For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, I built experience with a major label as a composer and producer. I then moved to the United States and studied voice and singing under Elizabeth Sabine, one of Los Angeles’s top vocal coaches, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal technique advocated by Sabine. After returning to Japan, I have been involved in training and producing a variety of singers. My direction, which brings out the full appeal of both the music and the vocalist, is highly regarded. In the collaboration video with Vo. ryuichi of the band Guild below, I handled keyboards, vocal direction, and sound production. For inquiries and requests regarding voice training and music production, please contact me via the website below. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-402518821

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.

For Lovers of Husky Voices: Female Western Music Singers (21–30)

Make MeJennifer Paige

Jennifer Paige Make Me

Make MeJennifer Paige

Jennifer Paige has a voice that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of ’90s pop like Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys.

Her tone is husky and undeniably sexy—breathy, low melodies paired with soaring, radiant high notes.

Her vocal prowess is unmistakable.

A song that fully showcases Jennifer’s charm is Make Me.

It’s a track that will never let you down when you’re in the mood for full-on pop!

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Stop This FlameCeleste

Celeste – Stop This Flame (Official Video)

Stop This FlameCeleste

With a husky, soulful voice and an overwhelming presence that heralds the birth of a new diva for the 2020s, she is Celeste—born in Los Angeles, raised in Brighton in the UK, and of Jamaican descent.

Influenced by the great singers of classic jazz, soul, and blues, she began creating original songs at 16 and posted them on YouTube in 2014.

Her precocious talent was soon recognized, and in 2018 she signed with major label Polydor, drawing widespread attention.

She went on to take the top spot in the BBC’s “Sound of 2020,” and her name became known here in Japan as well.

If you’re a fan of singers like Adele or Amy Winehouse, she’s a must-listen.

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ComplicatedAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

ComplicatedAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is a singer-songwriter from Canada.

Her punkish vocals—so unexpected given her stunning looks—have become a source of admiration for many girls.

She belts out tangled romances and frustrations with explosive emotion.

In Japan, she has had a major influence on singer-songwriters such as YUI and Mao Abe.

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DiamondsRihanna

Rihanna – Diamonds

DiamondsRihanna

A singer-songwriter from Barbados who has become a global star.

There’s a subtle quiver in her voice that offers a unique charm, different from a typical husky tone.

Rooted in R&B, she has explored new territory through numerous collaborations and continues to deliver fresh facets of her artistry with each album.

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Make You Feel My LoveAdele

Adele – Make You Feel My Love (Official Video)

Make You Feel My LoveAdele

A diva with rich vocal power and overwhelming singing ability, and a Grammy-winning track record.

In the United States, the spotlight had long been cast on flashy-looking singers, and it was difficult for someone like her—plain in appearance and relying solely on vocal talent—to be recognized.

That’s the nature of showbiz, and why many international artists have struggled in that country.

But Adele overturned that precedent.

In 2012, she also succeeded in a dramatic weight loss, drawing praise from around the world.

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RehabAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Rehab

RehabAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was a destructive, doomed singer who epitomized the 2000s in the UK and tragically died at the young age of 27.

Her 2003 debut album, Frank, was highly praised, but it was the 2006 masterpiece Back to Black that truly made her a global name.

Rooted in soul, jazz, and R&B, her commanding vocals—astonishing for someone in her early twenties—embodied what can only be called “real soul.” Many can still vividly recall the fervor surrounding her in the music scene of that time, even now in the 2020s.

Although Amy had many personal struggles, the works she left behind will continue to be loved for years to come.

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It’s a HeartacheBonnie Tyler

It’s a Heartache

It's a HeartacheBonnie Tyler

This is Bonnie Tyler, a female singer from Wales.

Her distinctive voice has a very poignant quality that almost brings you to tears just by listening.

As of 2019, she was 68 years old, yet she continued to tour around the world and perform energetically.

She is one of the legendary female singers.

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