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
Male Western music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 31–40)
The Kids Aren’t AlrightDexter Holland（The Offspring）
The vocalist and guitarist of the pop-punk band The Offsprings, formed in 1984 in California, USA.
He has worked on most of The Offsprings’ songs, and his powerful, husky voice—perfect for a punk band’s frontman—thrills fans around the world.
Lucky ManGreg Lake（EL&P)
A track from the British progressive rock band ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), included on their 1970 debut album.
The vocals are by Greg Lake, who also handles bass and guitar.
Greg Lake has a vocal quality similar to John Wetton of ASIA, whom I introduced in another article, though Lake’s voice is perhaps a bit less husky and clearer than Wetton’s.
His gentle, slightly husky voice fits beautifully with this folk-tinged song centered on acoustic guitar.
Amid this pastoral sonic image, Keith Emerson’s synthesizer solo also makes a strong impression.
Can’t Let GoAnthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is a singer who is highly regarded by hardcore Black music aficionados as a skilled R&B artist.
While he’s commonly labeled an R&B singer, his music leans more toward soul, and he’s often categorized as neo-soul.
His vocal timbre is very gritty: in the lower register it takes on a husky, whisper-like quality, and in the higher register it shifts into a raspy, growling huskiness.
He’s also a powerful vocalist, so be sure to check him out.
Soul SistaBilal
Neo-soul is a genre that adds elements like funk, jazz, and hip-hop to soul music.
Bilal is known as one of the leading artists of neo-soul.
His vocal timbre is very gritty, with a weathered, husky quality.
This kind of husky voice pairs well with stylish, groovy Black music like neo-soul, so if you’re into R&B or soul, be sure to check him out.
In Too DeepDeryck Whibley（Sum 41）
A vocalist who serves as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the Canadian rock band Sum 41.
In the band’s early days, they performed songs with strong metal elements, while now they deliver punk tracks, all handled with a husky, powerful voice.
Despite that, they’re actually shy by nature—an appealing contrast that makes them a captivating singer.
Male foreign-music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 41–50)
Way 2 SexyDrake ft. Future & Young Thug
Drake from Canada also has a uniquely husky voice! He started his career as an actor, but now you can’t help but see his name on hip-hop charts across countries and around the world.
Contrary to his clear, straightforward image, his signature is a lower, relaxed vocal tone that clings to the ear.
Thanks to that, you can enjoy a deep style of rap that sets him apart from other rappers.
Give it a listen and discover this kind of husky voice too!
Get On The Good Foot (Pt.1 & 2)James Brown
The King of Funk.
With overwhelming performance, he sang, danced, and dashed across the stage, thrilling the audience.
Isn’t this exactly what you’d call a husky voice? There are several types of husky voices, but outside the rock scene, he is unquestionably the top vocalist in the shout style.
Countless artists have drawn inspiration from him, and even Bruno Mars is influenced by his singing style.