My All Time Favorite Lead Singers and Solo Artists

One of the most influential reasons as to why someone loves a certain band is the lead singer. Maybe they have a distinct voice. Once they start singing, their voice is unmistakable. Maybe they have the uncommon ability to hit all the high and low notes with ease. Doing so is quite a talent after all.

Many of us talk about our favorite bands. But what about the lead singers behind them? They’re the first band member we notice after all.

Here are some of my favorite lead singers and solo artists. For each and every one of them, I’ve grown to love their sound right from the first listen.

Gavin DeGraw

Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw was the first music artist whose album I excitedly bought. I still have it: His debut album, Chariot. I admit, I had a huge crush on him then; and still do. His songwriting is down-to-earth and relatable, focusing on self-worth, love, and being real with yourself.

His music has evolved noticeably while still being raw and down-to-earth.

Here is one of the most down-to-earth love songs I’ve heard; it’s both authentic and hopeful, what we all hope love will be.

Lana Del Rey

Imagine sitting in a cozy coffee shop as the rain beats against the window. It’s early morning, and the world is just waking up around you. The rainy scene outside is dreary yet poetically inspirational.

I’m not sure why, but this is the atmosphere I think of when I think of songs by Lana Del Rey. I think it’s because a cozy coffee shop is one of the most ideal places to listen to a Lana Del Rey song; either there or in the comfort of your own home.

Or maybe it’s because I remember being in a coffee shop one morning when ‘Summertime Sadness’ came on and I just sat there, reflecting on the song’s lyrics as I sipped my coffee.

Every song is reflective and relatable. Not just that; the lyrics are deeply moving and emotional. Her voice, beautiful and raw, grips your soul.

Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode)

Many of us have a favorite lead singer with a distinct voice — one we recognize instantly. Dave Gahan from Depeche Mode is one of those voices for me.

I’ve been a Depeche Mode fan before I even realized I was a fan. It’s impossible to tell you the first time I heard one of their songs; I do remember how their songs made me feel.

Dave Gahan’s vocals grip your attention with a voice that is deep and dark yet soothing and moving, such as with this song.

Matt Bellamy (Muse)

Matt Bellamy is the frontman of the alternative rock band, Muse. He’s one singer who not only has a distinct voice but also one in which you either love his vocals (such as me) or find them grating.

What I find the most impressive about Matt Bellamy is the range he can reach. Some Muse songs lean toward heavy metal, while others are surprisingly mellow.

His voice can go from a heavy edginess to a tone that’s more soothing and mellow; almost like two personalities.

There’s also Matt Bellamy’s solo performances, which I find surprisingly mellow and acoustic compared to his performance in Muse.

I think this is one of Muse’s songs that highlights the range Matt Bellamy can go to; it is one of my favorite songs from their album, The Resistance.

Amy Lee (Evanescence)

From the rock band Evanescence, lead singer Amy Lee is one of the most impressive and talented female vocalists I’ve ever heard. The first time I was introduced to and listened to Evanescence was in high school, and the range the lead singer was able to reach blew me away! Her vocals are deeply emotional and fiercely powerful! I also love how her vocals can be soft and soothing, yet fit perfectly into the hard rock/metal atmosphere.

This song, which is easily the one Evanescence is best known for, highlights the range she can achieve.

Lead singers and solo artists influence the bands we love and even the genres we explore. Each artist has a unique quality that draws us in. Some of these musicians have been lifelong favorites, while others are more recent discoveries.

One thing is true for each of them:

Their talent has greatly influenced my love of their music.