The Fray frontman Isaac Slade shares with us his Top 10 Lead Singers. His choices are more than just based on inspiration -- they are singers who have pushed the limits, not only by vocals but lyrics that truly paint a picture through their words. Most known for their hits 'How to Save a Life' and 'You Found Me,' The Fray continue to produce poetic, piano-based hits. Check out Slade's picks below.
10) Gavin Rossdale of Bush
As a kid 'Swallowed' was my siren's song. I was a sheltered church kid and here's this guy talking about living the life his way, doing whatever he felt like doing. Bush wasn't allowed in my house either, which made it that much more mysterious.
9) Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails
We all live our life in tension, between what we want and what we have. Usually people embrace one or the other and end up fake and happy or just cynical and miserable. Every once in a while someone comes along who can hold the good and the bad in either hand. They scream from the pain off on their own but Trent lets us watch.
8) Freddie Mercury of Queen
He simply refused to get those monstrous teeth fixed. Enough said.
7) Thom Yorke of Radiohead
He is the voice for my lonely little generation. The haunting isn't in the tone, but in the dynamic range. He carries us with isolationist whispers, he buries us in sheer chaos. We need someone that speaks both languages.
6) Michael Stipe of R.E.M.
The power is in his stance. He's up there standing on the world's stage watching the rest of us live our little lives. He has enough insight to crush our feeble little attempts at happiness, but instead he wraps his arms around us all.
5) Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin
Incendiary vocals. He was liquid lust. He showed his sexuality enough to make our parents blush and our grandparents change the radio station.
4) Kurt Cobain of Nirvana
I heard he stepped off stage after a set and just collapsed weeping. I like a man who can scream about how messed up the world is and then admit he doesn't have all the answers.
3) Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam
How many times have you seen Vedder in the public eye not directly connected with music? He's the anti-celebrity. Search him on TMZ. It's Eddie singing U2 at a karaoke bar in Arizona. I want that.
2) I think he may never find all that he's looking for here, but we don't need him to. We just want to hear him ask the question.
1) Adam Duritz of Counting Crows
There's no one like him. He peers into the human condition and sings what he sees. Sometimes he floats above it, sometimes it pulls him under. Ask him why he's not too nervous to sing songs that cut to the bone. He'll say he's nervous if they don't.
1. Well, these are all fine, but I think if there's one person missing here it's James Hetfield. He's really amazing. And I'm sure you know that. And the purpose isn't to change your mind, but just to put one of my favorites up. Besides these artists are a bit more "Fray" than Metallica so it makes sense ;)
Posted at 4:58PM on Oct 1st 2009 by Rookie