We've had different "top xx" threads already, usually about bands or songs, so I decided for something different... I've had this idea for a few days now, just couldn't get myself to do it, but here I am.
I realised that when it comes to instrumentalists, I can choose 2-3 favourite musicians in case of every instruments; there are many I like, but there's always this very small group that I absolutely worship. In case of vocalists, it's entirely different - there are many whose voice really stands out for me and is really memorable, in bands of different kinds and genres (this also means not necessarily clean singing, but my list is definitely dominated by clean singing). Even creating a top 20 proved to be one hell of a challenge, so it says something.
I'm certain some choices will be controversial (either because of the place... or presence in general), and even though most are probably known around here, there will be also some vocalists you may have never heard of before, yet I felt I absolutely must include them on the list. Some were very close, but eventually I decided I have to make a choice... And the choice was different.
I'll follow a simple pattern - I'll always mention the bands/projects where the person was a vocalist, a quote (just because I love quoting song lyrics. I'd say I know how I will choose them, but it will end up random anyway, so...
), some small photo, a bit bigger description, and usually (not always), songs which I feel are highlights vocal-wise. Note that I do not claim to be an expert in case of each and every one of them - even though I'm familiar with most work of most vocalists on the list, this is about those who really stand out for me - sometimes it means even being above some bands I appreciate much more in general.
Enough talk. Let's get to the point.
20. James Hetfield (Metallica)
How can I be lost
If I've got nowhere to go?Despite everything, I think it would be hard for someone listening to metal to not include him on a list like this. Without doubt one of the most easily recognisable voices in the history of metal, and someone who has probably set a certain set of standards for heavy and thrash metal singing as well... I have both a great sentiment for Metallica (after all, without them maybe I would still listen to Backstreet Boys
), and a great appreciation for them, like I said - despite everything. And James' voice is something a metal vocalist simply must have - power and strength, most obvious on the early albums, but he's still capable of that. On the other hand, he's also capable of very nice, clean singing (is there anyone on the planet who hasn't heard "The Unforgiven"? I thought so.), and versatility is a skill I always appreciate. Unlike some people I've talked to, I also like his vocals on
Death Magnetic (though I definitely prefer the calm approach here, especially The Unforgiven III, as you can see above) - years pass... but for him, it seems they don't pass so quickly.
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I'll add one at a time, but probably more than one a day... I'd be grateful for comments.