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
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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
- A Must-Read for Men: Sing at Karaoke! A Showcase of Moving Masterpiece Ballads
Male foreign-music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 41–50)
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.
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.
GoJohn Wetton (ASIA)
This is the opening track of ASIA’s third album, Astra, and the first single released from the album, by the so-called supergroup formed by members renowned for both popularity and skill.
John Wetton’s vocal/bass features a husky voice with a uniquely wistful, complex overtone quality that shines through the band’s lavish, almost flood-like sound.
The contrast between his slightly muffled vocal timbre and the sparkling synths is exquisite in this track.
Bad HabitsEd Sheeran
A British singer-songwriter whose hit “Shape of You” is still fresh in our memories.
With a unique style that delivers beautiful yet striking melodies, he captivates listeners.
His slightly husky, alluring voice is wonderful, too.
He even broke U2’s world record for tour attendance—an incredible feat.
And his collaboration and friendship with Taka from ONE OK ROCK are irresistible for rock fans.
HonestyBilly Joel
A track from Billy Joel’s 1978 album 52nd Street, released as the third single from the album.
Billy Joel is also a singer known for the appeal of his husky voice, but as you can hear on this song, he sings the quiet first verse mainly with a clear tone, then in the more intense later sections and the bridge, he skillfully switches to a slightly throaty, distorted timbre, using it deliberately to add color and expression.
I think this deft variation is outstanding.
It’s a track where you can enjoy not only his husky voice but a wide range of vocal textures.