Top 5: Modern Male Vocalists

Today I would like to talk about five modern male vocalists that I think have a certain something special. There are a lot of really great vocalists in this modern era, ones that stand out for many different reasons. I'm not going to pretend to be the ultimate judge of vocal talent, or to have heard every single singer ever. All I wish to do is to relate to you some of my favorite male singers who are currently active in the music world. This list isn't in an incredibly specific order, but it will be counting down, as most great lists do.

#5 Julian Casablancas

Julian Casablancas has a rock voice. It’s smooth and coarse at the same time. Not only is his voice perfect for The Strokes, but it’s also beautiful when he uses it on his own (Phrases For the Youth). His vocals make the band recognizable amongst the sea of artists, as well as giving The Strokes, (or anything Casablancas puts his vocals to) a definite edge.

 #4 Ben Gibbard

Ben Gibbard doesn’t have a perfect voice. What he does have is an honest voice. When Gibbard sings, his voice gives you the impression that he’s singing to you, making his emotional and heartfelt lyrics all the more special. Whether he's playing an acoustic solo song, singing along with the digital beeps of The Postal Service, or rocking out with Death Cab For Cutie, Gibbard's voice supplies exactly what the songs need.

#3 Eric Hutchinson

Eric Hutchinson almost sounds like he should be a 60s Motown artist. He has a very powerful voice that suits his piano-heavy songs perfectly. He also does a killer Cher impression.

#2 Nate Ruess

Nate Ruess has taken his voice from The Format to fun., giving each band what they need to make the music wonderful. Like Gibbard, Ruess has a kind of honesty to his voice that allows us to empathize with his tender lyrics.

#1 Carrick Moore Gerety 

Carrick Moore Gerety has to be my favorite modern male vocalist. He can sing almost anything (including "Birthday Sex") and make it sound like a beautiful melody. It helps that his songwriting for Everybody Else actually provides beautiful melodies.

I picked these gentlemen because I think their voices are outstanding amongst the artists that I listen to. There are other great vocalists (like Daniel Merriweather for example) that I know have really great voices, but I just don't listen to them. There are also other men whose music I listen to, but whose voices are not overly outstanding.

 Recommended Tracks: 

Julian Casablancas Vocals:
You Only Live Once by The Strokes
11th Dimension by Julian Casablancas
Boombox by The Lonely Island Featuring Julian Casablancas
Reptilia by The Strokes
Machu Picchu by The Strokes

Ben Gibbard Vocals:
You Remind Me of Home by Ben Gibbard
Little Bribes by Death Cab For Cutie
Handle With Care by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins (featuring Ben Gibbard and Coner Oberst) 
Soul Meets Body by Death Cab For Cutie
Clark Gable by The Postal Service

Eric Hutchinson Vocals:
It Hasn't Been Long Enough by Eric Hutchinson
Rock & Roll by Eric Hutchinson
OK, It's Alright With Me by Eric Hutchinson
Back to Where I Was by Eric Hutchinson
Watching You Watch Him by Eric Hutchinson

Nate Ruess Vocals:
Dog Problems by The Format
Light a Roman Candle With Me by fun.
Snails by The Format
We Are Young by fun. 
The Compromise by The Format 

Carrick Moore Gerety Vocals:
Say Goodbye by Everybody Else
Helter Skelter by Rooney featuring Carrick Moore Gerety
Button for Punishment by Everybody Else
Nine Straight Lines by Push Kings
Soldiers Without an Army by Everybody Else