Norm de Plume

They don't necessarily have to be vocals with the most clarity or range, but vocals that really add a powerful element.
One that springs to mind is Daltrey in "Baba O'Riley". There's a real depth of emotion and grit to his performance. As an aside, I'll always lament the instrumental section of the song. It could have been a masterpiece for the ages with another verse and chorus, and the elision of the last 1:30-2:00 of instrumental noodling.

Kurt D

^ That's my favorite era of The Who.




Mel Torme and George Shearing, just vocals and piano.

There is more sensitivity towards dynamics from both Shearing and Torme in this live recording than in any 1000 other songs put together.

dom56

Harriet Wheeler has the most amazing voice. Just haunting beautiful.

randian

Geoff Tate, Queensrÿche, Take Hold of the Flame

Decker

I think this has been asked here before. I have an obvious selection of a classic and a lesser known single with a vocal I have always loved since I was a kid :

PerryD

cultshock

Oh yeah, Harriet Wheeler is awesome and I've always loved their cover of "Wild Horses".

Norm de Plume

Thanks for your entries so far, people. I'm sure we'll see Steve Perry and Freddie Mercury posted, and deservedly so. I'll post more favs of mine when I encounter or remember them.

TGM

TGM

Ann & Nancy Wilson (Heart) Stairway To Heaven Live from Awesome Radio on Vimeo.

Perkinsun Dzees

Elvis Costello - very underrated vocalist.

Love the bitterness, snarl and defiance he brings to "Riot Act." No other singer could replicate that.




Also, love his vocals on "No Dancing" as well as countless other songs.






And, obviously, Elizabeth Fraser deserves mention in any thread about great vocals.

Norm de Plume

Yaz's "Midnight". Alison Moyet's powerful vocals at their best.

Coral

Norah Jones' beautiful vocals always soothe me:



Wonderful vocals on this Dolly Parton cover (as part of The Little Willies):

Norm de Plume

I think "Eve of Destruction" benefits a lot from Barry McGuire's gruff, raspy delivery:

Kurt D

"Destruuctiiiiiyauughn"

Norm de Plume

"My blood's so mad, feels like coagulatin'"
"Hate your next-door neighbor, but don't forget to say grace"

Kurt D

You are of course spot on. He digs into those words with real conviction and disgust. It’s a great performance.

This longing song has been done many times, but Moore just destroys it ...

MrRound2

Always absolutely loved the singers vocals on this song.

Kurt D

^ She's got a great voice. I dig the accent, too ...

kd5

I think Martha Davis has one of the most outstanding singing voices...

Kurt D

Shuh

bd007h

Norm de Plume

Here's the very New Wavey "All Touch" by Rough Trade, whose lead singer was Carole Pope. I like the smoky acidity of her voice. Most Canucks will know this song.



Shifting gears completely, Kate Bush's stunningly delicate vocals on "This Woman's Work":

redtornado

Kurt D

^ best vibrato in the biz. Always love her vocals.