80s Glam/Metal Vocal Showdown #2: Michaels vs Neil

[jingle.boy]

If these two aren't the standard bearers for 'glam metal', I don't know which two are.  Style-wise, there were certainly flashier frontmen, but when you combine their flare with the popularity (notoriety?) they achieved, no others compare.  They were without a doubt way more focused on the style over the substance (unless it's substance abuse).  Form over function; sizzle over steak... pick however you want to phrase it, these guys will never be accused of dynamic range and power in their voice.  However, there was a certain quality to both that allowed them to become way more than their chops would've dictated alone.

In the "who banged Pamela Anderson" category, Bret gets the edge for immortalizing it on tape forever (because, I'm sure Tommy didn't keep Pam all to himself).

I'll also give the vocal preference to Michaels.  Sorry Vince, but Bret has got way more emotion, and diversity.  Native Tongue wow'd the fuck out of me - soul and emotion just ooze from Bret on that album.

[Unlegit]

Vince Neil, definitely. Also, just noticed this, but both of their last names could also be first names.

[TAC]

Fuck Poison, seriously.


Vince Neil easily.

[jammindude]

I freakin hate Vince Neil.   At least Poison was ALWAYS a glam metal band.   MC was...well...whatever was trending at that moment.    "We're an evil leather and spikes band....NO...NOW we're a pastel spandex and girly makeup band....NO....NOW we're a denim biker band!"

Seriously....screw MC.   

[The King in Crimson]

Fuck Poison, seriously.


Vince Neil easily.

This.

[wolfking]

Neither.

[Mindflux]

Neither.

Dude's got it right.

[Sir GuitarCozmo]

Michaels, no question. Banged Pam Anderson before it became fashionable and was, from what I gather, more consistent live. Plus I like his voice better.

[jingle.boy]

Neither.

Dude's got it right.

Both of ya can bite my left one.  And just to get Kade raging, I'd take either over Blaze.

[Big Hath]

Neither.

Dude's got it right.

Both of ya can bite my left one.  And just to get Kade raging, I'd take either over Blaze.

 

[jammindude]

Neither.

Dude's got it right.

**I'M** Dude!   

[wolfking]

Neither.

Dude's got it right.

Both of ya can bite my left one.  And just to get Kade raging, I'd take either over Blaze.

[jjrock88]

Vince

[BlobVanDam]

Michaels, no question. Banged Pam Anderson before it became fashionable and was, from what I gather, more consistent live. Plus I like his voice better.

While Cozmo raises some excellent points, I'm going with Vince Neil.
I think both of them were pretty bad for hair metal singers, although Vince Neil at least had range and occasional grit. Michaels was always a pretty average singer in terms of range (and poor compared to other hair metal singers of the time), and whenever he tried to do higher notes or screams, it was piss weak.

I actually saw Bret Michaels open for Poison a couple of years ago, and both did a surprisingly solid job though. Michaels probably more so than Neil just because he set the bar so low to begin with. Vince Neil has shocking phrasing these days.

[nobloodyname]

Always Bret for me. He conveys a surprising amount of emotion and soul in his voice.

[Lowdz]

Michaels was the better singer. Vince Neil has always been awful live.

And you're all a bunch of prog and metal snobs 

[Dark Castle]

Michael, better singer, and while he may be an idiot, at least didn't kill somebody in a drunk driving accident and then go on to get more DUI's, saying that prison time was unfair.
Fuck Vince Neil. The rest of Motley Crue are pretty alright, hell they're all pretty cool except for Vince Neil.

[Lolzeez]

Neither.

Dude's got it right.

[bosk1]

Neither are all that great, IMO.  Plenty of other great ones in the genre, so I can't wait for the next round.  But having to pick one:

Bret has got way more emotion, and diversity.

I agree with this.