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!
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- [2025] Recommended for those who struggle with high notes! Enka by male singers that can be sung in a low register
Western male vocal artists with alluring husky voices (1–10)
What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong, the legendary jazz vocalist affectionately known as “Satchmo.” His signature song, What a Wonderful World, is familiar to many people in Japan as well.
Armstrong’s voice is highly distinctive—deep, rich, and husky, with a gravelly quality.
The overwhelming vocals created by that voice and his profound expressive power are sure to soothe the fatigue of everyday life.
As It WasHarry Styles
No longer needing an introduction as a former One Direction member, Harry Styles proved himself one of the defining solo artists of 2022.
His third solo album, Harry’s House, released the same year, topped charts around the world and became a massive hit—something still fresh in our memories.
He also headlined Coachella, one of the world’s largest music festivals, in 2022, cementing his status as a top star who represents the 2020s.
His singing voice, in fact, isn’t particularly mannered; he doesn’t rely on grandiose vibrato, and his natural huskiness makes his performances comfortable and appealing to many listeners.
The occasional sultriness and his refined falsetto are wonderful, too.
Every Beat of My HeartRod Stewart
In the history of music, when it comes to rock singers with husky voices, many people probably think of him.
His voice pairs extremely well with grand rock ballads.
On top of his naturally raspy tone, the way he sings—almost as if exhaling—adds even more character to his timbre.
Male Western music vocalists with attractive husky voices (11–20)
I’m In Love With My CarRoger Tayler（Queen）
Queen is perhaps the most widely recognized Western rock band in Japan and a legendary British group celebrated around the world.
Even after the passing of their absolute frontman, Freddie Mercury, they continue to be respected by subsequent generations of artists, and Queen + Adam Lambert, with Adam Lambert as vocalist, has been igniting stadiums worldwide.
What sets Queen apart from other bands is that all four members are exceptionally talented songwriters.
Rather than being the typical one-man band fronted by the vocalist, it’s remarkable that songs written by each member have become major hits.
Among them, drummer Roger Taylor is a multi-instrumentalist who has also taken on lead vocals for Queen, possessing a captivating husky voice often compared to that of Rod Stewart.
Drawing on his childhood experience in a choir, Roger also delivers soaring high-tone harmonies.
Be sure to pay attention to his singing voice!
Black SummerAnthony Kiedis（Red Hot Chili Peppers）
When it comes to globally successful rock bands whose name is widely known in Japan even among people who aren’t that into Western music, it’s got to be the Red Hot Chili Peppers—aka the Chili Peppers.
Formed in the 1980s and boasting a long career, they’ve overcome various troubles and hardships to remain at the forefront of the scene even now in the 2020s.
They can do everything from blistering funk to melody-forward ballads, and a major part of their sound’s appeal is the voice of their original member and frontman, Anthony Kiedis, who sits at the center of their diverse catalog.
Rather than a conventional rock vocalist, Anthony started out with the kind of wild, all-in performance style you’d expect from a funk band, and over the years he became the type who can deliver truly great melodies.
His husky voice, which has a warm, embracing quality reminiscent of the California sun, has only grown richer in recent years.
Of course, his rap-like delivery in his younger days was fantastic too, and his lyrics—highly praised from a literary standpoint—are well worth paying close attention to.
drunk textHenry Moodie
Henry Moodie is a singer-songwriter from the UK.
He’s also famous as a TikTok star, so many people in their teens and twenties have probably heard his songs.
Henry has a husky voice, but it comes out in a specific range: his low and mid range sound like a normal singing voice, and as he moves into the higher range, it turns into a breathy, husky tone.
His voice is incredibly sweet, so women in particular won’t want to miss it!
Rich Men North Of RichmondOliver Anthony
Oliver Anthony is a folk singer from the United States.
Until quite recently, he wasn’t widely known, but with “Rich Men North of Richmond” as the catalyst, he suddenly shot to the top of charts around the world.
He also has a husky voice—closer to a gravelly tone—so I think his timbre will really hit the spot for those who like a more masculine singing style.
Also noteworthy is the anti-establishment message that helped propel him to success.