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
- [2025] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists
- 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 foreign-music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 41–50)
Get On The Good Foot (Pt.1 & 2)James Brown
The King of Funk.
With overwhelming performance, he sang, danced, and dashed across the stage, thrilling the audience.
Isn’t this exactly what you’d call a husky voice? There are several types of husky voices, but outside the rock scene, he is unquestionably the top vocalist in the shout style.
Countless artists have drawn inspiration from him, and even Bruno Mars is influenced by his singing style.
HonestyBilly Joel
A track from Billy Joel’s 1978 album 52nd Street, released as the third single from the album.
Billy Joel is also a singer known for the appeal of his husky voice, but as you can hear on this song, he sings the quiet first verse mainly with a clear tone, then in the more intense later sections and the bridge, he skillfully switches to a slightly throaty, distorted timbre, using it deliberately to add color and expression.
I think this deft variation is outstanding.
It’s a track where you can enjoy not only his husky voice but a wide range of vocal textures.
The PassengerIggy Pop
Debuting in the 1960s as The Stooges—often cited as pioneers of punk rock—Iggy Pop has, ever since, influenced countless artists with his intense, physically charged live performances.
After The Stooges disbanded, he continued as a solo musician.
In Japan, his song “Louie Louie,” which has been used in commercials and the like, is quite well-known.
INDUSTRY BABYLil Nas X, Jack Harlow
Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow, the American rappers who teamed up on 2021’s “INDUSTRY BABY,” both have incredibly captivating voices.
Lil Nas X, who’s especially popular with younger audiences, holds the record for 19 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his single “Old Town Road.” Jack Harlow also made waves when “Whats Poppin” peaked at No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What they share is a sexy, slightly raspy tone.
If you’re in the mood for rap with a uniquely husky voice that stands out from other artists, give their tracks a listen!
Fancy LikeWalker Hayes
Also keep an ear out for the vocals of Walker Hayes, an American pop-country singer who debuted in 2010! Some people find husky voices soothing, and if that’s you, I highly recommend his songs.
His rich voice, carried by pleasant melodies, effortlessly settles into your heart as you listen.
It’s not a sharp, raspy huskiness, but a warm, rounded, gentle tone—let yourself sink into it!
Can’t Let You GoJoe Lynn Tunner (Rainbow)
Joe Lynn Turner, the third vocalist of RAINBOW led by the legendary guitarist(?) Ritchie Blackmore.
He, too, is a singer whose slightly husky, somewhat cloudy vocal tone is part of his appeal.
By the way, the song I’m introducing here, “Can’t Let You Go,” is from RAINBOW’s last album (excluding the reunion era), Bent Out of Shape, released in 1983.
RAINBOW is also famous for frequent lineup changes, and each of their vocalists had a distinct flavor: Ronnie James Dio with his slightly gritty tone, Graham Bonnet noted for his powerful high register, and Joe Lynn Turner with his slightly hazy, husky voice.
What makes you go “as expected!” is how the songwriting and sound production were precisely tailored to each singer’s strengths.
Among the three vocalists over the years, Joe is probably the most underrated, but personally I think his sweet-toned singing is wonderful.
If you’re a fan of husky voices, he’s a singer you should definitely know!
Bad HabitsEd Sheeran
A British singer-songwriter whose hit “Shape of You” is still fresh in our memories.
With a unique style that delivers beautiful yet striking melodies, he captivates listeners.
His slightly husky, alluring voice is wonderful, too.
He even broke U2’s world record for tour attendance—an incredible feat.
And his collaboration and friendship with Taka from ONE OK ROCK are irresistible for rock fans.