Top 5 singing voices: Which singers have the most original voices

When it comes to music, selecting a top five vocalists is no easy task. History has gifted us with countless legends, each bringing their unique magic to the art of singing. From the emotive power of Whitney Houston to the operatic range of Freddie Mercury, the world has known incomparable talents. However, for this list I have chosen to focus on five contemporary artists whose voices stand out not only for their technical ability, but also for their originality. These artists are also some of my personal favorites, with very distinct styles and undeniable current relevance.

Let's explore what makes the voices of Dua Lipa, Drake, Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Sam Smith some of the most original in today's music scene.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa's voice has a unique quality that immediately distinguishes her: a deep, rich register, with a warm tone that balances strength and softness. Her natural contralto makes her stand out among female pop voices, adding a dark and elegant nuance to her interpretations. In addition to the technique and control she has over her voice, it is her ability to convey emotion that really captivates.

Dua's melodies are a testament to her versatility. They oscillate between catchy beats designed for the dance floor and vocal lines that leave room to “feel” the lyrics of her songs. Her ability to blend rhythmic and emotional melodic elements allows her to move effortlessly between contemporary pop and echoes of disco and soul influences.

A clear example of her vocal authenticity can be appreciated in her concert for Tiny Desk in 2020. In this intimate format, her voice shines in its most natural form and is undeniably incredible even while being free of excessive layers of production. Here you can clearly hear her voice color, vocal control, impeccable sense of rhythm and her ability to fill each phrase with character.

Songs like “Don't Start Now” show how Dua uses her voice as a versatile instrument. Her performance combines technical precision with a relaxed and confident attitude that makes every word come alive. Whether on a massive stage or in an intimate space, her voice maintains an unmistakable identity, capable of connecting deeply with the listener.

Dua Lipa is not just a singer; she is a performer who knows how to use her voice to convey both energy and emotion, leaving an indelible mark with every note.

Drake

Drake has redefined vocal performance in hip-hop and R&B by blurring the lines between rapping and singing. His voice has a conversational intimacy that makes listeners feel like he is speaking directly to them. His use of vocal layering and subtle effects such as autotune and reverb add a dreamlike quality to his voice, emphasizing the emotional weight of his lyrics.

An emblematic example of her style is “God 's Plan,” a song that not only achieved worldwide success, but also highlighted her ability to construct catchy, lyrical melodies. Here, her signature phrasing - where each word seems carefully placed to fit the rhythm and atmosphere - shines through as a showcase of her vocal and narrative mastery.

His performance is not limited to vocal technique; it's his ability to build melodic phrases and a unique ability to play with rhythm within his songs, subtly slowing or speeding up phrasing to add layers of meaning and emotion.

Drake also has a unique talent for adapting to international collaborations, as he demonstrated in “MIA”, his hit with Bad Bunny. In this song, his voice blends with Latin rhythms, showing his versatility and ability to connect with different musical cultures. This track is not only a testament to her artistic openness, but also a way to highlight her ability to blend in without losing her vocal identity.

Songs like “Marvins Room” and “In My Feelings” also showcase his ability to balance melancholy and energy, elements that define his style and make him stand out in an ever-changing musical landscape. In any context, his voice acts as a common thread that unites emotions, genres and cultures, leaving a deep impression on every listen.

Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny is an artistic phenomenon that has blurred the lines between genres and cultures, taking Latin music to unexpected corners of the world. His vocal style, his deep and resonant tone, along with his Puerto Rican accent, brings authenticity and strength to his performances. On songs like “Yonaguni”, her ability to alternate between smooth melodic passages and a rhythmic, percussive delivery highlights her versatility. This track also demonstrates his artistic bravery, singing in Japanese in the outro-a bold move that adds a cultural and personal layer to his artistry.

What makes Bad Bunny particularly exciting from a production standpoint is his willingness to experiment with vocal effects and genre fusions. On tracks like “Safaera”, he uses pitch shifts, distortion and abrupt transitions that keep listeners on edge. His vocal performances are as much about emotion as energy, with each line feeling like an unfiltered extension of his personality.

Bad Bunny burst onto the scene with a raw and direct trap style, eventually dabbling in a wide range of genres and emotions in his music. The album “Un Verano Sin Ti” marked a turning point in his career, exploring genres such as reggaeton, house, bachata and indie pop, with tracks like “Ojitos Lindos” or “Tití me preguntó” that took him even further beyond the boundaries of urban.

However, his return to trap in “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana” shows that his roots are still his natural home. Songs like “Monaco” and “Vuelve Candy” show an introspective and experimental Bad Bunny, exploring deeper lyrics and darker arrangements that evoke his early stage but with the maturity of an artist at the peak of his career.

What makes Bad Bunny's voice unique is not only his tone, but his delivery: every word he sings or raps is loaded with intention, whether it's to make you dance, reflect or even cry. His ability to tell stories through his voice, mixing the rawness of trap with the energy of Latin music, is what makes him one of the most authentic and original voices of this generation.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is a modern showman whose voice embodies the golden age of soul and funk while remaining fresh and contemporary. His agility and vocal range allow him to transition effortlessly between silky falsettos and powerful high notes, showcasing a unique performer who evokes both nostalgia and modernity. From romantic ballads like “When I was your man” to funk and disco beats like “24K Magic”, Bruno has a knack for conveying whatever he desires in the purest form in every word.

On “Leave the Door Open”, alongside Silk Sonic, his performance shines at its most genuine. The song encapsulates a retro yet fresh sound, with influences of 70's soul and R&B. Bruno glides his voice through the melodies with a seductive smoothness, bolstered by romantic lyrics that connect with the listener on an emotional level.

In addition, her ability to combine genres is masterful. On “Uptown Funk”, his explosive phrasing and charisma elevate a track that pays homage to classic funk, while on “Versace on the Floor”, his intimate performance and seductive voice are reminiscent of the great love ballads of yesteryear.

Bruno is not only a singer with exceptional vocal talent; he is a perfectionist in music production. Every detail in his songs, from the instrumental arrangements to the backing vocals, reflects an almost obsessive precision that ensures that each note serves its purpose. His ability to evoke emotion, energy and joy with his voice and style make him a contemporary icon and one of the most original voices of this generation.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith's voice is a blend of fragility and strength, capable of conveying heartbreak and hope in equal measure. His tenor range, along with his trademark vibrato, gives his performances an ethereal quality. On “Stay With Me”, her ability to convey raw vulnerability is impressive. The gospel-inspired harmonies amplify the emotional impact, making the song an outstanding example of his artistry.

From a vocal production standpoint, Sam Smith excels at creating intimate and immersive experiences. Tracks like “Unholy” reveal his willingness to break boundaries, combining haunting melodies with bold theatrical elements. Here, his voice is more than a melodic tool; it's a manifesto of artistic freedom, where every phrasing defies expectations and redefines what it means to be authentic in a world that seeks to pigeonhole. Her use of vocal dynamics-from whispered confessions to heartbreaking high notes-keeps the listener captivated, making each performance feel deeply personal. 

Conclusion

Each of these artists brings something unique to the table, whether it's the smoky appeal of Dua Lipa, the introspective storytelling of Drake, the charisma and genre fusion of Bad Bunny, the vintage soul of Bruno Mars or the emotional depth of Sam Smith. As a producer and music lover, I am constantly inspired by their ability to push the boundaries of vocal performance and connect with audiences around the world.

While this list could easily be extended to include many more incredible voices, these five stand out for their originality, technical skill and emotional resonance. They remind us of the infinite possibilities of the human voice and the power of music to move, inspire and unite us.

About the author

Odiseo is a music producer and mixing and mastering engineer with experience ranging from music creation as a session and concert musician, beatmaker, live sound engineer, and recording engineer, to audio production for short films, providing a broad perspective on technical concepts and musical skills to take music to another level.