1. Janet Jackson

While she has an admittedly thin voice, Janet's voice is like smooth silk, and she never fails to hit a note. The fact that she can hold her own better than Beyonce can in a Luther Vandross duet speaks volumes about her technical ability. Likes to mime a lot in concert, though

2. Madonna

Not an impressive range, but definitely impressive versatility. Her precision has improved since her Evita-era sessions with a vocal coach. She sounds very impressive on the Ray Of Light album, and has throughout her career been an excellent emoter. Plus, she puts on an incredible live performance, a venue where her imperfections actually sound endearing.

3. Kylie Minogue

Kylie's voice is underappreciated, but it is surprisingly strong, especially on earlier recordings such as "Better The Devil You Know" and "Got To Be Certain". Her more recent material exhibits more vocal experimentation than her '80s/early '90s stuff does. In all of her concert tours, Kylie has performed live, even changing the format of some of her songs (ex: a jazz version of "Better The Devil You Know" for her Live In Sydney show) at audience request.

4. Mary Wells

Not appreciated today, but she was Motown's diva before Diana Ross ever made it on the scene. Smooth and buttery, her voice also had surprising (and rarely unleashed) soulful power, as early singles like "Bye Bye Baby" attest to.

5. Donna Summer

Too often dismissed as a "disco relic", Donna's voice is simply incredible. Many 70's critics believed she was a studio puppet, and that her voice was manufactured -- until she did Live And More and wowed them all.

6. Martha Reeves

Another underappreciated Motown talent, only Martha can sing "Heat Wave" and do it justice. Remains underrated to this day.

7. Daryl Hall

Suffering from the same problem as Donna Summer, Daryl is often thought of as a fixture of the '80s but not much else. A great songwriter but also a great vocalist. Try to hunt down Hall & Oates's "Live At The Apollo" disc (w/ Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin), which is unfortunately out of print.

Oh, just thought I'd add a few more:

Belinda Carlisle
Barbara McNair
BRENDA HOLLOWAY!!! (Can't believe I forgot her)

I'm glad you mentioned David Ruffin. I believe he is one of the most under-appreciated vocalists of all time. Every time the Tempts performed with the Supremes, Ruff would wipe the floor with poor Diana Ross. I believe his out-of-this-world personality and drug abuse overshadowed his out-of-this-world voice. The 60's weren't ready for him.

Cheryl Lynn
Connie Francis
Boy George (don't laugh)
[This message was edited Mon Dec 22 7:46:40 PST 2003 by VoicesCarry]

Um. OK I like pop music, but I have to say
Janet
Madonna
Kylie

Underrated???

They are either OVER-rated or receive 'just enough' attention for their individual talents.

Megastars like that are not "underrated".
[This message was edited Mon Dec 22 7:59:30 PST 2003 by CinisterCee]

CinisterCee said:

I meant underrated in a vocal sense, considering that everyone always gives them props for sales and not for how they sing.

NOT as in "they're underrated because they're not well known enough".
[This message was edited Mon Dec 22 7:59:39 PST 2003 by VoicesCarry]

Janet, Madonna and Kylie do not have good voices.

Cloudbuster said:

Ok, so post someone you think is underrated vocally I wasn't asking people to agree with me lol.
[This message was edited Mon Dec 22 8:02:34 PST 2003 by VoicesCarry]

Some of you people still can't seem to appreciate Bjork.

CinisterCee said:

She has an incredible voice.

Cloudbuster said:

Agreed.

OK. Great!


Beth Gibbons?
Sinead O'Connor?

CinisterCee said:

Yes, but I don't think they're particularly underrated vocally

Everyone knows they have amazing voices. Especially Sinead. She blows me away.

Cloudbuster said:

That's right CB. They don't have good voices at all. Anyone could make a record and sound just as good as these women do. Some people that I think are underrated are Seal, Jacob Dylan. Someone above said Daryl Hall and I agree with that too.

I'm with you on Seal. Top voice.

Cloudbuster said:

I think Seal is great. His music is good, but his voice is fantastic. I can always appreciate someone with a truly great voice!

Ivana Santilli?
Esthero?

Deniece Williams?

Biz Markie?

kisscamille said:

I love his new album. Some of his best music ever, even though it's gotten a tepid reception from some longtime fans.

CinisterCee said:

Esthero was massive in Canada, but I'm sad to say I never really 'got' them (well, her). Very similar in vocal style to Sade and Bjork, but I just wasn't impressed.

Terence Trent D'Arby

YOU! YOU GOT WHAT I NEEE-eed

HAPPY RHODES


Often compared with Kate Bush/Annie Lennox/David Bowie!!!

If you don't know her, download a random song and you'll be hooked forever.

Hard to believe she's been around since mid 80's with 10 albums or so and she's not on Music Olympo

Caron Wheeler of Soul II Soul-This gal can sing rings around most R&B female vocalists out today, but doesn't receive half of the credit she is due.

Tweet-I think a lot of people really slept on her because of the misconception of her album sounding like the first two singles off Southern Hummingbird, but the rest of the songs sounded NOTHING like "Oops" or "Call Me" and complimented her voice quite well.

The Clark Sisters-This is what singing is supposed to be all about!!! They are the masters of riffs, runs, growls, scats...you name it. Not only are they gifted vocally, but also songwriting and musically (especially Twinkie Clark).

Joe-This brotha can blow, but I think "The Pied Piper of R&B" overshadows him too much (seeing as they're both on the same record label). Unfortunately, I don't think he's come into his own sound, but for a minute it seemed like he had it with his producing parter, Joshua Thompson.

Bilal-Amazing vocalist, but crazy as hell!!!

TTD needs to be recognised for a LOT of things that he doesn't get props for, especially his voice.

Also, I know she's kind of a 2 hit wonder, but if I could choose to sing like anyone I would love to have a voice like Irene Cara. If she had the right songs she could have been a lot bigger. Very strong and generally a warm and inviting voice.
[This message was edited Mon Dec 22 11:45:14 PST 2003 by Ellie]

Rosie Gaines.No, Im not kidding.

MrTation said:

Great choice. Rosie can outsing almost anyone!!

Ellie said:

So true, his voice is truly amazing and he's an incredibly talented artist!

okaypimpn said:

Good call! I saw him on BET's 106th & Park the other day, and I clapped when he finished singing "I Wanna Know". I'm telling you, if he every puts out a greatest hits comp, I'm buying it.

Okay, how 'bout Johnny Gill?

UptownDeb said:

Yes!!! Johnny is seriously underrated. He sounds a hell of a lot better live, too!!!