Not all voices are created equal. The music world is full of great singers we love and horrible singers who make us want to stab our ears out. You know what’s truly impressive, though? We love when a singer who lacks that natural angelic voice knows how to work what little the good Lord gave them. That (and the ability to shake their moneymaker) is something we can respect.
Not everyone can be Susan Boyle or Sebastian Bach, but these singers really figured out how to make the most out of what they got. They’re the 12 Singers That Hurt Our Ears But Rock Our World.
12. Wesley Willis
It’s a good thing Jello Biafra is such a great judge of talent, or we might never have heard the magic that is Wesley Willis.
11. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was kind of like listening to the blues on meth. In fact, we’re considering trying meth just to see what he sounds like then.
10. Joanna Newsom
Joanna Newsom has one of the most bizarre singing voices ever, and playing the harp also makes for an uphill challenge. Oddly enough, it all just works.
9. Fred Schneider
There’s a monster in his pants, and his voice reminds you of the loudest, most obnoxious gay guy you’ve ever known. Which is probably why we like him… and would take him to prom.
8. Renaoldo Lapuz
In all the years of “American Idol,” there’s only one song that we would buy a single of, and it’s this one.
7. Bjork
Bjork mostly got along on the sort of innocent, 13-year-old Lolita look she had going. Her voice and English improved over time, but when she was with the Sugarcubes, her singing was a total wreck.
6. Nico
Nico had one of the manliest voices of her day, men included. We can’t help it. She’s still sexy.
5. Neil Young
Neil definitely wasn’t searching for a voice of gold. The most nasally voice ever, outside of maybe Pee Wee Herman.
4. Janis Joplin
Janis was butt ugly, and she had a pretty awful voice. What exactly was it that we liked about her, again? Oh, that’s right. She totally rocked.
3. Daniel Johnston
Daniel Johnston might also be the most batshit insane singer of all time. Just watch “The Devil and Daniel Johnston,” and if you don’t love him after that, you’re dead inside.
2. Bob Dylan
Bob’s strength was always his songwriting. He’s written many of the greatest songs of all time (when sung by other people). Case in point: Hendrix doing “All Along the Watchtower.”
1. Tom Waits
Tom Waits sounds like he’s been gargling whiskey-laced battery acid since the day he was born. And the result is even more awesome than it sounds.
Now that you’ve seen the best, check out the rest. Is this what Britney’s singing voice really sounds like? Tom Waits also made this list of Awkward Songs to Sing in Church.
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