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