I used to work for an opera company, so I got a crash course in vocal types. My two favorite operatic voices are Countertenors (the guys who can sing really, really high) and Mezzo-Sopranos/Contraltos (the girls who can sing really, really low.)
Here’s a couple samples. First, the amazing Anthony Roth Costanzo, a Countertenor:
And here is Mezzo Joyce DiDonato:
As for non-opera, I do love vocalists with distinctive styles. One of my favorites, and I know won’t be to everyone’s taste, is David Thomas of Pere Ubu:
No option for “some of the above,” but that would be my answer. My favorite singers tend to be near-flawless and beautiful (the late Sandy Denny is my absolute fave), but I like lots of weird singers too, and several twangy/country singers are on my list too. Easier to say what kind of voices I don’t like: thin little waifish ones, and ones who can’t stay on key.
Imperfect, but soul stirring, like Leon Russell, Al Kooper, Randy Newman, or John Prine.
Fish heads, fish heads, rolly polly fish heads. Eat them up, yum.
have good range and sound nice
I used to work for an opera company, so I got a crash course in vocal types. My two favorite operatic voices are Countertenors (the guys who can sing really, really high) and Mezzo-Sopranos/Contraltos (the girls who can sing really, really low.)
Here’s a couple samples. First, the amazing Anthony Roth Costanzo, a Countertenor:
And here is Mezzo Joyce DiDonato:
As for non-opera, I do love vocalists with distinctive styles. One of my favorites, and I know won’t be to everyone’s taste, is David Thomas of Pere Ubu:
Mark Knopfler a really deep voice
No option for “some of the above,” but that would be my answer. My favorite singers tend to be near-flawless and beautiful (the late Sandy Denny is my absolute fave), but I like lots of weird singers too, and several twangy/country singers are on my list too. Easier to say what kind of voices I don’t like: thin little waifish ones, and ones who can’t stay on key.
Bob Dylan
In my head
Mahalia Jackson/Aretha Franklin.
There’s something special about a good Contralro singer who is singing from the soul!