THE 100 GREATEST LEAD SINGERS. This post: #80-71. Continues tomorrow.

As the focal point for the groups they sing out front of, these figures loom larger than the other members. Caffè Lattè pays tribute to the all-time…

100

GREATEST LEAD SINGERS 

80

🎤Morrissey   

[The Smiths]

Morrissey attracted disaffected youth like no other British indie rock performer. 

79

🎤Jeff Lynne  

[Electric Light Orchestra]

As well as singing lead on ELO’s albums, Lynne created its string of hits. After a stint as a soloist and producer (Tom Petty; Roy Orbison), he joined The Traveling Wilburys.

78

🎤Shirley Manson  

[Garbage]

Scottish singer/ songwriter Manson has long been the focal point of the group Garbage. Her striking look and impactful vocals are among the band’s assets.

 

 

77

🎤Neil Finn  

[Crowded House; Split Enz]

Finn’s arrival in Split Enz saw the group achieve its greatest success with “I Got You”. When that band split, he formed Crowded House. He has recorded as a soloist as well as touring as a member of Fleetwood Mac.

76

🎤Damon Albarn  

[Blur; Gorillaz]

As lead singer of Blur, Albarn was one of the protagonists in the rivalry between that group and Oasis during the 1990s.

75

🎤Nick Cave  

[Boys Next Door; The Birthday Party; The Bad Seeds]

One of the most unique post-punk musicians, the Australian singer / songwriter has fronted various groups over the decades. Among his best works are: “Into My Arms” and “Where The Wild Roses Grow” (with Kylie Minogue).

74

🎤Marie Fredriksson  

[Roxette]

Although she shared lead vocal duties with musical partner Per Gessle, it’s her songs, including “Crash! Boom! Bang!”, “It Must Have Been Love” and “Spending My Time” that have proven to be the most enduring.

73

🎤Noddy Holder  

[Slade]

As front man for Slade, Holder was one of glam rock’s earliest stars. His influential vocal power can be heard on the anthemic “Cum On Feel The Noize”.

 

72

🎤Don Henley  

[Eagles]

American group Eagles possessed 2 competent lead vocalists. Drummer Henley was one of them. His skill can be witnessed on tracks such as “The Last Resort”, “Hotel California” and “Life In The Fast Lane”.

71

🎤Billy Joe Armstrong

[Green Day]

Arguably the only recognizable member of Green Day, Armstrong plays guitar and sings lead for the group. He also co-writes its songs. Among the vocal highlights are: “When I Come Around”, “American Idiot” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends”.

*ELIGIBILITY: No soloists; only regular bands with 1+ lead vocalist/s.