Introducing artists with whisper vocals

thank u, nextAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – thank u, next (Official Video)

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 – Whenever Wherever Whatever (Official 4K Video)

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.

The Sweetest TabooSade

Sade – The Sweetest Taboo – Official – 1985

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.

We Belong TogetherMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – We Belong Together (Official Music Video)

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.

Bad LiarSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez – Bad Liar (Audio)

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.

Lost CauseBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Lost Cause (Official Music Video)

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.

Back At OneBrian McKnight

Brian McKnight – Back At One (Short Version) (Official Music Video)

Brian McKnight is a top-tier R&B singer with a global following.

He began his career in the late 1980s and has continued to thrive for many years.

His defining trait is, above all, his whisper voice.

He naturally possesses this airy vocal quality, letting you savor his distinctive, breathy tone in any phrase.

He is also highly acclaimed as a composer.

Every track is exceptionally well-crafted, so if you’re looking to experience classic, straight-ahead R&B, be sure to check him out.