This is a revival of the topic I'd started on the old board, and since it did rather well, I thought I'd bring it back! :) I want to know who you think are the best and worst singers of the 80's based on vocal style, and ability to sing. I am not asking for your favourite or least favourite singers. Who do you think has a great voice, whether you're into their style of music or not, and who sounds terrible? Give me your thoughts!

My best:

Martin L. Gore (Depeche Mode)
Alison Moyet
Kate Bush
Morrissey
Boy George
Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)
Paul Humphreys (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark)
Paul Young
Luba (Canadian singer)

My worst:

Bryan Adams
Jane Siberry (Canadian singer)
Mike Reno (Loverboy - Canadian group)
Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals)
Robert Smith (as much as I love The Cure, Robert's just not the greatest singer...)
The singer in the group Cinderella, whatever his name is...
Ozzy Osbourne

I'll add more to each list as I think of them. What are your picks?

Absolutely Vile

I love most singers so I cant really say who the best is

but the worst is easy for me.
although its not really singing, its more like yelling at the top of his lungs but my personal choice for worst "vocalist" is Bruce Springstien.  (Im not knocking the band though. they are good)

I didn't care at all for Biz Markie.  ::) Too many others that I like to name who I think is the best.

I apologise to the fans out there but I really cannot stand Rick Astley :P. To me his voice sounds odd, like he is singing like kermit the frog.

Of course I love Morrissey, he has a beautiful, soothing voice, class and wit.

When I think of some other stinkers and Fav's I will add them...



SmithsGirl

I apologise to the fans out there but I really cannot stand Rick Astley :P. To me his voice sounds odd, like he is singing like kermit the frog.
SmithsGirl


Huh. Kermit the frog !?!  :(  :)

The man has soul, Smithsgirl. Sing with me; 'Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down . . .'

Worst - Morrissey. (nah I'm kidding)

Probably Feargal Sharkey and, dare I say it, Morton Harket from A-ha. I love their music but I have to look at the sleeve notes to work out what he is singing about.

I am having a brain dead moment.  I am voting for the girl that sings Luca.  I can't stand her.

I am having a brain dead moment.  I am voting for the girl that sings Luca.  I can't stand her.


Her name is Suzanne Vega. :) Yeah, she's nothing special...

Absolutely Vile

I apologise to the fans out there but I really cannot stand Rick Astley :P. To me his voice sounds odd, like he is singing like kermit the frog.
SmithsGirl


Huh. Kermit the frog !?!  :(  :)

The man has soul, Smithsgirl. Sing with me; 'Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down . . .'



Ahhh! I shuddered when in my head I began to sing *shudders again*

;)


SmithsGirl

I apologise to the fans out there but I really cannot stand Rick Astley



I agree.  Besides the fact that his voice doesn't match his face...

Favorite vocalists

1.  Steve Perry
2.  Bono
3.  Daryl Hall
4.  Paul Young
5.  Boy George (he may be a bit freakish, but the guy can sing)

Worst
1.  Ozzy Osbourne
2.  Cher
3.  Dolly Parton
4.  Kenny Rogers
5.  Roland Gift


The singer in the group Cinderella, whatever his name is...


The lead singer for Cinderella was/is Tom Keifer - I agree, the guy sounds horrible!

The lead singer for Cinderella was/is Tom Keifer - I agree, the guy sounds horrible!




I LOVE the song... "Don't know what you got", although his voice does kinda sound like he's taking a s**t.




SmithsGirl

Ahhh! I shuddered when in my head I began to sing *shudders again*

;)


SmithsGirl


Tee hee. Rick Astley was a drummer in a 'band' of sorts before he made it big. He used to make the tea for Stock, Aitken and Waterman before he became famous.

Freddie Mercury could belt out a decent song too....

Huw

Alison Moyet of Yaz and solo was/is the best female singer.

Bobby Kimball of Toto had a decent voice.

The worst female singer was Bonnie Tyler (Total Eclispe of the Heart). I always felt like I had to clear my throat when she sang!

Bruce can sound wretched at times but sounded O.K. on the Tunnel of Love album.

Yep


Bonnie Tyler for worst singer (with the exception of "Lost In France" which wasl ovely)  :)

Bonnie Tyler for worst singer (with the exception of "Lost In France" which was lovely)  :)No, no, no! I can't believe you really mean that! Bonnie is fabulosa. I agree with you about Lost In France. But I also really like Holding Out For A hero, It's A Heartache and quite a few others...

And no, I'm not being prejudiced just because Bonnie was born quite near to me in South Wales (so was Tom Jones, come to that - though a few years earlier  ;D )

all the best
Huw

Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac. Gosh! She sounds awful.

I loved that South Park scene where Kyle and Cartman hang acquire a goat and the people they meet want an autograph off it because they think it's Stevie Nicks lol.

Jody Watley and Gloria Estefan(mostly her stuff with Miami Sound Machine I liked)were cool. Also liked Taylor Dayne and Chaka Khan as well. George Benson was prett talented as well(he was more late 70's/early 80's though.) Anita Baker had some good songs too. She had soul.

Worst:  thats hard to say.

Don't dis Stevie Nicks Bobby! She has a great unique voice. I accept your opinion though.

My favourites are:
Annie Lennox (can sound ethereal and harsh, few singers can do that. No one can fake her voice. It's really unique)
Freddie Mercury (God he has an AMAZING voice!)
Kate Bush (eerie, but totally unique)
Stevie Nicks (great unique voice)
Roxette (I love her voice. It sounds really delicate)
Steven Tyler (brilliant voice)
Adam Ant (he has a very unusual voice, but still great)

Worst:
Simon LeBon (it's too conventional for my liking. It's just too plain. No offence to any Simon fans like)

I can't think of any more worst ones.

Worst singers:
Bryan Adams
Stacy Q
Nena Cherry
The Jets
Cher
Rebbie Jackson

Freddie Mercury (God he has an AMAZING voice!)

Does he still? I thought he'd be well decomposed by now...;) ;D

Roxette (I love her voice. It sounds really delicate)

Roxette is a group (or rather a duo). I know the guy's name is Per something, but I can't remember the name of the woman.

Absolutely Vile

*Shut up Absolutely Vile*. I absolutely hate it when people dis Freddie. If you would like to know my good reason then send me a personal message. I'm not spreading it over here.

I didn't know that. I thought there was a man in there. Her name is something like Marie/Maria or something along those lines.

Don't dis Stevie Nicks Bobby! She has a great unique voice. I accept your opinion though.

Worst:
Simon LeBon (it's too conventional for my liking. It's just too plain. No offence to any Simon fans like)

I can't think of any more worst ones.



I shouldn't take it personally, an opinion is just an opinion at the end of the day. I sent you a PM Lennox. You will find that we are now level.  :D

Well, I figure since I didn't post on the last one you put up Vile, I'll give this one a shot!

Best:

Adam Ant
Martin Gore
Simon LeBon
Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys- I really like his voice!)
Deborah Harry
Alison Moyet
David Gahan
Freddie Mercury
Morrisey
Cyndi Lauper ( I like her voice!)

Thats not all of them, I just can't think of anymore! As per usual I suppose!

Worst:

Bryan Adams
Ozzy Osbourne
Roland Gift
Suzanne Vega ( Her voice is Waaaaayyyy to plain for me!)
Edie Brickell!!!! Just make her stop please!!!

Thats it for now, I'll probably add more as I think of them!!!

Rio

*Shut up Absolutely Vile*. I absolutely hate it when people dis Freddie. If you would like to know my good reason then send me a personal message. I'm not spreading it over here.

I did not "dis" (God I hate that word) Freddie Mercury. I was making a JOKE!! I have no problem with your opinions. And by the way...I don't appreciate you attacking me like this. Grab a sense of humour!

Absolutely Vile

I did not "dis" (God I hate that word) Freddie Mercury. I was making a JOKE!! I have no problem with your opinions. And by the way...I don't appreciate you attacking me like this. Grab a sense of humour!


Hey! You 'dissed' Freddie Mercury. No way!  ;)  :D

Hey! You 'dissed' Freddie Mercury. No way!  ;)  :D


I didn't! I happen to think he HAD a wonderful voice! But I consider Queen more 70's than 80's, even though I know they were still around in the 80's. Their best stuff was in the 70's. :)

Absolutely Vile

                                                          My List:
    Best:
Roland Orzabal (SCREAAAAAMMM!)
Robert Smith

Okay:
Curt Smith (those songs were okay... just didn't like his voice as much...!)

Stacey Q!  She was AWFUL!  :P

My picks for best:
Daryl Hall
Steve Perry
Pat Benatar
Deborah Harry
Freddie Mercury
David Bowie

Worst:
Bonnie Tyler
Bryan Adams
Ozzy Osbourne
Bruce Springsteen (love his music, but don't think he has such a great voice)

Stacey Q!  She was AWFUL!  :P


Hey! You 'dissed' StaceyQ! Two of Hearts! (Can you see where I'm going with this Vile?  ;D)

Best

Rob Halford
Bruce Dickinson
Ronnie James Dio
Jon Bon Jovi
Joey Tempest

Worst
Ozzy Osbourne
Dave Mustaine
Vince Neil
Cyndi Lauper

Bringing this topic back from the dead...

I've been listening to (post-John Foxx) Ultravox quite a bit lately, and I have completely overlooked the wonderful talent and fantastic voice of Midge Ure. I love it!! He has one of the best voices I have ever heard, and I can't believe he was never on my original list. I'm also sorry I never really discovered them sooner (except for one song).

Absolutely Vile

Bringing this topic back from the dead...

I've been listening to (post-John Foxx) Ultravox quite a bit lately, and I have completely overlooked the wonderful talent and fantastic voice of Midge Ure. I love it!! He has one of the best voices I have ever heard, and I can't believe he was never on my original list. I'm also sorry I never really discovered them sooner (except for one song).

Absolutely Vile


Yeah. Midge Ure is great, Vile. My dad got me hooked onto this part of the Ultravox era.

Yeah. Midge Ure is great, Vile. My dad got me hooked onto this part of the Ultravox era.


Yeah, I feel like I was born and raised in the wrong country. I never really got hooked on Ultravox 'til I got married! I love them now!

By the way...we just bought a John Foxx-era Ultravox! album. It's really different from when Midge took over, but they were great then too!

Absolutely Vile

To be honest, I didn't know there was an era before Midge Ure until recently.

To be honest, I didn't know there was an era before Midge Ure until recently.


Neither did we! Well, picture Ultravox as a punk band (their first album came out in 1977) metamorphosising into an electronic band, and with an exclamation point at the end of their name. That's pretty much what they were like when John Foxx was the singer. :)

Absolutely Vile

I was just listening to Ultravox over the past couple of days...first Vienna and then Rage in Eden in my car CD player.  I've loved Ultravox since I first heard Reap the Wild Wind on the radio all the way back in 1982.
The John Foxx era Ultravox is excellent, though quite different from the Midge Ure era.  The earlier Ultravox is more like arty, progressive rock.  Some of it was produced by such progressive luminaries as Brian Eno and the late Conny Plank. Since the John Foxx material is less overtly emotional, critic-types like it better.  They hail it as more sophisticated.  It's also got more guitar and less synthesizer, which is always a plus with rock critics.
I, on the other hand, just love those sweeping synthesizers and New Romantic lyrics.  Midge Ure is Scottish, and you can really hear the accent in his singing voice.  I also latched onto Ultravox in my teens because I was rebelling...against the vulgarity and raunch of my parents' rock 'n roll!  I had to crop my hair short and listen to sentimental music in order to rebel against my parents!

The Best :)
1.-Feddy Mercury
2.-Roland Orzabal :-* (I ADORE HIM!!!!! AND CURT SMITH TOO!!!!)
3.-The one who sings in Spandau Ballet Band
4.-Nena
5.-Grace from Starship
6.-Jon Bon Jovi
7.-Madonna
8.-Donna Summer
9.-Laura Branigan
10.-Belinda from Go Go's
11.-Annie Lennox

The Worst >:(
1.-Ozzy Osbourne

You cant dis stevie nicks man. its not what they sound like...but the person within and she is the most down to earth wonderful person anyone will ever come across.

;D ;D ;D ;DThe Everly Brothers,of course!Cheers!

Since this topic's been resurrected, it's given me a chance to re-read things...


The John Foxx era Ultravox is excellent, though quite different from the Midge Ure era.  The earlier Ultravox is more like arty, progressive rock.  Some of it was produced by such progressive luminaries as Brian Eno and the late Conny Plank.

Yes, thank you. They were more prog-punk than just straight punk. As time went on, they started introducing more and more synthesisers into their music, but it didn't really start to happen 'til Midge Ure joined the group.

Since the John Foxx material is less overtly emotional, critic-types like it better.  They hail it as more sophisticated.  It's also got more guitar and less synthesizer, which is always a plus with rock critics.

Er...it is? It does? I will admit that some of his lyrics are pretty basic, but others read like poetry and are emotional! Take the two best songs from In Mysterious Ways, for instance: The title track, and a song called "Morning Glory." Absolutely gorgeous. :) And his songs didn't have more guitar than with Ultravox at first! Metamatic is almost completely electronic, I believe. He did begin to incorporate more "real" instruments with each subsequent album until 1985. Lately he's gone back to electronics and doing much the same sort of thing he did in the 80's as well as doing ambient music (the Cathedral Oceans project).

Sorry to comment this late, but I've been listening to quite a bit of Mr. Foxx lately! :)

Absolutely Vile

Freddie Mercury could belt out a decent song too....

what are you thinking, he is an awesome singer

Best: Morten Harket

Worst: Beastie Boys (take your pick)

Kryllith

Only the best because I can't think of any worst right now:

Best:
Bruce Springsteen (Classic. No comment needed.)
Robert Smith (Hey, Not the greatest but so unique and haunting.)
Ian Curtis (So special! Bassy and ROBOTIC!)
David Bowie (Very interesting singing voice in whatever genre he's singing.)
Morrissey (He's performing his lyrics perfectly and dominant.)
Billy Idol (So cool and rocking in a sexy way.)
Cyndi Lauper (Lovable and so cute!)

You cant dis stevie nicks man. its not what they sound like...but the person within and she is the most down to earth wonderful person anyone will ever come across.


She's probably a lovely person, Christi, but she sounds awful.

Hey, I'm 'dissing' Steve Nicks - I know.  ;D

She's probably a lovely person, Christi, but she sounds awful.

Hey, I'm 'dissing' Steve Nicks - I know.  ;D


Just like I supposedly "dissed" Freddie Mercury a while back? (Which I did not!) :P

Absolutely Vile

Just like I supposedly "dissed" Freddie Mercury a while back? (Which I did not!) :P


We know you didn't LOL! I set up the odd running joke occassionally. ;D

best-
terrance trent d'arby
geroge michael
whitney houston
michael jackson
prince
rick james

worst-
latoya jackson
rockwell
tiffany
don johnson

Well wen yo dis my family i take it personally....i cud start wiv...yo mamma....but i aint that petty! lol

guess everyones entitled to their own opinion. I just dont think its a persons voice that necessarily makes them a good singer. I mean....someone could have the most amazing voice...but have no idea how to write meaningful lyrics...thats wen it starts gettin sad. ppl like britney n christina...but hey lets not go there cos i got too many opinions on them!

xxxxxxxxx

Best
The stadium/hair rockersof the 80's had amazing voices.

Jon BonJovi
Joey Tempest (Europe)
David Coverdale (Whitesnake)
Joe Elliot (Def Leppard)

Bryan Adams is another who doesn't deserve to be dissed.
The guys got a perfect radio voice and is effortless in his production. Don't be confused by the sappy stuff he's produced in his recent years.

Freddie Mercury was and always will be, one of the greatest singers in rock history.
Michael Jackson
Robert Howard (the Blow Monkeys)
Whitney Houston
Billy Joel

Worst
I hate Stevie Nicks voice. Buzzy and horrible.
Roland Gift - 'nuff said.
Feagal Sharkey
Kim Carnes
Laura Branigan

I hate Stevie Nicks voice. Buzzy and horrible.


Wa-hay! Welcome to the messageboards, Phantomb!  ;D

YOU FOR GOT DAVY!(DEPECHE MODE) ;)

Best in no particular order I could think of right now:

Morten Harket (A-HA) (very pleasent)
Annie Lennox (Eurythmics) (brilliant)
Phil Oakey (The Human League) (deep)
Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) (deeper)
Andrew Eldritch (The Sisters Of Mercy) (the deepest)
Whitney Houston (storming)
Freddie Mercury (Queen) (thundering)
Midge Ure (Ultravox) (very melodramatic)
Chaka Khan (gorgeous)
Nick Cave (The Birthday Party/Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) (seductive)
Bonnie Tyler (operatic)
Bernard Sumner (New Order) (sweet, even though he can't sing)
Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers) (shaking)
Carl McCoy (Fields Of The Nephilim) (frightening)
Robert Smith (The Cure) (very recognisable)
Marc Almond (Soft Cell) (classy)
Jimmy Somerville (Bronski Beat/The Communards) (fantastic falsetto)
Alison Moyet (Yazoo) (fantastic)
Tina Turner (glorious)
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) (driving)
Belinda Carlisle (beautiful)
Kate Bush (sensual)


Can't think of the worst ones right now though.

Best singer of the 80's

Nik Kershaw!!!!

Worst singer...

The guy from The Pogues.

Favorite Singers:

Meatloaf
Freddy Mercury
Elvis Costello
David Bowie
Robert Palmer
Bruce Springsteen
Michael Stipes
Michael Hutchence
Annie Lennox
Bryan Adams
Pat Benatar
Joe Strummer
Phil Collins
Sting

Average (or least in my opinon)

Kevin Cronin
Sammy Hagar
Mick Hucknall
Steve Perry

Worst:

Yoko Ono
Don Johnson
Edie Brickel
Bonnie Tyler
Michael Bolton
Air Supply (Both singers)
Mike Reno
Alfie Zappacosta (A Canadian singer)
Rick Astley

I love most singers so I cant really say who the best is

but the worst is easy for me.
although its not really singing, its more like yelling at the top of his lungs but my personal choice for worst "vocalist" is Bruce Springstien.  (Im not knocking the band though. they are good)


SO YOU THINK BRYAN ADAMS IS BAD>>>>>HAVE YOU LISTENED TO "RUN TO YOU" BY BRIAN ADAMS? ALTHOUGH I HAVNT LISTENED 2 ALL OF HIS MUSIC I LIKE THAT SONG AND HIS VOICE IS GOOD IN IT, IT DEPENDS WHAT WAY YOU MEAN BY,  "HE IS A BAD SINGER" - VOCAL WISE OR MAYBE THE SONG ITSELF, OR EVEN HIS IMAGE, CLEAR THAT UP!

Favorite Singers:

Meatloaf
Freddy Mercury
Elvis Costello
David Bowie
Robert Palmer
Bruce Springsteen
Michael Stipes
Michael Hutchence
Annie Lennox
Bryan Adams
Pat Benatar
Joe Strummer
Phil Collins
Sting

Average (or least in my opinon)

Kevin Cronin
Sammy Hagar
Mick Hucknall
Steve Perry

Worst:

Yoko Ono
Don Johnson
Edie Brickel
Bonnie Tyler
Michael Bolton
Air Supply (Both singers)
Mike Reno
Alfie Zappacosta (A Canadian singer)
Rick Astley




U KNOW WHAT, MY TWO FAVOURITE ARE ACTUALL HALL AND OATES AS WELL AS TOTO, THEY ROCK - BEST VOICE, IMAGE, MUSIC, THEIR LYRICS HAVE WIT...............SO POO U  ICEMAIDEN

ACTUALLY MY FAVOURITE ARE....................
THE BEST OF THE BEST
• Lionel Richie – Running with the night
• Eddie Money – Two tickets to paradise
• Abba – Waterloo
• ACDC – It’s a long way to the top
• Blondie – call me
• Buggles – Video Killed the radio star
• Brian Adams – run to you
• Cutting crew – Just died in your arms tonight
• Hall & Oates – Out of touch, Private eyes, sara smile, maneater, I cant go for that.
• Earth, Wind and fire – September
• Evelyn Champagne King – Shame
• Fat Larry’s Band – Act like you know
• Foreigner- I’ve been waiting for a girl like you
• ????? – Love will keep us together
• Go West – Call me
• Aha – Take on me
• Jan Hammer – Crockett’s theme
• Joe Jackson – Stepping out
• John Waite – I ain’t missing you
• Journey – Open arms
• Judas Priest – You’ve got another thing coming
• Chaka Khan – Ain’t no body
• Kim Wilde – Kids in America
• Kiss – I wanna rock n roll all night
• Kool and the gang – summer madness
• Laura Branigan – Self control
• Loverboy – Everybody’s working for the weekend
• Luther Vandross – Never too much
• Michael Jackson – The way you make me feel
• Michael Jackson – Rock with you
• “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ – Billie Jean
• Mr. Mister – Broken Wings
• Natalie Cole – This will be (an everlasting love)
• Nena – 99 luftballons
• Night Ranger – Sister Christian
• Oliver Cheatham – Get down Saturday Night
• Reo Speedwagon – Keep on loving you
• Rick James – Ghetto Life
• Eye of the tiger
• Joss Stone – Some kind of wonderful
• Talk Talk – Life’s what you make it
• Toto – Africa, Angel, Child’s Anthem, I’ll supply the love, HOLD THE LINE
• U2 – And I still haven’t found what I am looking for
• Wang Chung – Dance Hall Days
• Whitney Huston – I wanna dance with somebody -----------------------MY FAVOURITE and I’m every woman.
• Yes – Owner of a lonely heart
• ????? – You spin me right round
WHO AGREES WITH ME AND WHO DOSNT, I NEED TO KNOW!

This is a revival of the topic I'd started on the old board, and since it did rather well, I thought I'd bring it back! :) I want to know who you think are the best and worst singers of the 80's based on vocal style, and ability to sing. I am not asking for your favourite or least favourite singers. Who do you think has a great voice, whether you're into their style of music or not, and who sounds terrible? Give me your thoughts!

My best:


Martin L. Gore (Depeche Mode)
Alison Moyet
Kate Bush
Morrissey
Boy George
Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)
Paul Humphreys (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark)
Paul Young
Luba (Canadian singer)

My worst:

Bryan Adams
Jane Siberry (Canadian singer)
Mike Reno (Loverboy - Canadian group)
Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals)
Robert Smith (as much as I love The Cure, Robert's just not the greatest singer...)
The singer in the group Cinderella, whatever his name is...
Ozzy Osbourne

I'll add more to each list as I think of them. What are your picks?

Absolutely Vile


Ok maybe Ozzy is not a great singer but his voice suited the material he was doing especially Sabbath. Anyhow rock was never about being able to sing well, that's for all those tossers on Idol. There have been some good vocalist in rock & metal bands though like Bruce Dickinson for example, but i guess that's more an operatic style rather than rock or pop.

I hated Bryan Addams & Rick Astley aswell, god they sucked.

I thought the singer from Siouxsie & The Banshees had a great voice
Debra Harry was great too. In terms of the guys i don't know i'll have to get back to you on that one. I haven't really thought this through properly i need to do a proper list.

Peter Schilling is a good singer  :)
(He's my favorite)


I can't stand listening to Stacey Q's only hit because of how many times the word "I" is repeated! Aaaahh!

Falco's also a great singer too  :)

Hey who likes
you are the wind beneath my wings - Bette Midler
tender love - force md's

Oh n whisttledog, i'm 13 years old I dont really know 70's from 80's by heart........................
:) :) :)

by the way r u guys all american, i live in australia, i think the influence of american artists is just as strong, no actuall, it is just as strong.......