Rolling Stone recently ran a ‘Top 100 Singers Of All Time’ poll, and although we agree with many of their choices, we’ve compiled an alternative list of impeccable crooners – ones with their own distinct style, otherworldly tones and character that seeps into every note they belch.
Some of our choices did make the Rolling Stone list (Björk, for example); however, most didn’t. So, in no particular order, here goes:
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10) Robert Smith, The Cure
Whilst not only influencing almost every band that have picked up a guitar since, Robert Smith’s vocal style has been cribbed by everyone from Hot Hot Heat’s Steve Bays to Interpol’s Paul Banks. Luckily the kohl-eyed goth-chic image didn’t catch on quite as well.
9) Edwyn Collins
From his days fronting Orange Juice (lending a fey vocal edge to their post-punk art pop), to the elder statesman that went on to pen ‘A Girl Like You’, Collins not only has a voice that could probably rival Mozza’s in the uniqueness stakes, but he also produced The Cribs’ ‘New Fellas’ and overcame a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. Legend.
8) Beth Gibbons, Portishead
Gracing each Portishead record with some of the most surreal vocal tones we’ve ever heard, Beth Gibbons’ sky-pitched, otherworldly croon sounds like a wounded opera singer. In a very good way. She defines much of Portishead’s sound and always will.
7) Jonathan Richman
Despised by bong-addled hippies scared of electric guitars and pop songs, Richman’s hilarious way with words (“Pablo Picasso / Was never called an asshole / not like you…”) and low-slung delivery with The Modern Lovern Lovers not only paved the way for ‘Is This It’, but proved him to be a truly unique frontman, years ahead of his time.
6) Björk
You get the sense Björk would be pushing boundaries even if she had decided to graft a McJob her entire life. From her recent – suitably bonkers – collaboration with Thom Yorke to her penchant for wearing swans, Björk is a true individual icon. Then there’s the voice: a gorgeous, icy soprano that coats every record in brain-bending beauty.
5) Antony Hegarty
Sussex-born singer Hegarty’s voice had such an impact on those who stumbled across its unexpected, asexual oddness that his And The Johnsons’ ‘I Am A Bird Now’ LP managed to scoop the coveted Mercury Prize and the Mojo album of the year. Part soul-diva, part child-like CocoRosie, Hegarty’s unique character is reflected in his larger-than-life delivery.
4) Kate Bush
Again, not someone with the most conventional set of lungs, but it’s this – coupled with her dreamlike hush and super-kooky style – that makes Kate Bush erm… Kate Bush. As ‘Wuthering Heights’ proved, her voice sounds like an undiscovered flute instrument.
3) Morrissey
Indie’s most famous bedroom dreamer, Stephen Patrick Morrissey not only manages to court controversy like a Red Top’s wet dream, but was also responsible for some of the most emotive (and hilarious) lyrics around (see ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’). Couple Mozza’s incomparable voice with Marr’s genius licks, and history was born.
2) Louis Armstrong
Surprisingly, New Orleans’ finest jazz musician didn’t make the cut. Louis’ ragtime cornet playing was immense enough, but when he opens up all cylinders on ‘What A Wonderful World’ to expose the gravelly genius that makes the record, its clear Armstrong was one of a kind. Shame on you, Rolling Stone.
1) Ella Fitzgerald
Another surprising (glaring?) omission, Lady Ella’s vocals famously spanned three octaves, but it’s the youthful tint and sheer emotional delivery that set Fitzgerald out from her peers. Her turbulent life shines through on everything she recorded, a personal, haunting and rich voice whose omission from the list seems criminal.
