Top 10 best female singers of all time
Over the years, we as a society have undoubtedly seen several impressive female singers. Unfortunately, we have had to say goodbye to many of them. Fortunately, there are enough women whose talent seems to flow through their veins from their predecessors. When they have also left us, this process will certainly continue. Despite the large number of talents that come and go, some names are untouchable and perhaps even legendary. The best of the best. The top ten female singers of all time.
10 Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse is proof that singing higher is not necessarily better. Her smooth alto voice fit perfectly with the emotional jazz she became so well known for. Amy’s voice was raw and pure. The kind of sound you recognise instantly. Her first album was released in 2003. A time known for boy bands and pop music. Her voice was a breath of fresh air in a sea of similar sounds. Although it fits perfectly with the sultry atmosphere that jazz and soul bring, her first album, “Frank”, leaned more towards R&B with hip-hop-like rhythms. Also with influences from these genres, Amy Winehouse’s voice belongs on this list. Her talent is unmistakable in many of her songs, including ‘You Know I’m No Good’ and ‘Valerie’. Her voice comes out remarkably well on a cover. ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ by Ella Fitzgerald. The original is soft and emotional. Amy manages to keep the emotion and vulnerability in the song while at the same time giving a song from 1926 a modern feel.
9 Adele
With a breakthrough at just nineteen years old with her debut album “19” Adele has been able to make a name for herself very quickly. This is not surprising. Adele is a true vocal powerhouse with a voice that has only matured over the years. She is often categorised as a pop singer, but she also draws inspiration from soul. Adele is known for her deep emotional songs and effortless belts. Even without the acoustics of a massive arena, Adele has a voice that stands out. Her participation in NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert is an old but golden example. A perfect representation of the effortless beauty of Adele’s voice.
8 Ariana Grande
If you ask someone from the younger generations which singer can really sing, it is hard to avoid the name Ariana Grande. In fact, Grande is often compared to Mariah Carey. A great honour, also according to Ariana herself. She has previously stated that Mariah is her vocal inspiration. With whistle notes that both of them can sing in their sleep, the comparison is not that strange. With a clear soprano voice and agile runs, her name is essential on this list. The refined way Grande switches from her soft midrange to her well-known belt, a mix of chest and head voice, is a technique many of her fellow singers cannot replicate. Despite her breathing techniques not being among the best, it is even more impressive that she performed her hit ‘Dangerous Woman’ a cappella and hit a high G clearly. A true top performer who is extremely strong live and acoustically.
7 Sade
Sade has a silky, warm and deep voice with an almost perfect tone. This makes her a direct contrast to the other vocal powerhouses in this list, who use more obvious techniques, such as belting, to overwhelm their audience. However, this does not make Sade any less talented. Her singing voice is close to the way she would normally speak. In this way, she can remain close to herself. Sade’s music feels like a warm blanket on a cool summer evening and continues to maintain popularity across generations. This is shown by the viral TikTok sounds she owes to her younger fans. Her live performance of ‘Is It A Crime’ at Live Aid in 1985 showcases the best aspects of her voice.
6 Nina Simone
The High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone, deserves all the praise she has received over the years and more. Her most famous song, ‘Feeling Good,’ has a true jazz feel. Ironically, she did not identify with the label jazz. She preferred the term ‘Black Classical Music’, and that says it all. Nina Simone’s voice is deep and soulful, while her piano playing is reminiscent of classical music. Overall, her discography is a beautiful combination of blues, soul, classical and folk. The blending of genres and making them her own so that her voice became one of the most recognisable in the industry is what makes her so talented. Nina’s voice is a unique and emotional sound. One that does justice to the blues. In her song ‘Since I Fell For You’ she demonstrates the ultimate Black Classical Music feeling.
5 Tina Turner
The Queen of Rock ‘n Roll is legendary for countless reasons. From her dozens of hits to the raw rasp in her voice, and of course, her iconic hairstyle. Tina Turner goes down in history as the best-selling female rock artist of all time. Her voice is full of passion with a unique androgyny. Her voice is described this way because of her effortless switching between deep tones and powerful high notes. A perfect example can be heard in her song ‘Private Dancer’. Tina at her best can be heard in ‘Back Where You Started’, a true rock and roll diva.
4 Beyoncé
Mother Bey is a true all-around entertainer. A celebrity among celebrities, and rightly so. With a range of 4 octaves, she masterfully delivers both her own songs and covers of others. Beyoncé has exceptional respect for the vocalists who came before her. This passion and inspiration is clearly reflected in her work and the wide range of genres she performs in. Her stamina and breath control result in outstanding live performances that only improve over time. From her iconic Dubai riff to her entire Coachella performance known as Beychella, Beyoncé is a living legend.
3 Ella Fitzgerald
All icons have a nickname, and so does The First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. With thirteen Grammy Awards, the title is well deserved. Ella had a wide vocal range of three octaves, but that is not where the beauty of her voice lies. Her soft, warm voice and use of vibrato create a comforting, almost motherly feeling. ‘Maybe’ is a wonderful display of Lady Ella’s vocal ability. Her voice was extremely flexible and, therefore, perfect for her virtuosic scat singing. In this, she used her voice as a musical instrument, a form of jazz improvisation that she truly mastered.
2 Aretha Franklin
On the list of the 100 greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, she is ranked first. However, a second place at Maxazine is still quite impressive. She truly was one of the greatest singers of all time. Her legacy needs little to no explanation. With a powerful and flexible mezzo-soprano voice, Aretha Franklin was a manifestation of exceptional emotion, passion and technical control. ‘Think’ is a hit single by Franklin. This song beautifully showcases her voice.
1 Whitney Houston
With R&B and gospel singer Cissy Houston and talents like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick in her direct environment, it is no surprise that Whitney Houston became the greatest singer of all time. At the age of 22, she was already known as the best female singer of her generation. Few vocalists from both her time and today have a mammoth voice like Whitney had. There is a difference between people who sing and people who take their voice to another, almost otherworldly place. Hearing her voice evokes a deep sense of euphoria that is truly rare. A voice that breaks through the veil between life and death. A voice that, long after we are gone, will continue to be passed down from generation to generation.
