I'm sure I'm not going to please everyone with my list. Some people are probably going to be upset that I didn't include their favorite male artist. There's only 10 spots here, and I'm basing my decisions on what I feel are the best male country vocalists currently heard on country radio today. While I enjoy country music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, I'm more familiar with the music of the 80s and up 'til today, so this is my list, and I'm stickin' to it.
I will list these guys in reverse order, and each artist will have a link to listen to his amazing vocal ability. So, without further ado... here are my picks for the top 10 male vocalists in country music today.
 Charles Kelley © Shelly Fabian |
10) Charles Kelley (of Lady Antebellum) Charles Kelley is one of the three members that comprise the hot country group Lady Antebellum. Charles splits lead vocal duties with Hillary Scott. He's got a bit of grit to his voice, which is usually in the baritone range, but he can also sing a great falsetto, as witnessed on the song "I Run to You." |
 Joe Nichols © Universal South |
9) Joe Nichols Joe Nichols has a voice like velvet. Like Charles Kelley, his voice is baritone, and I especially love his ballads, although his uptempo songs are great also. |
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Blake Shelton |
8) Blake Shelton Blake Shelton sometimes seems to get more press for his quirky sense of humor than his vocal talents, but his vocals shouldn't be overlooked. He's got an amazing, sensitive voice, especially when singing ballads. |
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George Strait |
7) George Strait George Strait has a great, mellow baritone voice that is gentle to listen to. He's been singing since the early 80s, and his voice is still as rich and expressive as it was when he released "Unwound." Whether he's singing Texas swing, honky tonk, or a good ol' ballad, his voice is a joy to listen to. |
 Alan Jackson© Dianne Franklin |
6) Alan Jackson Alan Jackson is another artist that has been around a while, but never seems to show any wear in his vocals. He, like George Strait, has a smooth sounding voice that sounds as good while singing honky tonkers as it does when he's singing tender ballads. |
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Chris Young |
5) Chris Young Chris Young was the winner of the fourth season of Nashville Star. He's definitely got one of my favorite baritone voices in country music, plus he has an excellent falsetto to boot. A traditionalist, he has a voice that sounds good on both ballads and up-tempo tunes. |
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Vince Gill |
4) Vince Gill Vince Gill is the first tenor voice on my list. No matter if he's singing a love song or in a commercial about "underpants" (He's in a commercial for "Fruit of the Loom"), his voice sounds incredible. |
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Josh Turner |
3) Josh Turner Ever since I first heard "Long Black Train," I've been in love with the deep bass voice of Josh Turner. There aren't too many bass voices in country music, and Josh definitely has one of the best. |
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Trace Adkins |
2) Trace Adkins Trace Adkins has my number one bass voice of anyone in country music. I think he uses his voice best when he's singing songs that are meaningful, like "Arlington," or "You're Gonna Miss This," rather than his more silly ditties, like "Honky tonk Badonkadonk," or "Marry for Money." |
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Ronnie Dunn |
1) Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks & Dunn) And my number one pick has to go to Ronnie Dunn of the country duo Brooks & Dunn. Ronnie can sing anything, and he always sings everything with such feeling. |
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Did I miss your favorite male vocalist? Cast your vote below for someone not on this list. If your favorite guy isn't names in the list below, use the comments section to cast your vote for him. That said, if you want to pick someone from my list that isn't in the #1 spot, you can also do that using the comments section.
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Comments
Chris Young
George Strait
No male artist in country music today signs with more emotion than Gary Allan.
Great job! Glad you judged them for VOCAL ABILITY! Sometimes the voters for this catagory at the awards shows forget what the term "best vocals" mean.
ps.. on a personal note... nice to find you again... always enjoyed reading your articles and of course, voting for Trace in your polls at your old place. :-)
Chris Young!!! =)
Charles Kelley
Collin Raye
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