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.
- [Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers
- [Cool Female Vocals] The World’s Coolest Female Singers [2025]
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
- Female Western music artists who are good singers
- [Western Music] Female vocalists known for their beautiful voices
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.
- Foreign female singers' commercial songs: CM/commercial/popular song ranking [2025]
- [1970s] Recommended Nostalgic Western Music: Female Singers
- Beautiful high notes that feel so good! Classic Western songs where you can fully enjoy high-tone vocals.
- Introducing artists with whisper vocals
- Classic R&B songs recommended for women
For those who love husky voices: Female singers in Western music (1–10)
HushJuliet Simms (Automatic Loveletter)
Automatic Loveletter is an American emo band, fronted by vocalist and guitarist Juliet Simms.
Their song “Hush” is a track where you can fully enjoy her husky voice! In particular, the scooping style she uses in the chorus pairs perfectly with her raspy tone, and it’s hard not to get excited as you listen.
She also mixes in edge voice—producing sound while keeping the vocal cords closed—to add more dynamics to her singing.
Be sure to listen closely for those details.
Just Give Me A ReasonP!nk
Pink is an American singer-songwriter who has earned worldwide popularity for her authentic musicianship and vocals.
She’s widely known as a leading example of a female artist with a husky voice, but hers stands out from other female singers.
Her most distinctive trait is her husky tone in the lower register.
In the low range, her huskiness is stunning, combining a raspy texture with a rich, full-bodied sound.
If you’re looking for a truly accomplished husky voice, she’s an artist you shouldn’t miss.
Fallin’Alicia Keys
Since the 2000s, every release by Alicia Keys has consistently become a hot topic and a massive hit.
Her debut album, Songs in A Minor, released in 2001 when she was just 19, exploded worldwide, selling an astounding 12 million copies and instantly propelling her to stardom as a precocious genius.
Having studied piano from a young age and grounded in classical music, she introduced a streetwise hip-hop sensibility into traditional soul, creating a sound so striking that I vividly remember the impact it had on me.
Beyond her songwriting talent, her husky, powerful, and sultry voice is utterly captivating.
Even if you love rock and pop but aren’t sure about R&B, I highly recommend her!
You’ve Got the LoveFlorence & The Machine
Florence + the Machine, who debuted in 2007 as an art-pop band from the UK, have captivated audiences worldwide with Florence Welch’s commanding vocals.
From their 2009 debut album Lungs, their powerful, smoky voice became a sensation, and in 2010 they won the Brit Awards’ Mastercard British Album of the Year.
Their rich musicality blends indie rock and baroque pop with elements of soul and gospel.
Their emotional, dramatic lyrics and breathtaking stage performances are not to be missed.
Highly recommended for those drawn to husky voices and expressive, dynamic singing.
No Ordinary LoveSade
Since releasing their debut album Diamond Life in 1984, every record Sade has put out has become a global hit and earned high acclaim.
Often misunderstood, Sade is actually a British four-piece band centered around Nigerian-born singer-songwriter Sade Adu.
Although they are relatively sparse in output—with six albums released up to 2020—their stripped-down sound is executed with overwhelming precision, and Adu’s alluring, smoky alto voice continues to radiate a truly singular presence.
Immerse yourself in their timeless musicality that never feels dated, and in the elegant yet mysterious vocals.
ToxicBritney Spears
Britney Spears is a songstress who represents the American pop scene.
Since her debut in 1999, her powerful yet enchanting voice has continued to captivate music fans around the world.
She shot to stardom with her debut single, and in 2000 her album “Oops!.
.
.
I Did It Again” became a massive hit, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
In 2004, she won a Grammy Award, proving her talent.
From danceable pop tunes to tracks infused with electronic elements, Britney has constantly evolved with a diverse musicality.
Her alluring husky voice is powerful, yet at times gentle and soothing.
Many listeners are surely enthralled by a voice that blends strength with vulnerability.
Midnight SkyMiley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, the artist who became known for the popular Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, was initially promoted with a good-girl image, but she has since shifted to her true style—bold and sexy.
This might surprise those who remember her old image, but her voice is actually very husky.
In her recent songs, that husky tone has become even more refined, so be sure to check them out.