Introducing artists with whisper vocals
A whisper voice refers to a breathy tone, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a trend in today’s music scene.
It’s not a difficult technique, so some artists use it intentionally, while others naturally have a whisper-like voice.
This time, I’ve selected artists whose natural whisper voices you can savor.
Since the lineup features a lot of R&B and slow jams, it’s also recommended for fans of Black music.
Please sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Introducing whisper-voice artists (1–10)
thank u, nextAriana Grande
Ariana Grande, an American singer whose cute looks and catchy musical style have made her popular among young people around the world, is also extremely popular in Japan.
In fact, because of her high vocal range and similar timbre, she has been called “the second Mariah Carey.” Not only can she hit very high notes, but her tone is indeed quite similar, and she shares the characteristic of using a whispery voice in lower phrases, just like Mariah Carey.
Why not try listening to both and comparing them?
Whenever Wherever WhateverMaxwell
Maxwell is an American neo-soul singer known for his distinctive musical style that mixes soul and R&B with jazz and smooth jazz.
He has a high vocal range and a husky tone, delivering overwhelming performances in the upper register.
Interestingly, Maxwell is actually a whisper-voice singer.
While many artists use a whispery tone in their low and mid ranges, in his case, that whisper quality is present across his entire range.
We Belong TogetherMariah Carey
Mariah Carey is a globally popular female singer who has produced many hit songs, including All I Want for Christmas Is You and Honey.
She is also a well-known artist in Japan.
She has a natural whispery voice and often sings with a breathy tone in her low and mid ranges.
In her higher register, the whisper decreases, giving her voice more solidity, which lets you enjoy two distinct qualities within the same song.
Be sure to check her out.
The Sweetest TabooSade
Sade is a British band that has gained popularity for its distinctive sound, blending soul music with smooth jazz.
They began their career in the early 1980s and have continued to thrive to this day with their unique musical style.
The band’s vocalist, Sade Adu, has a low-toned voice and excels at creating a mature, sophisticated atmosphere.
She often shifts into a whispery tone when moving from the mid range into the higher register, so be sure to listen for that.
Lost CauseBillie Eilish
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, who released the global smash hit “bad guy” in 2019, is widely known in Japan as well, where the song also became a major hit.
Her musical style is highly distinctive, centered on strongly message-driven lyrics and downbeat melodies.
As a result, she often sings lower and mid-range parts in a soft voice, which naturally takes on a whispery quality.
If you’d like to experience her work from a different angle, try listening with a focus on those aspects.
Bad LiarSelena Gomez
Selena Gomez, an American singer-songwriter who gained massive support from teenagers after appearing in a Disney Channel series, has also become popular in Japan thanks in part to her charming looks.
Her vocals are distinctive, typically featuring a somewhat muffled tone.
However, when she sings softly in the low to mid range, a whispery quality comes through, which changes the impression significantly.
Be sure to check it out.
AdagioLara Fabian
Lara Fabian is an artist who represents Belgium.
She possesses world-class vocal ability and is highly acclaimed not only across Europe but also in many other countries.
Her voice has a distinct character in each register: a strong whispery tone in the low range, a rich, solid core in the middle range, and a light, airy quality in the high range.
She has performed famous songs in multiple languages, so if you’re curious about her linguistic abilities and her globally renowned vocals, be sure to check her out.