Top 10 Most Unique Singing Voices
When it comes to music, there's something truly magical about a singer with a distinct and unmistakable voice. It's that special quality that sets them apart from the rest, making their songs instantly recognizable and unforgettable. These are the singers who have a trademark sound that is entirely their own.Now, when we say unique singing voice, we don't mean just the best singers or the ones with the widest vocal range. We're talking about the ones who have a certain quality to their voice that sets them apart from the crowd. The ones who, even if you've never heard the song before, you instantly recognize it as theirs.
So, let's make one thing clear: this is not a list of the best singers. Instead, this is a list of the people with the most unique singing voices. It's not about how much you like their songs, how well they sing, their octave range, or whether or not you think they're attractive. It's all about that one-of-a-kind sound that they bring to the table.
Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara, 5th September 1946 - 24th November 1991) was a Zanzibari-born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter and record producer, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the British rock band Queen. He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave... read more Hmm, show me someone who can sing Another One Bites the Dust so perfectly. No? What about We Will Rock You? No? Then give me a dying rockstar and ask them to sing The Show Must Go On as touchingly and amazingly as Freddie did. No again? End of the case. Whether his voice is theatrical, powerful, or hauntingly beautiful, there will never be anyone who can replicate it. If you disagree, you're lost. Mercury: 1946 - Infinity. Long live the Queen.
Most unique voice is something Freddie Mercury definitely deserves to win. Nobody could sing like Mercury because he is just that different. If anybody could find a singer that could come even close to singing the song "The Show Must Go On," I will pay them $100. It's simply that impossible to pull off unless you are Freddie Mercury.
Michael Jackson (Michael Joseph Jackson, August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled as homicide. Michael is widely regarded as one of the most significant... read more The voice having not only an impossible range but also some style from the falsetto "hee hee," the modification of "come on" to "shamone," and the screams that get you off your seat... ughh, no point in asking even, he is the best. However, I couldn't deny the fact that it brought me to a very long laughing state when I saw a Mongol name at the top. I don't even know that guy.
Michael Jackson, no need for comparison. He has the purest, most consoling yet so high and strong voice. He has the undeniable signature. Whenever you hear his voice, even if he is in disguise, you'll recognize him.
Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American trumpeter, composer and singer who was one of the most influential figures in jazz. I feel like a lot of people are voting for their favorite singing voices instead of the most unique ones. Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury are amazing singers, but in terms of vocal uniqueness, they can't hold a candle to Louis.
Louis Armstrong has the most unique voice of all time, hands down. Others may have great voices too, but no one's as unique and special as his. He truly is a legend.
He has such a beautiful voice, and you can't compare it to anything. Along with him playing the trumpet, he's one of my favorite musicians of all time.
Björk Guðmundsdóttir, (born 21 November 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer and actress. Over her four-decade career, she has developed an eclectic musical style that draws on influences and genres including electronic, pop, jazz, experimental, trip hop, alternative,... read more Start with a naturally beautiful and crazily athletic voice, pair it with a crazily intelligent and creative noggin, then set it free to roam the enchanted forests of Scandinavia, plastic-packed dollar store wonderlands of New York or London, and grimy crevices of East German alleys... and then have a party, fall in love, wake up bright-eyed and clear, feel sad and ecstatic, be grounded and floating all at the same time.
Her voice is a giant kaleidoscope exploding in a little girl's infinite dreams. Not the greatest vocalist... but certainly among the most unique and powerfully groundbreaking.
John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 - 8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in... read more Acidic, nasal, rough, and outstanding voice. Not words that can typically go together, but it's a great description of John Lennon. "Yer Blues" off the White Album is a perfect example, including "Twist and Shout" off of "Please Please Me". After recording "Twist and Shout," John Lennon couldn't speak and also said afterward that every time he swallowed, it "felt like sandpaper." Truly a unique voice.
This isn't a list of best singers. This is a list of most unique voices. Therefore, most of the comments here are useless. This voice is so iconic. Who else could you consider singing Strawberry Fields Forever? This man has a one-of-a-kind voice. And though he doesn't have as large a vocal range as Paul, his voice is definitely the most unique out there (except for maybe Freddie Mercury, another unique singer).
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and artist who has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Unique for sure. He's always been primarily an extraordinarily talented songwriter rather than a singer.
No way he's more unique, if that's the only criterion here, than David Bowie. Ranked higher than Dylan? Yes, but should be top 5 if not 1.
I knew this list needed help when I didn't see Liz Fraser of Cocteau Twins. But seriously... where's Steve Perry? Beyond talented, I'd recognize his voice laughing backwards. Ah, we all have our observations... and Roy Orbison?
People don't understand this guy's range. People say Mick Jagger's talking, not singing, voice is better than Dylan's beautiful voice. Listen to Like a Rolling Stone, Lay Lady Lay, and Just Like a Woman in a row. This guy is third to Lennon and McCartney when it comes to singing.
Chester Charles Bennington (March 20th, 1976 - July 20th, 2017) was an American musician, singer, songwriter and actor, best known for being the lead singer of Linkin Park. Before he was known for Linkin Park, Bennington was the lead singer of post-grunge act Grey Daze who was heavily inspired by Stone... read more Chester definitely has a unique voice unlike any other artist. I'd definitely be able to recognize Chester's voice without truly knowing if I'm listening to one of his songs. His soft voice is something you don't hear many artists pull off with such emotion and beauty, and when he gets gritty and dirty, his screams totally come off unique as hell. It's as if he's screaming but singing at the same time, like two different voices at once.
This list isn't about how good your voice is, but how unique it is. Chester does both. He definitely deserves to be within the top ten at least.
William Bruce Rose Jr., better known as 'Axl Rose', is an American singer born on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana. He Is the founder and lead singer of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He is a celebrated but controversial figure in the world of rock. Axl Rose has an awesome voice. It is literally impossible to mistake his voice for anyone else's. His voice is so hardcore and meaningful, it actually makes you want to listen to his songs, whether you like rock music or not.
By the way, why is Rihanna number 27 on this list? Why is she even on this list? It is about the most unique voice, not whose voice could mentally corrupt your brain the fastest. If it were about that, she would be right underneath Justin Bieber.
I had to vote for Freddie, but Axl Rose should be at least in the top 10, if not top 5. Guns 'N Roses is my favorite band (mostly because of Slash), and Axl's voice stands out so much from other singers. It's not a traditionally beautiful voice, but it's energetic, unique, confusingly sexy, and addicting to listen to. Coincidentally, I'm just listening to "Pretty Tied Up" for the 10th time in a row already because I can't stop listening to him when I start.
Janis Joplin (1943-1970) was an American singer who rose to fame as the main singer of acid band Big Brother and the Holding Company. She was known for her eccentric hippie style and psychedelic rock music. Two ladies in the top ten, and they are Amy Lee and Adele? Nothing against those two, but artists like Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Karen Carpenter, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney, and Tina Turner have voices that are far more instantly recognizable.
One of the most unique female vocalists to ever live, I've never heard anyone who could imitate the voice of Janis Joplin. She was able to sing as clear as a bell at just a whisper, yet belt it out like thunder. She left us way too soon. Epic.
Her voice is actually unique, unlike half of this pathetic popularity contest. Seriously, people, what's with all the generic, fake pop artists?
Kurt Cobain was born February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington. In 1987, he started the grunge band Nirvana, which became one of the most successful bands ever. He was a talented yet troubled grunge performer. Kurt Cobain became a rock legend in the 1990s with his band. He committed suicide at his... read more Kurt Cobain was a genius. His music, lyrics, passion, and style are the definition of unique. There will never be another artist like him with so much raw talent and enough humor and charisma to draw you in. Once you were in, you realized it was great and his music could not be denied.
His ailments, mixed with his self-reality of disliking fame and being constantly afraid of compromising his musical values and becoming a sellout, add a selfish, junkie, gold digger, combative narcissist to prey on you and your weaknesses like a lion preys on the weak in nature and call her wifey. His own dark drug dependence... He was too good for this world. I believe God took him before he was swallowed whole by the evil of Courtney and others who took advantage. He would have gone insane trying to live with her in life. God bless Frances Bean. He loved his daughter.
The Newcomers
I agree with MayraPerez's comment. Although not particularly well-known when he was a singer back in the '90s, Jeff showcases superb raw talent in all areas - singing, musicianship, composition, and production.
Perhaps he should think about using his considerable skills to find an original, unique sound. But even just talking about it, his voice is fun, pleasurable, and slick music to listen to. Lots of clever little bits, neat modulations, and interesting choices of high notes show loads of talent here.
Stick at it! I'm sure Jeff Stinco has something to offer the world of music with his voice and guitar skills.
Water Handblast (born Ardy Robert Andrews) better known by his name Submarine Man, is an American rapper known for his songs that heavily feature lyrics about foot fetishes as well as heavily autotuned vocals. What voice? All I hear is a robot.
Amy Lynn Hartzler, known professionally as Amy Lee, is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist and composer. She is also the lead singer to the Arkansas band Evanescence. Keep in mind that "unique" doesn't necessarily mean "good." I'm seeing a lot of people forming opinions about whether these individuals can sing or not. This list focuses on instantly recognizing someone's voice because it is distinctly different from everyone else's. You don't have to pause and think, "Hmm... who is this? It sounds familiar."
That's where Amy Lee shines. Her gorgeous voice is truly hers and cannot be mistaken. It is a fact that her voice is unique. Whether or not you like her voice is a matter of personal opinion.
Han Geng definitely has the most unique singing voice. He went from singing Earth Song to Dancing Machine. He puts so much emotion into his music, which also makes his voice unique and special.
Han Geng may not have perfect singing skills, but his expression towards songs is precise and touching, always attracting me into the songs' emotions.
Hangeng is one of the most perfect dancers in the world. His voice is very gentle and unique. His styles of song are changeable and improving by leaps and bounds! Fight!
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (born 5 May 1988) is an English singer and songwriter. Graduating from the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in 2006, Adele was given a recording contract by XL Recordings after a friend posted her demo on Myspace the same year. She is best known with her international... read more It's one thing to have a great strong voice and another to have a great, unique voice. Many recorded singers have great strong voices, but in my opinion, Adele is one of only a handful that have both a unique voice as well as a strong voice. I can think of two other singers that have very unique voices: Sam Cooke and Julia Carpenter. I can't understand why they're not on this list.
As much as I like both singers, it is a bit appalling to see Adele below Avril Lavigne on the list. There is a huge difference between the most unique and your favorite singers. Many girls can sing like Avril Lavigne, but who in the world can sing like Adele?
Robert Anthony Plant (born 20 August 1948) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Robert Plant is the definition of unique. He sings in such a different style compared to everyone else. He sings up at the very top of his vocal range and with insane sustain ability, as shown in The Immigrant Song. He even sounds unique when doing a more generic style, like in the beginning of Stairway (in which post-solo he sings in his normal style), partially because he uses unique techniques like natural modulation from getting closer and further from the microphone. This makes it so that he always sounds different no matter what he is singing.
Layne Thomas Staley was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co-songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains, which he founded with guitarist Jerry Cantrell in Seattle, Washington in 1987. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s... read more Layne Staley is, by far, the most unique, emotional, and amazing voice I have ever heard. Every word this guy sings, the listener can feel the emotion he had and the pain he went through. With his struggles, he was so broken and yet had such a strong voice!
He could sing really low and then sing really high as well, making him one of the best vocalists in terms of range. Every time he picked up a microphone, you knew it was him singing. He was very underrated and overlooked, and deserves to be at least in the top 3 on this list!
Serj Tankian (Armenian: Սերժ Թանգյան. Born August 21, 1967) is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet, and political activist. He is best known for being the lead singer of the Armenian-American rock band System of a Down... read more I apologize to everyone else on this list, but I have to vote for Serj Tankian. He has an amazingly unique voice, and I know for a fact that anyone who has ever listened to his voice, then heard it again later in an entirely unfamiliar song, would instantly recognize that it was him singing.
I had only ever heard him sing in System of a Down, but I was listening to Pandora a while back, and I heard his voice. I was shocked because I know every System of a Down song, and this was none of them! I checked the song title and artist name just to be sure, and sure enough, it was Serj!
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined... read more The most recognizable voice in the world, absolutely unique. An amazing singer became the top of the world without videos, digital enhancement, and not a computer in sight. Made it on his own merit. A wonderfully kind man who helped so many people but was used and abused by people around him, in particular his greedy compulsive gambler manager, Parker, an illegal Dutch immigrant. Dosed Elvis up with literally thousands of prescription drugs to keep him awake and to put him to sleep. Exploited him so he could make money for the casinos. Elvis died in the prime of his life from a heart attack. God bless him, the biggest star ever and a beautiful human being.
Gary Lee Weinrib, known professionally as Geddy Lee, is a Canadian musician, singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the Canadian rock group Rush. Like it or not, definitely the most unique voice. He is one of the few singers whose voice is unmistakable, along with Cobain and a couple of others. I honestly can say I find his voice a bit annoying, but I respect his and Rush's refusal to commercialize. No Pepsi products, no Apple promotion, just high-quality musicians and lyrical genius.
No matter how many comparisons the man's voice has had to unpleasant things over the years, you cannot deny the unique sonic quality and technical prowess he possesses. Personally, I never found Geddy's voice annoying. Here he is, almost 40 (!) years later, and he still sounds good. Even someone like Sting, who's also been around almost 40 years, has ruined his voice. Geddy is #1.
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948. He is also known as ''The Prince of Darkness''. Ozzy is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the band Black Sabbath. Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath... read more I'm sorry, but even if you only recognize maybe one or two songs featuring Ozzy, it is instantly recognizable as him. Paranoid, War Pigs, Crazy Train, No More Tears, et cetera, there's no mistaking any other singer for him. That's why I always considered Black Sabbath not really complete without him. He was a major part of their sound. Truly unique, even if he isn't perfect overall.
Surely, this singer was great as both the lead singer of Black Sabbath and a solo singer. It is really easy to recognize his middle-toned voice, and it is hard not to. As far as uniqueness goes, though... wow.
Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey is a Welsh singer whose career began in the mid-1950s, best known both for her powerful voice and for recording the theme songs to the James Bond films Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker. Amongst a sea full of pop sopranos who dance their way through a number, Shirley Bassey stands out as a combo alto/mezzo-pitched vocalist with powerful belting capabilities who can simply walk up to a microphone and sing! Those in the audience are mesmerized as Bassey's body, arm, and hand movements are at one with her tremendous vocal ability, and it brings each performance to another level. She is a very unique performer!
Ranked 43? Are you kidding me? She at least deserves a spot in the top 20. The deep voice and thick vibrato this woman has are like no other. The only distant comparison to Shirley is Amy Winehouse, and I stress, DISTANT comparison. If you hear Shirley once, her voice will forever be ingrained in your mind. It's literally unforgettable.
Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She influenced a lot of singers such as: Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles and Britney Spears. She is known as Queen of Pop and at modern pop culture specifically... read more This is ranking the most unique voices, not just the ones you like. Madonna is one of a kind. She has a unique tone and has sculpted her voice to be distinctive via clear diction and emotive interpretations of lyrics. Nobody sounds the same as Madonna. There are lots of technically good singers like Mariah, Whitney, and Leona, but their voices don't stand out at all.
I'm very nonplussed at why so many think this angel-voiced lady can't sing. She hits the low notes perfectly. That's what makes her voice beautiful and unusual.
Jonathan Howsmon Davis (born January 18, 1971), also known as JD and JDevil, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and frontman of the nu metal band Korn, which is considered a pioneering act of the nu metal genre... read more For years, I have loved Anthony Kiedis more than any other singer in the world. Next, it was Zack de la Rocha. Then, it went to Maynard James Keenan. It has finally come down to Serj Tankian and Jonathan Davis. Anthony and Serj definitely have unique voices, whereas Zack's and Maynard's, although still very talented, aren't as unique to fit the bill.
Serj's voice has this beauty to it. Jonathan's voice has the same beauty element. However, it also possesses much more. I feel his voice can match almost anyone else's in history. His voice on the lesser-known tracks had this melodic essence that set it apart and made it glorious. Then, there are the tracks where he screams and growls. There have been other screamers, there have been other growlers, but none, EVER, have had the complexity and texture of Jonathan's. Twist? No one matches it. The breakdown in "Freak On A Leash"? Few can match it. And so far, no one has incorporated his screaming style into their own music. The continuous "mainstream" scream can be found all the way from Metallica/Slayer to Slipknot/Disturbed. KoRn is set apart. Jonathan is set apart. His voice amazes me more and more each day.
Ann Dustin Wilson (born June 19, 1950) is an American musician, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the hard rock band Heart. Ann is in the Rock Hall of Fame with Heart, and is listed as one of the best metal singers of all time by Hit Parader. She is widely viewed as one of, if not the... read more The moment you heard this unique voice, you knew it was Heart! Robert Plant is next, and I agree, but he should be higher. I'm going to be so mad if Steve Perry or Dennis DeYoung aren't on this list...
Seriously, she's below Bjork? Who made this list?
There's no voice that sounds like hers.
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie (January 8, 1947 - January 10, 2016) was an English singer born in London, the son of a fundraiser and a waitress. He is credited for his experimental and creative musical discography which has won praise and accolades for many critics and fans... read more There are a lot of people who are voting on this list without any idea of what they are voting for. The list is for "most unique singing voice," not "greatest singer ever" or "my personal favorite singer." The singer with the most unique voice is definitely David Bowie.
To possess a unique voice, one must have a voice that cannot be compared to another singer's. A voice that is unmistakable. This description perfectly suits David Bowie. I have never heard anyone sing and sound like David Bowie. Do I think David Bowie is the greatest singer ever? No, but he is certainly in the top 10. Does he have the most unique voice ever? Absolutely, yes.
William Patrick "Billy" Corgan Jr. is an American musician, songwriter, producer, television writer, poet, and professional wrestling promoter best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and sole permanent member of The Smashing Pumpkins. This list seems more based on skill because his voice is very unique, kind of like a cross between the weird, near comic voice of Weird Al and the almost whiny voice of Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory.
Sorry, there is no doubt that this guy deserves votes for this contest. He has one of the most unique voices, whether you like the way he sounds or not.
So unique and not to everyone's taste, but carries an impact whether loud or quiet. Amazing.