RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

[Healing & Cool] Female Vocalists with Captivating Husky Voices

A slightly raspy tone, a breathy, distorted-sounding voice… a woman’s husky voice can be incredibly captivating, can’t it?

There are voices that make you think “So cool!!” and others that soothe you just by listening.

I’m sure many of you readers have your favorite husky-voiced artists.

In this article, we’ll introduce lots of female artists and singers with that alluring husky voice!

We’re not only featuring go-to, classic names that always come up when you think of husky voices, but also highlighting younger artists—so we hope it helps you discover some new voices.

That said, as charming as husky voices are, some people deliberately try to roughen their own voices by drinking alcohol.

Please do not do this under any circumstances.

[Soothing & Cool] Female Vocalists with Attractive Husky Voices (41–50)

A gentle feelingChara

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
A gentle feelingChara

Chara’s unique singing voice has a slightly husky quality, yet leaves a very cute impression—that’s her charm.

What makes her voice so captivating is, above all, its high, breathy, husky tone.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the distinctive, highly individual world of her recordings couldn’t exist without this voice.

Among the many singers out there, someone with such an adorable husky voice is truly rare.

Please let yourself be soothed by the gentle world her voice creates.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Singer-songwriter Koresawa from Osaka Prefecture captivates listeners with a uniquely husky voice that sinks deep into the heart.

Blending pop, folk, and indie, she launched her independent label RECO RECORDS in 2014 and began her music career.

Since her major-label debut in 2017, she has released a string of notable works, including the albums Kore Kara, Kore Desho, and Jun’ai Closet.

In 2024, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Lyricist Award.

Notably, she consistently appears in the media through her bear character, “Reko-chan.” Alongside her earnest dedication to music, her songs—filled with down-to-earth emotions woven into the lyrics—have become a comforting presence that resonates with many listeners in their everyday lives.

RED ZONELiSA

LiSA『RED ZONE』 (Official Audio Visualizer)
RED ZONELiSA

LiSA captivates many listeners with her clear, translucent vocals and powerful expressiveness.

Born in Gifu Prefecture, she studied piano from a young age and started performing in a band during high school.

She debuted in 2010 as the vocalist of an in-anime band and launched her solo career in 2011 with the album “Letters to U.” By providing theme songs for popular anime, she has drawn attention with her overwhelming vocal ability and performance.

In 2020, she won the Japan Record Award, and in 2021, she received the JASRAC Award for Domestic Works.

While rooted in pop rock, her distinctive appeal lies in a unique world that combines delicate nuance with a powerful singing voice.

Known for energetic live performances, she is highly recommended for those who want to be moved by emotionally resonant vocals.

Love Storyshiki

After graduating from Berklee College of Music, one of America’s top music schools, she built a track record as a musical theater actress Off-Broadway in New York, and her vocal ability and the allure of her voice are truly exceptional.

In ballads like the one we’re introducing today, “Koi Monogatari” (A Love Story), I think that appeal shines even more brightly.

As a side note, I handled the arrangement, production, and keyboard performance for this piece! Please enjoy Shiki’s singing voice.

Seductive Goldfish

BLACKRIRI

[Bewitching Goldfish] yoenkingyo “BLACK”
BLACKRIRI

The up-and-coming R&B duo Yoen Kingyo has been turning heads lately.

Since the late 2000s, Japanese R&B has largely shifted from the genuine article to R&B-like music.

These two have thrown a wrench into that status quo.

Blending R&B and hip-hop, they focus on authentic Black music that rivals Western releases.

In particular, RIRI’s sexy vocals—borne from her slightly raspy, husky tone—are absolutely stunning.

TERRA ROSA

VISION OF THE LAKE BOTTOMAkao Kazushige

TERRA ROSA is a heavy metal band formed in Osaka in 1982.

Their vocalist, Kazue Akao, has a powerful husky voice! Her energetic singing, which stands up to their high-intensity sound, is incredibly cool.

As TERRA ROSA, they debuted in 1987 with the album “The Endless Basis” and disbanded in 1992.

They later reunited in 1999 and continued their activities.

In a way, they might be the completed form of Japanese metal.

GoodbyeGAO

GAO – Sayonara [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
GoodbyeGAO

GAO, a female singer-songwriter who gained popularity in the ’90s, is known for her unisex look.

When she debuted, she didn’t explicitly state her gender, so many women became fans after mistaking her for a male singer.

It was quite the buzz when she eventually revealed her gender.

She also has a husky voice—an impressive low register that rivals male singers, and a huskiness that conveys not only coolness but also warmth.