddy vs Early James = Geddy
Today Geddy vs today James = James
true vocal ability as in what a vocal coach would say = James

[Dream Team]

at this thread.