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!
- For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music
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- Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Commercial Songs by Male Western Artists: CM Songs, Commercials, and Popular Track Rankings [2025]
- The Appeal of Male Western Music Duos: Recommended Classics and Popular Songs
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- [2025] Take the next step. Breakup songs sung by male Western artists
- A Collection of Classic 80s Western Ballads with Male Vocals
- [Karaoke] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that are easy to sing even for people with low voices
- [For Men] Cool, Popular Songs That Impress at Karaoke
- [2025] Recommended for those who struggle with high notes! Enka by male singers that can be sung in a low register
Male Western music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 31–40)
In Too DeepDeryck Whibley（Sum 41）
A vocalist who serves as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the Canadian rock band Sum 41.
In the band’s early days, they performed songs with strong metal elements, while now they deliver punk tracks, all handled with a husky, powerful voice.
Despite that, they’re actually shy by nature—an appealing contrast that makes them a captivating singer.
The Kids Aren’t AlrightDexter Holland（The Offspring）
The vocalist and guitarist of the pop-punk band The Offsprings, formed in 1984 in California, USA.
He has worked on most of The Offsprings’ songs, and his powerful, husky voice—perfect for a punk band’s frontman—thrills fans around the world.
Lucky ManGreg Lake（EL&P)
A track from the British progressive rock band ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), included on their 1970 debut album.
The vocals are by Greg Lake, who also handles bass and guitar.
Greg Lake has a vocal quality similar to John Wetton of ASIA, whom I introduced in another article, though Lake’s voice is perhaps a bit less husky and clearer than Wetton’s.
His gentle, slightly husky voice fits beautifully with this folk-tinged song centered on acoustic guitar.
Amid this pastoral sonic image, Keith Emerson’s synthesizer solo also makes a strong impression.
In My DreamsDon Dokken (Dokken)
Don Dokken, the leader and singer of the band Dokken that emerged from the L.
A.
metal boom of the ’80s.
He, too, is a singer whose slightly wistful, husky voice is part of his appeal.
When people think of L.
A.
metal, many likely imagine something flashy and party-rock oriented; however, Dokken stood out in that scene with songs and sounds that carried a hint of melancholy—perhaps to showcase Don’s unique charm as a vocalist.
The track we’re featuring today, In My Dreams, is mid-tempo in a minor key with a poignant melody, making it a perfect vehicle to fully appreciate Don’s husky voice.
Enjoy!
Can’t Let GoAnthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is a singer who is highly regarded by hardcore Black music aficionados as a skilled R&B artist.
While he’s commonly labeled an R&B singer, his music leans more toward soul, and he’s often categorized as neo-soul.
His vocal timbre is very gritty: in the lower register it takes on a husky, whisper-like quality, and in the higher register it shifts into a raspy, growling huskiness.
He’s also a powerful vocalist, so be sure to check him out.
Male foreign-music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 41–50)
Soul SistaBilal
Neo-soul is a genre that adds elements like funk, jazz, and hip-hop to soul music.
Bilal is known as one of the leading artists of neo-soul.
His vocal timbre is very gritty, with a weathered, husky quality.
This kind of husky voice pairs well with stylish, groovy Black music like neo-soul, so if you’re into R&B or soul, be sure to check him out.
Way 2 SexyDrake ft. Future & Young Thug
Drake from Canada also has a uniquely husky voice! He started his career as an actor, but now you can’t help but see his name on hip-hop charts across countries and around the world.
Contrary to his clear, straightforward image, his signature is a lower, relaxed vocal tone that clings to the ear.
Thanks to that, you can enjoy a deep style of rap that sets him apart from other rappers.
Give it a listen and discover this kind of husky voice too!