Top 10 Greatest Vocal Performances of All Time
These are vocal performances that show off the singer's true talent, range, and ability, including vocals that go beyond the limit and are truly unforgettable.
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Nessun Dorma - Jackie Evancho
I've heard this song sung by many, and the variety is immense, from Deanna Durbin (honest) to Pavarotti to Paul Potts. You can't rule out any of the elements of performance in order to determine the "best" vocal performance. The overall effect is the determining factor.
Jackie Evancho's version is completely overwhelming, especially on video of the PBS Special, Dream With Me. That combination of little girl, big stage, and full orchestra is powerful. But then the mastery of her voice quality, breath control, and dramatic presentation are the most amazing elements you will ever experience in your life!
The greatest vocal performance of all time is always the next performance by Jackie Evancho. She strolls out on stage, opens her mouth, and this incredible sound comes out. You are riveted to her for the next two hours, wanting her to never stop.
I've seen many great acts where they have lots of loud music, great voices, colorful flashing lights, dancing routines, smoke, even explosions. With Jackie, it's just her and her voice and some musical accompaniment. The truth is, she could sing a cappella for two hours with no music and hold the audience spellbound.
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Bohemian Rhapsody - Freddie Mercury
In any best vocalist/singer/vocal performance list, the first two spots HAVE to go to Freddie and Rod (who's too good for you all, I see). Then, there are a number of other vocal performances that are absolutely amazing (just not as amazing as the two I've already mentioned).
This is simple. It's not the song. It's his voice that needs credit. He was just a unique talent.
Dude, the things Freddie does with his voice in this song are amazing!
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A Day In the Life - John Lennon
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The Show Must Go On - Freddie Mercury
This song has such a strong and personal message that Brian May wrote for Freddie. It was one of the last songs he ever sang, and he couldn't even stand on his own when they recorded it. It is his best vocal performance and a powerful song that will give you goosebumps. Easily my favorite by Queen, they saved the best for last with this one!
Bohemian Rhapsody is amazing, but I go more for this one as an example of Freddie himself. Bohemian Rhapsody is incredible both for his performance as well as the incredible high harmonies by Roger Taylor. This is all about Freddie, arguably at the peak of his power, despite having AIDS. The fact that he could sing this at all despite having AIDS is miraculous enough to put this at number one, in my opinion.
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Bridge Over Troubled Water - Art Garfunkel
Unbelievably beautiful performance by Art Garfunkel. His finest recording moment without a doubt. Is there anything better?
There are stronger singers out there (Freddie), but there is no other performance that breaks your heart like this one.
This performance by Art Garfunkel is timeless and beautiful. It deserves to be at the top of this list.
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Twist and Shout - John Lennon
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Child in Time - Ian Gillan
Not as wonderful as Freddie Mercury's in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "The Show Must Go On," but definitely top 3! I mean, it's wondrous!
Well, this recording should be tagged "don't try this at home." It may harm your vocal cords!
Phenomenal performance! Twice I've seen him do it live.
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Yesterday - Paul McCartney
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Oh! Darling - Paul McCartney
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Rainbow In The Dark - Ronnie James Dio
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My Immortal - Amy Lee
Amy Lee is THE top rock vocalist today, bar none. I just wish she'd record more.
One of the most beautiful voices. Amy Lee is perfect.
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Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush
Many of these artists would place Kate Bush at #1. That says it all.
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Painkiller - Rob Halford
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Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney
Honestly, this should be above John Lennon's songs. A Day in the Life is an incredibly written song, but when it comes to actual vocal performance, this song is raw emotion.
Just listen to it. It should be in the top ten, no question about it.
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Dream On - Steven Tyler
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(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin
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My Last Sunrise - Hansi Kürsch
Chills guaranteed right here. If you are not familiar with this song, don't miss the chance - I'm sure it would be a great addition to your collection of great vocal performances. This is the most passionate vocal performance I've ever heard. Hansi's voice is breathtaking - a unique combination of the most angelic and most demonic voice you've ever heard. This is an incredibly powerful but also emotive, expressive, and divine tone.
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Wish You Were Here - David Gilmour
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Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
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Without You - Harry Nilsson
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Time - David Gilmour and Richard Wright
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I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
Flawless vocal. It's shocking it's so low, let alone not even the highest-ranking Whitney Houston song. It's the greatest vocal recording of all time.
Come on, it's way better than Greatest Love of All. Perfectly arranged, sung, and felt! In terms of female pop, none better.
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Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
The greatest of all time. Number 31? How insulting is this? Elvis, the King, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This lot above him? Get it right!
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Caravan - Van Morrison
This is true artistry - beyond any of the others!
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Shine On You Crazy Diamond - Roger Waters
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Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
Such vocal strengths should not have ever departed from this world.
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Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
