While I appreciate Japanese popular music for its complex instrumental and musical layout, one thing that I find very crucial is singers with nice-sounding vocal colors (I'm specifically not looking for technique, but a unique sound or personality that makes a singer stand out). Of course, what people consider an "attractive" voice is subjective, and I'm still not too much of an expert in Japanese vocalists, but here are some non-Japanese examples of my favorite voices to give an idea (there's more showing than telling here):

For male singers, it's pretty diverse list, but I like the romantic/theatrical/emotional sound that I either get "Disney prince asking for a waltz at an elegant ballroom," "chosen one who manifests dark aura and cannot hide it any longer," or "storyteller at night reading to his son" vibe:

Roy Khan: KAMELOT – Forever (Live)

Tommy Karevik: Song for Jolee

Matt Barlow: ASHES OF ARES – "Gone" (Official Video)

Suho: Suho's best vocals

Chanyeol: Chanyeol's best vocals

Bob Catley: MAGNUM-ON A STORY TELLERS NIGHT

Joey Tempest: Europe – Rock the Night

Basically any 80s power pop singer: Scarface | Push It to the Limit

I usually focus exclusively on male vocals when it comes to discussing timbres, but with female vocals I really like the soothing or seductive angelic/fairy/siren/princess-like sound that I often find in folk, new age, or neoclassical-inspired music; something light, airy, and feminine:

Erutan: Song of Joy – Erutan (katethegreat19)

Simone Simons: EPICA – The Skeleton Key (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Ashley Serena: The Witch's Daughter – Ashley Serena, My Jolly Sailor Bold – Ashley Serena

Celtic Woman: Celtic Woman – Scarborough Fair

Mari Youngblood: Helena's Theme

As for Japanese singers, one of my favorite voices at the moment is Kamijo from Versailles, who also reminds me of those romantic storyteller singers that I explained, and I especially get Castlevania or Phantom of the Opera vibes from him. A female example is Aimer; though not fully the style I am looking for, I still like her voice and music generally. What I am not a huge fan are those slightly nasally-sounding male singers I often find in anime rock themes (Eve for example, although I find his music overall well-made), or the overtly-squeaky kawaii aesthetic, though I'm not against anyone who does like these.

I know it's a lot of detail, but I'm trying to be as specific as I can to find what I'm looking for. What are some other examples you can think of?

by YungstirJoey666

1 Comment

  1. External-Molasses-50

    are you only looking for modern music? If not I have a few suggestions for women.

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