A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
People often say, “Your husky voice is lovely,” but what exactly is the definition of a husky voice?
If we explain it literally, it becomes “raspy” or “hoarse,” which might sound negative when it comes to singing.
However, husky voices often contain a great deal of overtone components that can shift randomly depending on the singing and pitch, and this can be extremely appealing to the ear.
This is especially true for male singers, where the degree of rasp or hoarseness can convey “masculinity” and a “sexy edge,” making the voice very attractive.
In this article, we’ve gathered many songs by singers with captivating husky voices.
Please enjoy the distinctly masculine allure you won’t find in clear-voiced singers!
- For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music
- [2026] A curated list of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists
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- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
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- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Ranking of Commercial Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Western Artists [2026]
- The Appeal of Male Western Music Duos: Recommended Classics and Popular Songs
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
Male Western music vocalists with attractive husky voices (11–20)
Keeping Me AliveJonathan Roy
Jonathan Roy is a singer-songwriter from Canada—and the son of legendary professional ice hockey goaltender Patrick Roy.
Jonathan has a very husky, raspy vocal timbre.
His musical style leans toward traditional country music and blues, and his voice pairs with that sound perfectly.
There aren’t many artists in the English-speaking world with this kind of husky voice, so he’s definitely worth checking out!
Rich Men North Of RichmondOliver Anthony
Oliver Anthony is a folk singer from the United States.
Until quite recently, he wasn’t widely known, but with “Rich Men North of Richmond” as the catalyst, he suddenly shot to the top of charts around the world.
He also has a husky voice—closer to a gravelly tone—so I think his timbre will really hit the spot for those who like a more masculine singing style.
Also noteworthy is the anti-establishment message that helped propel him to success.
The Ghost in YouRichard Butler（The Psychedelic Furs）
In recent years, even rock bands are expected to be squeaky clean, and I suspect quite a few people feel a certain lack because so many stars are so wholesome.
Vocalists who, despite their lovely looks, exude a hint of unhealthiness and possess a unique aesthetic have always been loved in a cultish way, no matter the era.
The band featured here, The Psychedelic Furs, is a post-punk outfit formed in the 1980s with a sax player, and their frontman Richard Butler was such a presence that he was hailed at the time as the second coming of David Bowie.
He’s not the type who wins on sheer vocal prowess, but his naturally husky voice and slightly nasal delivery are quintessentially 80s UK new wave/post-punk—and it’s fantastic.
He’s got that rock-star cool and swagger, yet there’s also a certain fragility to him, which I personally find very appealing.
Black SummerAnthony Kiedis（Red Hot Chili Peppers）
When it comes to globally successful rock bands whose name is widely known in Japan even among people who aren’t that into Western music, it’s got to be the Red Hot Chili Peppers—aka the Chili Peppers.
Formed in the 1980s and boasting a long career, they’ve overcome various troubles and hardships to remain at the forefront of the scene even now in the 2020s.
They can do everything from blistering funk to melody-forward ballads, and a major part of their sound’s appeal is the voice of their original member and frontman, Anthony Kiedis, who sits at the center of their diverse catalog.
Rather than a conventional rock vocalist, Anthony started out with the kind of wild, all-in performance style you’d expect from a funk band, and over the years he became the type who can deliver truly great melodies.
His husky voice, which has a warm, embracing quality reminiscent of the California sun, has only grown richer in recent years.
Of course, his rap-like delivery in his younger days was fantastic too, and his lyrics—highly praised from a literary standpoint—are well worth paying close attention to.
drunk textHenry Moodie
Henry Moodie is a singer-songwriter from the UK.
He’s also famous as a TikTok star, so many people in their teens and twenties have probably heard his songs.
Henry has a husky voice, but it comes out in a specific range: his low and mid range sound like a normal singing voice, and as he moves into the higher range, it turns into a breathy, husky tone.
His voice is incredibly sweet, so women in particular won’t want to miss it!
One Last CryBrian McKnight
In a feature on husky voices, we mustn’t forget this artist: singer-songwriter Brian McKnight, who enjoyed immense popularity in the R&B scene from the 1990s to the early 2000s.
His vocal timbre is truly distinctive—a constant breathy tone that blends whisper and husky qualities.
This voice suits his signature slow, ballad-style R&B perfectly, adding a romantic atmosphere to his songs.
Western male vocal artists with attractive husky voices (ages 21–30)
I’m In Love With My CarRoger Tayler（Queen）
Queen is perhaps the most widely recognized Western rock band in Japan and a legendary British group celebrated around the world.
Even after the passing of their absolute frontman, Freddie Mercury, they continue to be respected by subsequent generations of artists, and Queen + Adam Lambert, with Adam Lambert as vocalist, has been igniting stadiums worldwide.
What sets Queen apart from other bands is that all four members are exceptionally talented songwriters.
Rather than being the typical one-man band fronted by the vocalist, it’s remarkable that songs written by each member have become major hits.
Among them, drummer Roger Taylor is a multi-instrumentalist who has also taken on lead vocals for Queen, possessing a captivating husky voice often compared to that of Rod Stewart.
Drawing on his childhood experience in a choir, Roger also delivers soaring high-tone harmonies.
Be sure to pay attention to his singing voice!