Rolling Stone has a history of putting together "lists". There's nothing wrong with that, only that each list gets a ton of "controversy" around it. Let's face it, when it comes to music, there's no right or wrong answer, and it is inevitable that someone will be disagree. This list was compiled by votes turned in from music journalists and singers (my hero, Springsteen voted too). I think it is because of this that it is being received slightly less enthusiastic by RS's readers. But come on guys, do we as the public have that much opinion nowadays anyway? I'd love to say yes, and I at least try to make my voice be heard as much as possible, but think at the People's choice awards. It is not choice by the people- its chose by the a very small group of people who think they can speak for everyone else. Even the so called Democratic government we live in, isn't about our choice.
However, I am not offended that this list was chosen by people in the industry. I say this because if you take a look at the voters, it is mostly musicians, but it is musicians and singers that I feel they themselves had a huge impact on all of us, so their say is just as important, if not even more personal and more sincere. A singer's voice is a personal account that has the ability to touch us and move us in a way that gets a reaction out of us.
I'll make one thing clear, this list was compiled by ME. I asked and surveyed people in order to be able to make an informed decision, and be open to people that I wouldn't normally consider. So, while I am prepared to get criticisms, I also stand behind my list. Also, thanks to everyone who submitted their lists, you all had great ones (but, I cant bring myself to put Kenny Rogers mom...). Feel free to leave comments, thoughts, suggestions.
The Following is My List: (the popular opinion is after)
1. Alison Krauss- While not my favorite artist, she definitely has a voice that shatters your emotions. My sister laughed at my a while back when I said she sings like an angel. She has this way of singing softly but each line penetrates and because her songs are usually songs about heartbreak, you end up feeling like crap. But, its a good crap, its a crap that makes you believe every single word she sings as if she's singing for you of an experience you had, or felt like you had.
2) Jeff Buckley- a second generation folk singer, all his songs are haunting yet beautiful with his voice bringing out intense emotion.
3) Ben Harper- I know, I know, I'm probably going to get a bunch of emails on this one, but you know what? I consider him great because he has the innate ability to sing through different various genres (reggae, blues, folk, country, to name a few) with a soft voice that also evokes emotion. He is one of the few singers that can bring out the Woody Guthrie-esque sound of the folk movement of the 1960s while being able to maintain the level of eclecticness. (I'm looking into whether or not this is even a word..)
4) Elliot Smith- I had a hard time trying to figure out where to put him on this list. Part of me wanted him at the top spot, and part wanted him lower down. His style give me mixed feelings and makes me feel so many different things that ultimately confuse me. He was a sad musician, and his sadness transpires through every single song and I think he was hands down the best Acoustic Performer of the last 30 years.
5) Otis Redding- The epitome of soul music. Enough said.
6) Freddy Mercury-I have no better way to describe Freddy Mercury and his singing style than as simply "magnificent". No other rock star has come to the level of singing as Mercury, often sounding operatic and dramatic., with a voice so stunning that felt more like you were away at some intergalactic opera.
7) Bono- As a singer and performer, he manages to connect with every single person in the audience, and when he belts out choruses of his songs (like "With or Without You"'s chorus) you get the sensation that he's singing that with feeling from the top of an Irish mountaintop. But most importantly, what stands out is that Bono has an incredible connection with the music AND the message.
8) Raine Maida- Here's another one that people will be like, what???? Well, who knew it was possible to orchestrate a folk song full of violins and pianos, and harmonicas? Maida, best known for his whiney vocals in Our Lady Peace has always been a singer that catches my attention because of the use of his voice. Having recently released his solo CD confirmed my ideas on his singing and continue to draw me in. He has the innate ability to make a statement with his lyrics and his voice that make you have to listen to it again, and with each time you listen, a new message or meaning appears.
9) Frank Sinatra- Do I REALLY have to explain this one, or will you guys bombard me again with angry messages?
10) Billie Holliday- I consider her to be the greatest jazz vocalist of all time. Her voice sings of the emotion and the hard times she went through, with a rough sound to it. When I visited Harlem for the first time a few years ago, walking through one of the streets was a plaque as a tribute to her, because knowing stories of life in Harlem, her voice and her music resonates that, bringing to life the lives of people and Holiday during that time. Her music transports me to a different time, bringing out new feelings and emotions and a bit of hopelessness that, if listened to at the right time and place, has the ability to bring you to tears.
Others I wanted to put on the list but couldnt quite make the top 10: Jay Malinowski (Bedouin Soundclash), Cher (laugh it up!), Chris Cornell, Roy Orbison, Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, Robert Smith, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Neil Diamond, Joseph Arthur, Bon Iver
The Top 10 I compiled based on peoples opinion:
10. Brian Wilson
9. Eddie Vedder
8. Dean Martin
7. John Lennon/Paul McCartney (I averaged it out and decided to put both together)
6. Johnny Cash
5. Marvin Gaye
4. Bob Dylan
3. Frank Sinatra
2. Etta James
1. Robert Plant
And here are some more interesting ones that were submitted: Springsteen (my hero!), Liam Ghallager, Brandon Flowers, Debby harry, Rod Stewart, Caleb (from Kings of Leon), Steven Tyler, Conor Oberst, David Gray, Stevie Wonder, Brad Delp (Boston), Ryan Adams, Jack White, David Byrne, Elvis Costello, Celine Dion (that was my mom....), Barbara Streisand (again my mom...), Neil Diamond, Barry White, Barry Manilow, Neil Young, Johnny Mathis, Louis Armstrong, Scott Weiland, Jim Morrisson, David Lee Roth, James Brown, aaron Neville, Peter Gabirle, Serj Tankian, Jack Black (JAKE THAT WAS YOU!), Perry Ferrell, Smokey Robinson.
PLEASE keep submitting, compiling this list never gets old. And if you're like me, the list switches around constantly.
I wanted to leave you with a couple of songs that I think everyone should listen to, my top 5 songs of all time, fell free to add on to those as well:
1) Honey and The Moon- Joseph Arthur (my favorite ever)
2) Maggie May- Rod Stewart
3) Sitting On The Dock of a Bay- Otis Redding
4) Romeo and Juliet- Dire Straits
5) Jolene- Dolly Parton
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