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
Male Western music vocalists with attractive husky voices (11–20)
Last NightMorgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen is one of the country music singers who represent the United States.
Lately, he’s become especially well-known thanks to collaborations with famous artists from the hip-hop scene.
He also has a husky voice.
His husky voice isn’t the common, whispery kind; it leans more toward a raspy, gravelly tone.
While his timbre isn’t particularly thick, it’s undeniably powerful and impactful.
The Ghost in YouRichard Butler（The Psychedelic Furs）
In recent years, even rock bands are expected to be squeaky clean, and I suspect quite a few people feel a certain lack because so many stars are so wholesome.
Vocalists who, despite their lovely looks, exude a hint of unhealthiness and possess a unique aesthetic have always been loved in a cultish way, no matter the era.
The band featured here, The Psychedelic Furs, is a post-punk outfit formed in the 1980s with a sax player, and their frontman Richard Butler was such a presence that he was hailed at the time as the second coming of David Bowie.
He’s not the type who wins on sheer vocal prowess, but his naturally husky voice and slightly nasal delivery are quintessentially 80s UK new wave/post-punk—and it’s fantastic.
He’s got that rock-star cool and swagger, yet there’s also a certain fragility to him, which I personally find very appealing.
One Last CryBrian McKnight
In a feature on husky voices, we mustn’t forget this artist: singer-songwriter Brian McKnight, who enjoyed immense popularity in the R&B scene from the 1990s to the early 2000s.
His vocal timbre is truly distinctive—a constant breathy tone that blends whisper and husky qualities.
This voice suits his signature slow, ballad-style R&B perfectly, adding a romantic atmosphere to his songs.
Live For You, Die With YouFly By Midnight
They may not be very well known in Japan yet, but I’d like to introduce a male duo you should keep an eye on! Fly By Midnight, based in Los Angeles, primarily releases original songs and covers online and is an indie-pop unit made up of two songwriters.
Their music video for the classic track capturing the melancholy of men, “Love Me Like a Friend,” has surpassed 1.
8 million views on YouTube since its 2019 release, so if you regularly keep up with new music, there’s a good chance you’ve heard it.
As mentioned, they’re a duo of two singer-songwriters, which means one of their charms is enjoying the contrast between their voices.
Both have husky, alluring tones, but one leans toward a mid-range, deeper timbre while the other sings in a higher register with expansive falsetto.
It’s no surprise, then, that their choruses and harmonies carry an even greater depth.
Smells Like Teen SpiritKurt Cobain（Nirvana）
Nirvana is a legendary rock band known for alternative rock, grunge, and indie rock, with a huge fan base in Japan as well.
Kurt Cobain was the band’s frontman and handled vocals.
Despite his sweet looks, his voice quality isn’t fundamentally husky, but it takes on a raspy edge when he goes into the mid-to-upper range.
Highly recommended for those who love cool rock.
Blame’s On MeAlexander Stewart
Alexander Stewart is a singer-songwriter from Canada.
After his cover of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” drew attention, many of his other covers gained traction on YouTube, and he began to be recognized as an artist in his own right.
His husky voice sits in the lower register and has a powerful presence reminiscent of Lewis Capaldi.
He can also hit high notes, giving him a wide expressive range, which is another part of his appeal.
Western male vocal artists with attractive husky voices (ages 21–30)
LoveSeal
Seal, a leading R&B singer from Canada, excels at smooth R&B and truly shines in mood-rich works.
His voice is extremely husky—the huskiest among the artists introduced here.
Combined with his exceptional expressive ability, his skill as a vocalist ranks among the world’s best.
If you’re looking for a bona fide artist with a husky voice, be sure to check him out.