What's in a voice? A powerful voice in pop music can leave a lasting legacy, eternal popularity, and cultural relevancy.

We've examined 10 male voices in pop music and we break them down according to their vocal abilities, or lack thereof. Sure, no one can touch Michael Jackson on stage but what about in the studio? Who is the 'Falsetto King' — Usher or Justin Timberlake? And what grade does Trey Songz's yelped ad-libs and seemingly painful technique warrant him as a singer?

Serving as perfect material for stan wars or just solid background info for the less rabid pop music fan, find out where your favorite male vocalist landed on the list and sound off below. And be sure to revisit the female edition of this feature, which ranked 10 women in pop. http://www.barkbiteblog.c...oices.html

MICHAEL JACKSON

Vocal Type: Lyric tenor with an incredibly high extension, though some claimed him to be a full blown countertenor (aka male soprano). MJ had nearly a 4-octave vocal range, a rarity for male singers.

Vocal Strengths: What made Michael Jackson stand out as a vocalist was his distinct voice. His vocal "hiccups" (somewhat like gulping for air or gasping) and breathless stutters were legendary. Too many R&B singers sound alike and it's easy to confuse them if you don't already know who sings what. With Michael Jackson there was no mistaking his voice for someone else's. His voice goes from two E's below middle C, to two B's above middle C, or 44 notes.

In terms of overall vocal ability, Michael Jackson had one of the finest voices in contemporary pop music. His first advantage was the natural speed and dexterity of his voice. He had the ability to sing both staccato ("Smooth Criminal") and legato rhythms in perfect timing. Contrary to popular belief, he did NOT solely rely on his falsetto register. Of course MJ used it frequently, but it was not an indication of his inability to sing in full voice. In fact, if you listen to the "Butterflies" acapella, you can hear that all the high notes are sung in full voice and not falsetto. Lower registers were fully developed and round.

Vocal Weaknesses: Voice lacks bellowing power and is naturally androgynous. Sounds child-like on many recordings instead of like a full-grown man well into middle age. The vocal trademarks that made Michael Jackson iconic, like "hee, hee" and "cha'mon!", have the unfortunate tendency to open him up to caricature. Often sacrifices diction for feeling.

Vocal Influences: James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross

Overall Grade: A

People tend to revere Michael's voice as untouchable and throw stones at anyone who dares criticize the late King of Pop. The truth is, Michael was not the best technical singer. But he was an astounding 'vocal performer' — supported by the fact that 1.) His voice is [still] instantly recognizable anywhere around the world, 2.) There's isn't anyone who can sing his songs the way he could.

Because Michael wasn't considered a classic powerhouse belter, his abilities were sometimes criminally underrated. The elegance, the quiet boyishness, the aggression, the grunting, the falsetto, the crispness — that combination of elements solidify Michael Jackson as the benchmark contemporary male pop vocalist. Even in death.

Recommended Listening: "You Can't Win" from 'The Wiz' Soundtrack, "Off The Wall", "Dirty Diana", "Butterflies", "2000 Watts"

USHER

Vocal Type: Spinto tenor with substantial heldentenor capabilities and a vocal range spanning over 3 octaves (approx. A2-Bb5).

Vocal Strengths: Throughout Usher's wide range, his vocals ooze raw, unadulterated sexual energy and passion. His vocals are rich, creamy and smooth, boasting unwavering fluidity. Maintains crystal clear clarity in the highest reaches of his falsetto ("Burn"), all the while never sacrificing diction. His low notes are thick and chocolatey, his chest belts are powerful and his head voice is impressively supple even when hitting high G5's. Usher is Beyonce's counterpart in terms of being able to dance full-out and sing well at the same time. The vocal maven of contemporary pop and R&B.

Vocal Weaknesses: With trends in music ever evolving, Usher gingerly hopped on the euro-pop bandwagon seeking hollow No. 1s, but unfortunately lost his soul in the process. Most of Usher's singles released after Tameka-gate feature uninterestingly dull vocals atop generic house beats. His voice no longer has that spark. Some sound advice for the entertainer would be to stay away from anything produced by David Guetta, RedOne, or their ilk — their artificial productions kill all traces of soul in his voice.

Vocal Influences: Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke

Overall Grade: A

As a vocalist Usher has shown consistent growth since his 1994 debut to the present. Usher is an excellent pop/R&B singer and arguably the best of his generation.

Recommended Listening: "Nice & Slow", "Seduction", "Can U Handle It"

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Vocal Type: (Light) Lyric tenor with an average, but well utilized range (approx. F#2-Bb5).

Vocal Strengths: Justin's timbre is warm and inviting. He has masterful control over his falsetto register, unlike his blue-eyed soul brother Robin Thicke. Timberlake's upper register trills are full and resonate. Ability to belt in falsetto. Able to sustain full-bodied mid-range belts with precise pitch. Excellent communicator of emotion.

Vocal Weaknesses: Chest belts can be thin and airy, with very little power.

Vocal Influences: Michael Jackson, Al Green, Stevie Wonder

Overall Grade: B+

Many people have claimed that between him and JC Chasez, his former NSYNC bandmate, that JC had the better vocal chops. They might be right, but Justin's a far more interesting vocalist and recording artist. Now if only he could be enticed to record a follow-up toFutureSex/LoveSounds.

Recommended Listening: "Last Night", "My Love", "Until The End of Time"

NE-YO

Vocal Type: Lyric tenor

Vocal Strengths: Ne-Yo is a straightforward singer with a clear voice that provokes endearing sentiment. Voice is the epitome of 'pleasant'. Well-supported chest belter. Displays expert vocal control in his studio recordings as well as live showings. Never decorates songs with over indulgent ad-libbing.

Vocal Weaknesses: He is the male Leona Lewis. Both have silky, smooth, pitch-perfect voices but are equally about as exciting as a trip to the dentist. Ne-Yo's voice is not very dynamic nor moving, it's the vocal equivalent of good elevator music.

Vocal Influences: Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jon B.

Overall Grade: B

The definition of good, but not great: "Ne-Yo is a pleasure to have in class."

Recommended Listening: "So Sick", "Do You", "Beautiful Monster"

TREY SONGZ

Vocal Type: Dramatic tenor (Ab2-G#5)

Vocal Strengths: Versatile R&B vocalist who tends to use the full extent of his voice on all albums and most singles. Rich falsetto swirls up and down the scales with commanding authority. Sings with power and conviction that's often mistaken for singing "too hard" and/or "too forceful". Well-nuanced voice that shows signs of professional training in contemporary, as well as classic, R&B vocal stylings. Awkward vocal ticks and inflections makes Songz's velvety voice instantly recognizable.

Vocal Weaknesses: Excessive use of vibrato makes him sound like a angry goat being strangled and violently shaken, while simultaneous enduring an earthquake. He's the male Rihanna, in terms of his affinity for throaty runs and guttural growls. He barks notes instead of singing them. Strained notes can sound painful to the listener [confirmed by watching any live performance].

Vocal Influences: R. Kelly, R. Kelly, R. Kelly

Overall Grade: B-

Like Shoutina Aguilera, Songz's unflattering vocal ticks aren't going anywhere and his overconfidence as a singer seems to have stunted any further vocal growth.

Recommended Listening: "Can't Help But Wait", "Doorbell","Neighbors Know My Name"

CHRIS BROWN

Vocal Type: Spinto tenor; vocal range spans well over 2 octaves.

Vocal Strength: The duality of his tone ranges from earthy and sexy to bright and agile, depending on what the song calls for. Incredibly rich lower register maintains its clarity even at its extremes. Usually sings in full voice with a husky tone and a slight nasal drawl that [now] appears to be diminishing more and more with age. Ad libs, runs, and riffs usually contribute to the overall melody of the song and are skillfully implored. Brown is excellent at vocal arrangements and harmonizes well.

Vocal Weaknesses: Chris' vocal timbre is arid, catarrhal, and dry. Doesn't display much variation in vocal styles and shies away from vocal acrobatics, instead treads safely in his middle register. Brown's voice isn't very strong nor heavy. Chest belts can sound strained and forced when pushed to the limits of his upper register. Although melodic and complimentary, his ad-libs lack variation and creativity. No vocal stamina, particularly live.

For some reason, Chris always sounds "unwarmed-up" and hoarse, especially live. High belts past C#5 sound thin and whiney compared to the usual thickness of his voice. When trying to overtly project his voice, Brown sings from his head instead of his diaphragm. Limits himself as a competent live singer due to his inability to reproduce computerized [electro-pop] notes live. Chris Brown's lip syncing has become second only to Britney Spears. But at least he still has the dance moves to make up for it.

Vocal Influences: Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway, Brandy

Overall Grade: C+

Chris is capable of SO much more, both live and in the studio. Chris does, however, have a voice that sounds great [in the studio] on a wide array of genres, ranging from R&B, to pop, to trance.

Recommended Listening: "Take You Down", "No Bullshit", "Wet The Bed"

MIGUEL

Vocal Type: (Light) Lyric tenor

Vocal Strengths: As a songwriter first, Miguel respects the limits of his vocal ability and never goes above or below his means. Voice has a quivering vulnerability to it that makes it relatable. Miguel's fluttering falsetto and head voice sound angelic to the ear. Sings with a lot of melismatic accents on particular notes similar to Mariah Carey. Emotive vocal inflections ("...all I want is you. NOW...SUGAH...now that your gone, gone, gone...gone") add depth to simple lyrics.

Vocal Weaknesses: Like his image, Miguel's vocals are so unthreatening that many find the powdery soft quality of his voice to be intolerable.

Vocal Influences: Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey

Overall Grade: C

Miguel is a very talented singer but he wouldn't make American Idol's Top 12. His expressive lyrics and songwriting talents make up for the obvious shortcomings of his voice.

Recommended Listening: "Sure Thing", "All I Want Is You", "Teach Me"

This list is shit so far. No classic singers?

JUSTIN BIEBER

Vocal Type: (Countertenor 1994-2010) Lyric-spinto tenor; with an inconsistent vocal range.

Vocal Strengths: Can ride the background of a melody well, and despite his obvious vocal limitations, Justin always sounds confident and secure. Maturity has ushered in a deeper and more masculine sounding tone for the heartthrob.

Vocal Weaknesses: Where to begin? For starters, Bieber's voice is currently in a "biological transition"; as a result, all songs released prior to 2010 are too high for him, which forces the young singer to significantly drop keys for live performances. Puberty is a bitch.

Rhythmic riffs and runs show zero signs of authentic vocal musicianship. Instead, Bieber's attempts at soulful riffing come off as generic imitations of Usher and/or Chris Brown. Hence the reason why he's always overshadowed by the guest singers on his own tracks (i.e."All I Want For Christmas...r Festive"). Not to say that he doesn't have talent, but his talents as a guitarist and songwriter outweigh his talents as a vocalist by a landslide. Bieber's wooden and metallic timbre allows for very little vocal flexibility and prevents him from blending [harmonizing] well with others (i.e. Boyz II Men).

This 17-year-old pop star sadly did not receive the blue-eyed soul gene like others on this list. The unfortunate problem is this Justin doesn't know it.

Vocal Influences: Usher, Justin Timberlake, Boyz II Men

Overall Grade: C-, Though his song "Under the Mistletoe" deserves a D.

Bieber is going through a huge transitional phase. He's proven himself to be a hit with toddlers, pre-teens and teenage girls, but if he hopes to have a career in the longterm, he's going to have to pull off what Justin Timberlake did. And right now, it's looking like he has a rocky road ahead of him.

Recommended Listening: "Somebody To Love", "Never Say Never","The Christmas Song"

JASON DERULO

Vocal Type: Spinto tenor

Vocal Strengths: Jason has a solid falsetto that is actually rather impressive. He has an obvious ear for melody that bodes well for him as a songwriter. Unfortunately, much like his record sales, all other aspects of his voice come up short. It's not that he's a god-awful singer, but his utter lack of any discernably human personality gets in the way of him being believable most of the time.

Vocal Weaknesses: Limited vocal ability is overcompensated by thick layers of autotune and digitally enhancing pro-tools, courtesy of [insert any Top 40 Pop producer]. Jason's voice is so faceless and unassuming that when it's not adorned with the studio's bells & whistles it becomes easily forgettable. His voice needs to be dipped in a lot of sauce for it to taste good. On its own it's as dry as unbuttered toast.

Vocal Influences: Michael Jackson, Usher, Omarion

Overall Grade: D

Has NASA confirmed that DeRulo isn't some kind of alien life form just imitating what they think a male pop star on earth should sound like? He's too cold and detached as a vocalist and artist.

Recommended Listening: "The Sky's the Limit", "Ridin' Solo (Live Acapella)", "It Girl"

smoothcriminal12 said:

This list is shit so far. No classic singers?

NO!! Its POP. Outside of MJ its pop artist from 2000=present.

I thinks its quite entertaining if you reaed some of the descriptions

purple05 said:

TREY SONGZ

Vocal Influences: R. Kelly, R. Kelly, R. Kelly

smoothcriminal12 said:

This list is shit so far. No classic singers?

classic singer, even mid-level can kill anyone in this list. I do not think it would be fair.
they are very overrated usher. He is good, but А?? really?

Prince.org is officially some garbage.....

Why the fuck is MJ mentioned in the same sentence with trash??????

mjscarousal said:

I like most of the guys on this list so I actually was reading this. But I know this thread is going to be about shity they are etc and hundred pages of ranting about where the old school singers . So i'm going to leave now but lmao at some of the grades.

No Prince so this list is bullshit

That has to the most awful list ever.

Usher? Goat Boy Songz? Justin Bieber.

Terrib3Towel said:

That has to the most awful list ever.

Usher? Goat Boy Songz? Justin Bieber.

If Trey "no singing ass" Songz is on this list it's some bull