Monthly Archives: October 2010

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Song of the Day #824: ‘Angel Eyes’ – Frank Sinatra

Top Ten Male Vocalists – #1 – Frank Sinatra

I don’t think there was any other possibility for the #1 spot on my list. Certainly not for a kid who grew up in a house filled with Frank Sinatra’s music.

I know this entry breaks a lot of patterns set up throughout the countdown — he’s of a different era and a different genre than all the rest — but so what? He’s the Chairman of the Board… he’s The Voice. He’s Sinatra.

You really think I can make a list of the best male vocalists and not include him? Forgetaboutit.

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Song of the Day #823: ‘Fall On Me’ – R.E.M.

Top Ten Male Vocalists – #2 – Michael Stipe

More than any other performer on this list, Michael Stipe uses his voice as an instrument. The sound of his singing is as important an element of R.E.M.’s sound as Peter Buck’s guitars, Mike Mills’ bass and keyboards and Bill Berry’s drums.

Driving that point home is that fact that on R.E.M.’s early albums, you can hardly tell what the hell Stipe is singing but everything still works perfectly. His mumbles (and murmurs) convey the emotional message of those songs as well as any lyrics could.

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Song of the Day #822: ‘Levon’ – Elton John

Top Ten Male Vocalists – #3 – Elton John

Elton John has what I consider the quintessential pop music voice. It’s not distinctive in any way I can articulate but it is as integral a part of his music as the piano, the strings, Bernie Taupin’s lyrics, any of it. I wouldn’t want to hear an Elton John song sung by anybody else (OK, maybe Ewan McGregor).

I suppose a case could be made that the voice is almost irrelevant when you’re talking about songs as good as ‘Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,’ ‘Your Song,’ ‘Tiny Dancer,’ today’s track and countless others. And it’s not as if Elton is known for singing covers. But still, I contend that his voice plays a tremendous role in his appeal, enough to launch him this high on my top ten.

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Song of the Day #821: ‘Original of the Species’ – U2

Top Ten Male Vocalists – #4 – Bono

Bono is the guy on this list who would probably actively lobby to be on this list. He sings everything as if he’s auditioning for the title of Most Awesome Rock God of All-Time, Ever. And I can see how that can be a turn-off to people who aren’t particularly into Bono or U2 (including some regular readers of this blog).

But the thing is, this guy can sing like a son of a bitch. He might have a massive ego, but he backs it up with massive talent. And I have to hand it to him for that.

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Song of the Day #820: ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ – Elvis Presley

Top Ten Male Vocalists – #5 – Elvis Presley

It wouldn’t be right to make a list like this and not include Elvis Presley. Even though I was born just five years before he died, I know that The King must get his due.

His voice was certainly technically good… he had a great range, could hit all the notes, was able to pull off rock, country, blues and gospel without breaking a sweat.

Actually, I take that back… he did it while sweating quite a bit, which was another key to his appeal.

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