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exceptional voices of female singers (non-classical)

What I'm talking about here is what critics of classical singing refer to as "the instrument": the exceptional beauty or uniqueness of the timbre of the voice qua voice.  For the moment, put aside preferences w.r.t. repertoire, interpretation, performance, style, delivery, etc., and just consider the *sound* of the voice.  We're *not* talking about favorite female artists here, because that kind of preference is based on a whole amalgam of factors.

I suspect some of the top figures in the category I've tried to define often aren't very popular among audiophiles, because of those many other factors.

My first three nominations: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Eva Cassidy.

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Showing 1 response by jssmith

jssmith
296 posts
 
These are the only ones I've heard who belong in the top tier of "as close to vocally pure as possible".

Ann Wilson
I saw her in concert in her prime and when she sang Dream of the Archer it just sent chills through me. She lost it by the late 80's.

Oceans of Slumber's Cammi Gilbert
Check out their song Sunlight (Live) on Youtube, or their new song The Banished Heart
(caution: Metal, but I think most can handle it. It's mild.)

Bonnie Raitt
I don't know why her voice sounds so much better on ballads, but her rendition of I Can't Make You Love Me is stunning. Adele attempted this song and butchered it. Only Bonnie can pull it off.

Whitney Houston
Celine Dion
Not my style, but I appreciate their stunning talent.
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