A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
People often say things like “Your husky voice is wonderful,” but what exactly is the definition of a husky voice?
If you translate it literally, it comes out as a “hoarse voice” or a “raspy voice,” which can sound negative in the context of singing.
But in reality, a husky voice tends to contain a great many overtones, and those overtones often change unpredictably with the singing and pitch.
That randomness can make the voice sound incredibly appealing.
This is especially true for male singers, where the degree of rasp or breathiness can enhance a sense of masculinity and sex appeal, making the voice very compelling.
In this article, we’ve gathered a selection of songs by singers whose husky voices are especially captivating.
Please enjoy the distinctly masculine charm you won’t find in clear-voiced singers!
Western male vocal artists with alluring husky voices (1–10)
Please Forgive MeBryan Adams
Bryan Adams is a singer-songwriter from Canada.
He was hugely active in the 1980s and left behind many classic songs with a rock-based sound.
His vocal quality is a sweet, husky voice—closer to a whispery tone than a gravelly one.
This makes him an excellent fit for romantic songs, and his rock-centered ballads have outstanding flavor.
If you like sweet-sounding tracks, be sure to check him out.
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter from Scotland.
His song “Someone You Loved” became a global hit, and since then he’s continued to consistently drop hit tunes.
His husky voice is distinctive—not just husky, but carrying the richness of a baritone throughout.
It’s rare to find a singer whose voice is this husky while also having such depth and low-end weight, so be sure to check him out.
I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingSteven Tyler（Airosmith）
Aerosmith’s vocalist, Steven Tyler.
If you like rock, you probably know him.
He also has a husky voice, but rather than a breathy, whispery huskiness, his tone is closer to a raspy growl.
As a result, it pairs extremely well with rock and gives his vocals a sharp, cutting edge.
It’s a versatile kind of husky voice that suits both ballads and hard rock sounds, so be sure to check him out.
November RainAxl Rose（Guns N’ Roses）
One of the most prominent bands in the hard rock and heavy metal scene, Guns N’ Roses, is a group that any rock fan in Japan will know.
The band’s vocalist who sings “November Rain” is Axl Rose.
In addition to his wide range that covers both high and low registers, he also has a raspy, husky tone.
If you want to experience a vocalist with exceptional versatility, be sure to check him out.
RockstarChad Kroger（Nickelback）
Nickelback is a Canadian monster band that achieved explosive success in the rock scene from the 2000s onward.
In 2022, they released their milestone 10th studio album, Get Rollin’, delivering that signature Nickelback sound and delighting fans.
While their foundation lies in heavy styles like alternative rock and post-grunge, they also have many massive hits in the form of heartfelt rock ballads featuring acoustic guitar.
At the center of it all is the voice of frontman Chad Kroeger, who handles vocals and guitar.
With a husky, thick, lustrous tone—brimming with a good kind of over-the-top, masculine presence—Chad’s voice gives both their hard-hitting tracks that whip audiences into a frenzy and their stadium-filling singalong ballads an undeniable sense of conviction.
Light SwitchCharlie Puth
Charlie Puth, hailing from New Jersey in the United States, is one of the standout artists representing the pop music scene from the 2010s onward, known for his striking looks and talent as a singer-songwriter.
A musical elite who graduated from Berklee College of Music, he first gained attention online by posting covers of major artists like Adele on YouTube.
In 2015, his collaboration with Wiz Khalifa on See You Again became a massive hit and a springboard to his breakthrough.
Listening to Charlie’s pitch-perfect vocals—backed by his absolute pitch—and his sweet, slightly husky voice that melts listeners’ hearts, you can’t help but think that heaven really does give not just two, but three gifts to some people!
Time Waits For No OneFreddie Mercury（Queen）
Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band Queen.
Even many young people in Japan have come to know him through the film Bohemian Rhapsody.
Freddie Mercury’s vocal tone is incredibly powerful, yet it also has a husky side.
That wide range of vocal timbre may be what helped Queen achieve such remarkable success.
You can enjoy his husky voice in any of their works, so be sure to check them out.