10 Greatest Vocal Performances In Classic Rock

whatculture.com ^ | April 26, 2020

[PROCON]

Singers tend to receive a bad reputation when it comes to rock and roll. Many people think that these guys just have a lucky break by making a living screaming into a microphone. On the other side, there have been many vocalists that have really shown the time and effort that goes into singing rock and roll.

A lot of people tend to forget that the voice is an instrument unto itself, and all of these singers utilize that instrument to its fullest potential. These songs not only showcase the intensity of the person's singing, but also the unique control of their range. Some of these tunes don't even feature one vocalist, but a vocal team working in conjunction with each other to create something truly spectacular.

Above all, these performances show these singers as fully functioning musicians, who put their heart and soul into their craft to make magic come out of their vocal cords. Sure, they might not be playing a guitar or tearing up the drums, but the sheer power coming from the back of their throat will make your hair stand up on end.

[PROCON]

OK, the article is one you have to click through so this is their 10 Greatest Vocal Performances in Classic Rock, with Commentary:

10. The End - The Doors

9. Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones

8. Runnin With The Devil - Van Halen

7. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys

6. Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin

5. Won't Get Fooled Again - The Who

4. Because - The Beatles

3. Child In Time - Deep Purple

2. Dream On - Aerosmith

1. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

[Artemis Webb]

Most anything by Roy Orbison.

[Vince Ferrer]

1. Great Gig in the Sky Pink Floyd/Clare Torry

[Steve_Seattle]

The only one I might agree on is "God Only Knows." I absolutely can't stand "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "Whole Lotta Love" is almost as bad. I really like "Gimme Shelter," but the highlight of that song is the guitar work, not the vocal.

The fact that Roy Orbison and Bonnie Raitt are missing is not a good sign.

[Steve_Seattle]

"Roy Orbison"

Beat me to it.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

You hit the nail on the head. Anything by Orbison was great. I kind of wonder why Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets didn’t make the list.

[Afterguard]

Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison. All time best R&R song.

[faucetman]

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

“Woman, Woman”, “Over You”, “Young Girl”, “This Girl Is a Woman Now” and “Lady Willpower”.

[libertylover]

That’s not even close.

The Great Gig in the Sky Pink Floyd/Clare Torry

[Professional]

If “Pretty Woman” is Rock and Roll, then I’m a Space Monkey from another Galaxy.

[Phlap]

With a little help from my friends. Joe Crocker at Woodstock.

[HombreSecreto]

Most anything by Roy Orbison.

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Or The Righteous Brothers

[Dave W]

I don’t consider them rock...sorry. I like both, though.

[Responsibility2nd]

Meatloaf. Bat Out of Hell.

[Yo-Yo]

For something from this Centruy: The Sound of Silence by David Draiman of Disturbed

[1217Chic]

Now that’s a great voice!!!

[HombreSecreto]

Most anything by Roy Orbison.

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Or The Righteous Brothers

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Or Simon and Garfunkel

[faucetman]

Jay and the Americans (Jay Black)

Cara Mia

[Phlap]

That would be O Pretty Woman

[Dave W]

Pretty Woman rock? Not even close.