Like the riff post that came a couple weeks back, this is not a rankings post… I wanted to just take the opportunity highlight some vocals moments in rock songs that I really appreciate and feel stand out; some you may be very familiar with and some you’ve never heard perhaps. The sound clips are a bit longer (15-30 seconds) and for that reason I’m only highlighting 6 here. Again like the first riff post, this release I intentionally went a bit more well-known for the most part but I plan on making this a series so if you like these please come back and check out later iterations of Vocal Appreciation!
Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf (John Kay)
I’ll get started with a vocalist I believe was before his time and probably does not get enough recognition because of that. They got started in the height of the psychadelic and hippie era (This song is from 1968) but John Kay’s voice was flat out impressive. This clip shows off his range as he moves through the structure of the song, executing a build up perfectly with his vocals. There is just such power in his voice and it is pleasant to hear as well. I sincerely think he is one of the most underrated rock singers of all time.
Check out the song below (video is actually from the movie Easy Rider).
The Sounds of Silence – Disturbed (David Draiman)
Hah not that song. But a lot of you probably know this track. it is an unlikely cover of Simon and Garfunkel classic from 1964; Unlikely considering the genre and vocal styles of the two bands (Disturbed being Nu Metal and S&G being folk rock).
As you can see though, Draiman (and the band) is able to channel his softer side to really set the tone of the track. Or maybe just set us up for the power to come.
There is more of the Draiman we all know. Even though he is delivering his signature power into his vocals, he still doesn’t lose the tenderness the song requires. All those challenges he faces in putting his spin on this cover, and he just pulls it off perfectly. I cannot effectively demonstrate how amazing the build up is from start to finish without clipping the entire song, so do yourself a favor and just listen to it below (or where-ever you listen to music)
Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie (Freddie Mercury & David Bowie)
Ok I KNOW you all know this one. Even while Queen was starting to make lesser appreciated albums, they managed to create this classic. It is the collaboration between two of the most famous British rock artists that just ascends this song to new heights. Throughout the track the two vocalists are switching off and bouncing off eachother, no better though in the climax of the song following the interlude. You get hit with the power and emotion (At beauty are high octaves) of Mercury’s voice with the more grounded familiar tone and attitude of Bowie’s and it just goes perfectly together. The message ain’t half bad either, is it?
The Kill – 30 Seconds to Mars (Jared Leto)
Talented actor, talented vocalist as well. In this track he sings with such intensity, and the clip I shared (the chorus) is perhaps the height of that. Just the raw emotion he exudes, you really feel for him in that moment; the angst and almost desperate feeling is really palpable. The verses set up these intense choruses and he even switches the chorus up a bit later in the song, so give it a listen if you’ve never heard the track.
I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner (Lou Gramm)
Lou Gramm does not get enough credit as a vocalist. The sitcom Modern Family paid this song homage in a scene because it truly is worth honoring. The track itself is constructed to highlight the vocals with a very subdued rhythm section and synthesized tones which Gramm matches with his vocal tempo. But of course the part that everyone loves this song for:
It truly is beautiful and inspiring; especially with the backing vocals. and I think it is a message we can all get behind; the yearning to love and be loved, and seeking that in others. It becomes even more impactful at the end when it is repeated over and over again. very well done Mr. Gramm
Fun Fact: Did you know the Grammy was named after Lou Gramm?? (It wasn’t).
Go With the Flow – Queens of the Stone Age (Josh Homme)
Another song that is driven by vocals, however this time it is backed by a harder rhythm. still the bell tones and repetitive power chords still give center stage to let front man Josh Homme show off his vocal skills. The chorus has himself providing backing vocals to himself (Does that actually make sense??) and features pauses in the vocals to allow the Drum and rolling riff to carry it to the completion of the line. (even with a backing vocal carrying it for the second line of the chorus). However I also love the verses, especially this one.
It deviates from the other verse lines by having vocals over the fills between each line, and accomplishes it with a hell of a rhyme before flexing the tone up for the final verse lyric that themes the song “Do you believe it in your head?!?!?”
