For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music
From a slightly hoarse, smoky, soothing tone to a powerful voice that might make you think for a moment, “Is that a male vocalist?,” husky female vocals radiate a wide range of charms.
Many of my vocal training students admire husky voices as well.
This time, I’ve selected recommended works by female artists in Western music who showcase such captivating husky singing.
Some tracks are chosen from my perspective as a vocal producer, so I believe they’ll be helpful references for female singers with husky voices.
However!! No matter how wonderful a husky voice is, please never intentionally damage your own voice to get it, okay? I truly mean it—please be careful.
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For those who love husky voices: Female singers in Western music (1–10)
Red FlagsMimi Webb
Mimi Webb is a British singer-songwriter who debuted in 2020.
Her song “Red Flags” is a great pick even for beginners to husky-voiced vocals, letting you enjoy her natural husky tone.
True to its title, which means “danger signals,” the song is cool for its thrilling storyline—finding an ex’s things at his place, a broken-up couple trying to get back together, and so on.
The message of pressing forward even in a risky love and her powerful vocals are a perfect match!
Fade Like A ShadowKT Tunstall
KT Tunstall is a singer-songwriter from Scotland.
She drew attention when she released her debut album, Eye to the Telescope, in 2004.
A little while after her debut, 2010’s Fade Like A Shadow is a standout track where you can revel in her husky, powerful vocals! It’s a highly driving pop-rock number, and her raspy voice matches the style so well—it’s irresistible!
SorryHalsey
If you like husky voices, Halsey is an artist you can’t miss.
She’s a singer-songwriter who debuted in 2014, known for being nominated for a Grammy and being named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Her standout traits are her husky yet soaring vocals and her pop sensibilities.
Many of her songs feel uplifting.
That said, her ballads are also excellent, so she’s a great pick when you’re in the mood for something mellow.
For those who love husky voices – Female Western singers (11–20)
CompanyRickie Lee Jones
Ricki Lee Jones, a singer-songwriter who represents America.
Since her album debut in 1979, she has had brief pauses in her recording activity over a long career, yet she has continued to release work consistently, and in 2019 she even held a special Japan concert to mark the 40th anniversary of her debut.
Her signature classic “Chuck E.
’s in Love” is a song many people have probably heard at least once.
Her debut album “Rickie Lee Jones,” whose cover—nonchalantly smoking a cigarette—looks impossibly cool and features that famous track, is packed with the charm of her voice: a stylish blend of husky, grown-up allure and girlish spontaneity.
Meant to BeBebe Rexha
Bebe Rexha is an artist with a diverse musical style spanning pop, dance, R&B, and country.
She drew attention with her 2015 debut EP, “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up,” and earned a Gold disc for her 2018 debut album, “Expectations.” She’s also highly regarded as a songwriter, having achieved a U.
S.
No.
1 with a track by Eminem and Rihanna.
In 2019, she was nominated in two categories at the Grammy Awards, recognizing her talent.
With emotionally rich lyrics and catchy melodies, Bebe’s vocals are perfect for fans of husky voices, and she’s a great recommendation for anyone who enjoys a variety of genres.
SnoozeSZA
SZA has become an indispensable figure when talking about R&B.
She self-released her first EP in 2012, and word of mouth spread, leading to her major-label debut in 2017.
Since then, she has achieved numerous milestones, including winning a Grammy and spending 10 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard 200.
If you’re looking for a way to get to know her music, global hits like “Kill Bill” and “Snooze” are great places to start.
Her deeply resonant voice is truly soothing.
1234Feist
Feist, a singer-songwriter Canada is proud of.
She originally had a background in a punk band and also spent time as a member of Broken Social Scene, the celebrated Canadian supergroup.
The moment the world came to know the talent so beloved by her peers was with the classic 2007 track “1234,” from her album The Reminder.
Featured in an Apple iPod nano commercial, it became a global hit and even earned a Grammy nomination.
Rooted in sprightly folk, her wonderful songs—and her husky voice, often compared to Joni Mitchell—gently bring comfort to listeners’ hearts.