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
- Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- Songs by male artists known for their captivating deep voices. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.
- 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
Western male vocal artists with attractive husky voices (ages 21–30)
24K MagicBruno Mars
Bruno Mars, an artist from Hawaii who is hugely popular in Japan as well.
Active since the 2010s, he has consistently remained at the forefront of the scene with his stylish songs.
For many younger listeners, he is probably the most readily identifiable Western singer with a husky voice.
His voice is husky across all ranges, so many people can recognize his songs just by hearing his voice.
He is a top-tier singer in both vocal quality and musicality.
Englishman In New YorkSting
After making his mark as a member of The Police, Sting has also had a hugely successful solo career thanks to his outstanding musicality.
He’s a very popular artist in Japan as well.
He’s known worldwide for his husky voice, which you can enjoy across his entire vocal range.
In particular, Englishman In New York is a great track to experience the power of his husky vocals, so if you’re not familiar with his voice, be sure to start with this song.
Male Western music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 31–40)
BETHPeter Criss (KISS)
Peter Criss is an artist from Brooklyn.
He was the drummer and a vocalist for KISS, a band hugely popular in Japan as well.
His husky voice isn’t the breathy, whispery type; rather, it has a pleasantly rough, whiskey-and-cigarettes quality.
That tone adds great character, and it’s especially effective on ballads, where it creates a superb atmosphere.
It’s extremely rare to find an artist who can sing this well while also being a drummer.
In that sense, he’s a truly special artist—be sure to check him out.
TroublKeith Richards
He is the guitarist and vocalist of The Rolling Stones, known for his husky voice.
Among fans, he is recognized as a heavy smoker, and his singing style is characterized by a flavorful, weathered tone.
In recent years, he has also released work under his solo name, allowing listeners to enjoy his guitar and vocal performances.
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)Steve Perry (JOURNEY)
Journey is a band that achieved tremendous success in the 1980s.
They released numerous classic songs, so anyone who listened to Western music from that decade is likely familiar with them.
Steve Perry was the most popular member among Journey’s vocalists.
He has a distinctly husky tone—a true husky voice that carries a raspy quality across all ranges.
Because Journey has so many great songs, you can enjoy not only the unique vocal timbre but also their rich musicality.
NumbChester Bennington（Linkin Park）
The vocalist of Linkin Park, an American rock band formed in 1996 and said to be the best-selling of the 21st century.
While he delivered incredible, almost effects-processed shouts on heavier tracks, he also showcased a sweet, husky voice on ballads, establishing a distinctive and versatile style.
However, he passed away in 2017 at the young age of 41.
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.