Top 10 Singers with a Vocal Range Between 4 and 5 Octaves
This list includes vocal ranges from 4 octaves and a half note to 4 octaves and 7 and a half notes.It was inspired by the TopTens user zxm and his lists, "Best Singers with a 4 Octave Vocal Range" and "Best Singers with a Five Octave Vocal Range."
This list covers singers with vocal ranges between 4 and 5 octaves - more than 4 octaves but less than 5. I felt the need to create this list because many great singers fall into this category.
Even though range isn't everything, a wide range is always impressive, especially when the singer also has excellent vocal skills.
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer and songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest and famed for his powerful wide ranging operatic voice. Not even a contest!
He is the master. His voice is heavy metal! His screams are otherworldly, and his voice grabs me and takes me there.
Victim of Changes is a masterpiece! This is why so many were influenced by him, including Phil Anselmo.
My favorite since I was 16. I'm 56 now, and I always have Halford at the ready. Priest's evolution and the way they changed their sound throughout their career always had me wondering what the next album would be like. However, it's Halford's voice that really hooked me, like a talon from a metal eagle that... never mind.
Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is one of the biggest best-selling women in the music industry, with 18 number 1 records to her name. She is regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and music videos, and she is "well known" for her over-the-top... read more No female in recording has a greater octave range and more vocal muscle than Mariah Carey. There have been lots of great female voices over the decades, but nobody can match Mariah. It's just the way it is.
4 octaves, 6-1/2 notes (almost 5 octaves, from G#2 to G7).
Kim Bendix Petersen, better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Danish heavy metal musician. He is known for his extensive vocal range, usually sung in falsetto. King Diamond was originally known as the vocalist for Mercyful Fate, but has become notorious for his horror themed Concept albums... read more 4 octaves, 2 notes (A1 to C6).
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 I didn't know vocal range mattered in rock music. However, I vote for the one and only Freddie Mercury, the most creative songwriter and absolutely unparalleled showman to ever exist.
Better than any other singer. Absolutely the most talented! His almost five-octave voice sounds like an angel and he's very attractive.
Freddie has a beautiful singing voice: very lush, very powerful, and with wonderful tones. His voice spans four solid octaves, F2 to F6, plus eight semitones. I'm surprised he isn't in the top ten.
Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for songs such as "Beautiful", "Genie In A Bottle", "Fighter", "Hurt", "Dirrty", "Your Body", "Lady Marmalade", "Reflection", "I Turn To You", "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" "What A Girl Wants", and... read more She has 4 octaves, 1/2 note.
Philip Hansen "Phil" Anselmo is an American musician who is best known as the former lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Pantera. He currently is the vocalist of heavy metal bands Down and Superjoint Ritual. Spine-tingling high notes, bone-crushing lows. Phil Anselmo's voice is raw and powerful.
When he belts out lyrics in that low, deep scream, it's like he's injecting you with all his rage! The first word in Mouth for War... REVENGE!
Plus, the end of Cemetery Gates echoes the end of Victim of Changes, which says it all!
In his own way, he created a style of vocals that opened up a generation of metal singers who have taken his style for their own. Phil Anselmo should go down as one of the best.
Phil is the man, but Mike Patton had the best range of all time.
Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame with the rock band the Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop and rock... read more Best singer in the Beatles and one of the best singers in rock, period. Despite him being a tenor, he had a usable 5 octaves (from A1 to A6). Also, probably the only person on this list (besides Elvis and some others) who can truly use his full range in a musical setting.
He is the best. Amazing range and he could sing anything at his prime.
4 octaves, 5 notes (A1 to F6).
Brendon Boyd Urie, more commonly known as Brendon Urie, was born April 12, 1987, in St. George, Utah. He is an American singer, songwriter, musician and multi-instrumentalist. He is best own as the lead singer of the American pop-rock band Panic! At The Disco. He is the only original remaining member... read more Brendon Urie has a vocal range of four octaves and seven notes as of 2016. He's obviously grown since then. He has a higher vocal range than both Christina Aguilera and Elvis Presley. He is one of the most underrated singers of all time. Not only does he have an amazing voice, but he also is self-taught and knows how to control his voice.
He has been in a band since 2005, straight out of high school, originally as the guitarist. Brendon has natural talent and doesn't need some mouth deformation to have a wider range.
Three octaves in This Is Gospel alone... and it expands from there. His range is incredible (sometimes I'll think that his voice is actually a guitar because of how high the note is), and he manages to make his high notes sound really good. He deserves so much more credit than he receives.
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic musical style, flamboyant stage presence, and mastery of multiple instruments. Some of his most iconic songs include... read more Prince is the most talented and most complete musician and performing artist the world has ever seen! His voice was yet another one of his instruments he used to great effect.
Great voice, could do many different styles. One of the most eccentric and unique on any list.
Best technique and innovation. An uber talented genius.
David Michael Draiman is an American songwriter and the vocalist for the band Disturbed as well as for the band Device. His voice is so powerful and moving!! When hearing him sing Sound of Silence, that is something special.
It gives me goosebumps every time I hear him sing that song. What a voice!!
David has incredibly powerful vocals and is, in my opinion, one of the best metal singers of all time. His voice grants anyone who is listening a feeling of being indestructible. Additionally, his vocal cover of The Sound of Silence is undeniably one of his most moving performances.
I could listen to this man sing and talk for hours. His voice has such a range from evil to angelic. Extremely talented man, as are the other members of the band. I love Disturbed.
The Newcomers
Steven Tyler is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and former television music competition judge, best known as the lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith, in which he also plays the harmonica, and occasional piano and percussion. His vocal delivery, bluesy voice, and stage presence are one of a kind. One of the few singers of classic rock whose vocal cords have held up through the years. Pulling off otherworldly falsettos and hitting both high and low notes that most singers could only dream of. He's definitely in the top five of the greatest voices in rock music. Right there with Plant, Mercury, Dickinson, and Halford.
His vocal delivery and stage presence are one of a kind. One of the few hard rock singers whose vocal cords have held up through the years, pulling off incredible falsettos that most singers could only dream of. He's definitely in the top five of the greatest voices in rock, right there with Plant, Mercury, Dickinson, and Halford.
Myles Richard Kennedy is an American musician, singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Alter Bridge, and as the lead vocalist in Slash's current band: Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. In the last year, Myles has become my favorite vocalist. And he's also a great guitarist too. I love his recently released solo album, "The Ides of March." He takes good care of his voice. We'll be hearing about him for many years.
Definitely the man with the golden voice. For my money at this point in time, I believe he is currently the best male vocalist in rock.
I saw Guns N' Roses last year and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators this year, and Myles is at the top of his game.
I love Axl's voice. However, it hasn't been well looked after.
Myles nails any Guns N' Roses song he performs.
RnFnRFan
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. Honestly, hands down one of, if not the greatest singer/songwriters to ever live. He can be an ass, I know, and I think that obviously hurts him in the realm of public opinion, but the dude can flat out sing. Top 5 easily, vastly underrated in this public opinion poll.
A musical genius, Bill Bailey was/is one of the all-time greats. So much passion and intensity. A perfectionist with one of the greatest voices in rock history. A true lead man.
He's a musical genius, much like Prince was.
Christopher John "Chris" Cornell was an American rock musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter and rhythm guitarist for Seattle rock band Soundgarden and as former lead vocalist and songwriter for the supergroup Audioslave. His vocal range was C2 to A5, while... read more Chris is hands down the best male vocalist to come out of rock. His soaring falsettos, mixed highs, and deep baritones, combined with switching between smooth melodies and mind-bending screams, set him apart from the rest. Only a few can come close to his talent.
Melodic or aggressive. Simply beautiful and passionate. Unique style. My favorite male rock singer of all time, hands down. "Slaves and Bulldozers" or "Say Hello to Heaven" really show off his skills. The throat thing he did at the end of "Show Me How to Live" by Audioslave is an almost impossible feat.
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 a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more A four and a half octave range according to vocal coach Seth Riggs - from Basso Low C (comfortable from Eb) up to G above High C. Riggs worked with Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Madonna, and Barbra Streisand. He knows his stuff. Says elsewhere (Bad25) that MJ could have sung bass, baritone, and tenor, but preferred to stay up in a high tenor range because he liked how it made him sound ageless.
Actually, Michael had more than four octaves, which is very impressive and rare for a male singer.
Petrus Thomas Ratajczyk, better known by his stage name Peter Steele, was the lead singer, bassist and composer for the gothic metal band Type O Negative. If you're one of those who only know Plant, Tyler, Bon Jovi, Waters, and the other popular singers on this list, you owe it to yourself to not miss out on Peter Steele's amazing vocal range. I'd suggest taking in Type O Negative albums in this order: October Rust, World Coming Down, Bloody Kisses. If you only have time for one song, check out either the cover of the song "Cinnamon Girl."
He was the primary songwriter in the group, and it's obvious from the sound and structure that he was highly influenced by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath. My assumption is that he has the deepest voice 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
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 4 octaves, 1/2 note.
Ivan L. Moody, known by the pseudonym Ghost during his time with Motograter, is the lead vocalist for American heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch from Las Vegas, Nevada. His range is smooth and melodic all the way into terrifying screams and a deep roar. Honestly one of the best of our time!
He has an amazing range. From beautifully smooth melodic to perfectly in-range controlled death scream. Amazing!
Corey Todd Taylor was born in December 8, 1973. He is an American musician, author, and actor best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the Nu-metal band Slipknot and hard rock/alternative metal band Stone Sour. Can sing softly and melodically or scream his lungs out like a beast. Here is one who can do both. Chester Bennington had that quality too, as did Chris Cornell. Come to think of it, anyone I consider my favorite are those who can hit either extreme.
Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona; July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010) was an American heavy metal singer, songwriter and musician. He fronted and/or founded numerous groups including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. He is credited with popularizing the "metal horns" hand gesture... read more Dio's voice is iconic, magical, and menacing.
Poor guy had to wait a decade before music caught up with his voice. I wonder what he might have created had he been born 10 or 15 years later.
Camillo "Chino" Wong Moreno (born June 20, 1973) is an American musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and contributing guitarist of the metal band Deftones.
He is also a member of the side-project groups Team Sleep, Crosses, and Palms. Underrated singer. Very amazing style, breathy vocals, and all. Very talented.
Top 3 greatest! Nobody has gone beyond "classical style" singing like Moreno.
Those shrill, high-pitched screams and wails that shatter rooftops.
Ville Hermanni Valo is a Finnish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the lead vocalist and main songwriter of the Finnish gothic rock band HIM. In my book, he's got 5 octaves and 1/2 note. This is truly amazing, but technically he exceeds the upper limit of this list. I think we can keep him on this list, though.
Listen to It's All Tears and Sleepwalking Past Hope. Amazing vocals. The hard transitions between highs and lows. Also, very good job on Wicked Game.
His low notes blow me away every time. He is also an amazing songwriter. I love HIM.
Maynard James Keenan, often referred to by his initials MJK, is an American musician, record producer, winemaker, and actor, best known as the vocalist for Grammy Award-winning progressive metal band Tool. He also is the singer of A Perfect Circle and Puscifer bands that vary in style. Technically, he has 4 octaves, and he appears on another list (Best Singers with a 4 Octave Vocal Range). This list starts from 4 octaves, 1/2 note.
He can sing with a hard yet soft quality at once. His technical skill is amazing.
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer-songwriter, musician and humanitarian activist who rose to fame as the original lead singer and flautist of the progressive rock band Genesis. 4 octaves and 1/2 note. One of the prog rock pioneers with Genesis.