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Sekishi · 2012-01-06, 17:55

Sekishi · 2012-01-06, 17:56

Sekishi · 2012-01-06, 18:58

Varaxis · 2012-01-06, 23:17

Interesting additions. I appreciate you going through the trouble of sharing all your knowledge and linking to all the video examples.

I've only heard of AKINO from her Sousei no Aquarion songs, whom I don't particularly hold in high regard, though I happen to like her performance in "Nike 15 Sai" over her work on "Sousei no Aquarion" (the song, not the anime). Not the same AKINO, I see now. Listened to the the first three links in full and have to agree that her voice is beautiful, but I guess Maaya Sakamoto is just more likable and she just did an amazing piece of work with School Food Punishment, which I think seriously propelled her to a new level.

I liked a lot of the FictionJunction with singer features. I think I like KAORI the best, though I've only heard her Tsubasa Chronicle work and only know some of the others (YUUKA and KEIKO) from older Gundam works. I say I think, because I only rate her songs 7/10, while most FictionJunction songs rate 5 or 6/10 and I only have 7 of them in my collection.

Haven't heard of any song with Chiaki Ishikawa that didn't have something that alters her voice, adding some echo or synthesizing it a bit. Prototype and Uninstall are the two I know her best for, but I also noted her for work in the Kamisama Dolls anime. I like Prototype best, but it still only scores a 7/10 for me, and I think that's being generous.

Akiko Shikata made her first impression on me with her work on the ED of "Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi" with Utsusemi (dunno if I listed it in this thread or not, but it wasn't because of her voice that I find this impressive). I checked out Ar Tonelico, but none of the music really seemed to be easy to listen to. Probably just not my style, though Utsusemi is an exception (7.5/10 in my book):

Spoiler for YouTube:

The singers that I found impressive were:
Akino Arai - Watched the first 3, listening to the whole songs. The 4th and 5th I skimmed through until I got to her voice, which was great, though the instrumental composition and mastering were severely lacking. Not quite enough to make her stand out from the other beautiful voices.
Noriko Ogawa - Thought the first was good, but the old footage in the 2nd made me giggle, until I heard some of her voice and wanted to find something newer. I will after I post this.
Kaori Oda - The exact 2 songs I know her best for. She's great. I would really be interested in finding any performances that are better than dream scape from her.
Kaori Hikita - One of the few singers that I'm glad you listed that I wasn't aware of. I was seriously entranced by the first song and listened to most of the high energy first half of 2nd vid before the instrumentals lost my attn and I moved on down the list. First song deserves a youtube embed, since it impressed me so much. 8.5/10

Keiko Kubota - Pretty good. The second song reminded me of the OP from 07 Ghost for some strange reason. That actually sparked my curiosity and got me to listen to the 07 Ghost songs and the Yui Makino version of this song. Just made the instrumentals in the linked version seem relatively weak and not match the energy of Keiko's vocals very well.
Marina Inoue - Her name sounded familiar, but I guess I don't actually know her. The first song was beautiful, as well as the second, but something seems missing. It doesn't have the energy or power that reaches the inside of your chest like the others.
Clara Kennedy - Wow. I honestly didn't really expect to be impressed by English singer.
Tomaru Hanae - Heavenly, hitting some impressive notes within a relatively wide range, especially in "mezame". Feels so far away though. Blurs the line between a lead vocalist and chorus. Love the musical composition, especially with Lotus. Would make a great BGM/soundtrack.
Yuuko Ishibashi - First song sounds church-like at first, but gives me a feeling of suspension in a clear space, leaving me searching with my other senses, to keep me in reality. Kind of surreal if I close my other senses off, closing my eyes and not really trying to feel anything. Kind of makes me feel light headed. The others are really harmonious. A little too new age for me. People with refined [acquired] tastes would probably like this, like fine wine or something. I can sort of generalize that the same could be said with most of the Hymmnos stuff. Some real talent is getting attracted to it, I have to admit.

Random comments/honorable mentions for others:
Yuri Kasahara - Wow. The studio version of Salvos Nos was tons better and the 2nd link didn't redeem her.
Wakana Ootaki - I think Rie Tanaka (studio version) did the version of your first link (Mizu no Akashi) better, but looked up another performance of Wakana (live one) of the same song, and it was really touching. Live with just Yuki Kajiura on the piano, Wakana wins, but the more refined performance is more memorable and touching in the end.
Yuuka Nanri - Amusing that I ended up interrupting her song cause I recognized a pic of Maaya Sakamoto on the side and Maaya Sakamoto really brought a smile to my face, a big contrast to YUUKA. I did give YUUKA a 6/10 for Honoh no Tobira (though Gundam SEED popularized the song) and thought Akatsuki no kuruma was rather beautiful (still a 6/10 in my book).
Kato Asuka - I liked her voice in the 2nd link (jazz song), but wasn't really that impressive compared to others.

I'm a fan of Yuki Kajiura, so that probably explains why I found more, that you listed under her, impressive. I'm not really a fan of the Western/foreign stuff from Yoko Kanno. Despite being a fan of Yuki Kajiura, I actually didn't really like many of the songs done for that Everlasting Songs album that you often linked to, though I liked the same songs in their original form. I also notice it's easy to discount Gundam songs--maybe I've heard them so much that their awesomeness wore off.

Looking forward to what else you have. You seem to have a lot of experience in this subject, though I think it's getting way too advanced, or I dare too geeky or artsy, for me to really have the ability to find appreciation in some of it.

Gave out some more rep to all the great suggestions that have impressed me so far.

Sekishi · 2012-01-07, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varaxis

...
I'm a fan of Yuki Kajiura, so that probably explains why I found more, that you listed under her, impressive. I'm not really a fan of the Western/foreign stuff from Yoko Kanno. Despite being a fan of Yuki Kajiura, I actually didn't really like many of the songs done for that Everlasting Songs album that you often linked to, though I liked the same songs in their original form. I also notice it's easy to discount Gundam songs--maybe I've heard them so much that their awesomeness wore off.

I also love Yuki Kajiura. I got a lot of her works. I'm digging her musical style. To me her Kajiuran soungs better than Yoko Kanno's gibberish. Yet, Yoko Kanno is my second favourite composer especially because it sound so western. She is great at mixing different genres - Jazz, BLues, Rock, Pop etc. I love her works for Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus/Frontier and Wolf's Rain. The soundtrack for "Please save my earth" and "Jin-Roh" are also gorgeous. I wish she would again work with Hajime Mizuguchi.

Yoko Kanno and Yuki Kajiura have the right touch when it comes to vocalists. Both have found great singers with amazing voices. From the FictionJunction projects I like the most Keiko and Wakana. Kalafina is a really amazing ensemble. I also love the songs of both Emilys.

I prefer the albums Fiction and Everlasting songs over the FictionJunction albums Circus and Destination. there is more variety in there. From what I listened of Yuki Kajiura's new album Fiction II this will be her best one imo.

Sekishi · 2012-01-07, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varaxis

Interesting additions. I appreciate you going through the trouble of sharing all your knowledge and linking to all the video examples.

Looking forward to what else you have. You seem to have a lot of experience in this subject, though I think it's getting way too advanced, or I dare too geeky or artsy, for me to really have the ability to find appreciation in some of it.

Gave out some more rep to all the great suggestions that have impressed me so far.

Guess I got carried away a bit. Since you will hardly find good Japanese music in European stores it is also hard to find people to share your passion for J-music with. I was delighted that someone opened a thread where you can appreciate not only single songs but the singers themselves. I watch anime since roughly 10 years so I got to listen to quite a lot J-music. About 5 years ago I started to collect CDs of Japanese artists so I have a lot to share.

I think it can get even way more advanced. Nothing about music is too geeky.

Sekishi · 2012-01-07, 17:46

These artists are also great, so that I could not withstand buying some CDs. This is the first part with the female singers.
I'm really digging soft-voiced singer-songwriters producing calm and gentle music. So for many of you my suggestions might be sleep inducing.

Quite known are:

Eri Kawai

She got a exceptionally clear voice. It's really a pity that she died in 2008. This is a huge loss for fans of wonderfuls Japanese singers. She is mostly known for her work for the Aria series, the ED of Utawarerumono (Madoromi no rinne) and the OP of Tales of Symphonia (Almateria).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyUh9aj2qUQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpckkW3B2Ug
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LklUiC8e_qY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rcMosRxaLc

Angela Aki

This tends to be a bit more generic J-Pop but she still has a great voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jec0JyVTt08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW_audLEqrQ

Angela (Vocals Atsuko Yamashita)

This is more rock-like J-Pop with a strong voice. They contributed quite some anime theme songs e.g. for Stellvia of the Universe, Fafner in the Azure, Shikabane Hime and Asura Cryin'. Sometimes it even gets a bit funky, jazzy, latin-like, dance-like etc. It's a nice blend of genres.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycFn7iegJns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXVroaUwACQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gj65bT46pE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGXXfc3vVJ0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1MtT-5IIFw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLszDv4tD4g

The following arstists are unfortunately quite unknown at least for the western audience.

Yuki Otake

She has a very soft voice which is really soothing. Unfortunately it seems she left the music business for becoming an actress since she only released 2 albums and there is almost nothing from her on Youtube.
Her renditions of Greensleeves and Scarborough Fair (not on youtube, it's on the album Nemuru Kujaku) are fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUa5u_G3Rjc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJBUMpqdlEo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQIO_CmqZkE

Eri Takenaka

She is quite unknown yet to my mind better than some of the more generic J-Pop singers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjFjxMSkmc4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PWFR8zK79w

Anri Kumaki

Another one with a softer voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di1jn0jzJqg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HTStNt831Y

anNina

This is actually the name of the band. The vocalist is Annabel who also worked with another singer under the name binaria. Mostly known are the EDs for Higurashi Kai & Rei Taisho a & Manazashi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSMfFXO8nDI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNZKRyV3is4

Via Higurashi I got to know about Eiko Shimamiya who has a stronger voice. The OP of Higurashi is one of the most creepy and haunting opening songs I'v ever listened to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppCy64lVrGU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkHRUCaO-Dk

Garnet Crow

This a rock/pop band. The vocalist Yuri Nakamura has quite a deep voice which is pleasing for the ears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRinDnK64JI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dBQaAHNSiI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDesRiohuJE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhGw6LeJb0Y

I like also Mari Iijima as Lynn Minmay and Chie Kajiura as Mylene Jenius from MACROSS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT3qw47VJ78 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgaRpetXeNM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEcmqhwgKTI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrdOpERUvaA

Sekishi · 2012-01-07, 17:47

The list with male artists will be significantly shorter. I will compile it tomorrow.

xxanimefan4_ever · 2012-01-07, 21:03

the lead singer of karasu's voice isn't exactly beautiful. I wouldn't describe it as beautiful but I REALLY like it. he's very good at expressing emotions with the screaming and the way he sings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YzkDRvYAzE&feature=fvst

the thing with jrock is that some of the voices sound similar or the vocalist actually keeps singing off key (bad at singing... but decided to become a vocalist? ) and all that but anyways his voice is unique and he is good at singing.

ABE FUYUMi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ52wtS2QuE
Depending on her songs she bores me to death or moves me but anyways when she moves me it's from her voice since her music composition and all that stuff is very simple.....

korean artists:
caker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFHi2...feature=relmfu

jang jane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7slNSjFQK6Q

zitten:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEeD-fvQEyU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXtuJM8dOE0

Sekishi · 2012-01-08, 07:51

Sekishi · 2012-01-08, 08:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sekishi

I like also Mari Iijima as Lynn Minmay and Chie Kajiura as Mylene Jenius from MACROSS.

My bad, shame on me, mentioneing MACROSS how could I forget to list Mika Kaneko (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2P9Cgh3H50 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK36umv48lI), Hiroko Kasahara (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH7FtEKKN4Y ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfLIsCtaGH0) and Yuka Sato (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBK1afbtJgY).

Sekishi · 2012-01-08, 09:30

Himmiherrgodsakramend, I got it mixed up. Yuka Sato sings "Banana Moon Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwaRCIBXh-Y) while "For now, a friend" is sung by Tomoyo Sato (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v74OPNouRSU). There is also a Sayo Sato listed on the soundtrack for Macross II. For my taste, there are way too many Satos here.

ID555 · 2012-01-08, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sekishi

Of course Yoko Kanno sings also herself and she's got an amazing voice too.
She sings under the name Gabriela Robin.

HOLY SH*T, MIND BLOWN!!!!

How gifted in music could you possibly be?!

Sekishi · 2012-01-08, 10:35

So now onto the very short male singers list. They are really kind of underrepresentated. I'd like to get more suggestions for male artists with pleasing voices, so http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAOFrRLBwhc

Most male singers I know are also from MACROSS!

Makoto Fujiwara >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U5_HWBWriQ ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij7sw8AN4Qw

Yoshiki Fukuyama as Nekki Basara (Fire Bomber) >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkLO0EKKE9s ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXWCZMU-es8 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3Bnj-U7Vq0 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mssHMHVsRY

Kousuke Atari

This one has no connection to space opera anime. He contributed theme songs to Natsume Yuujichin-chou. He got a similar singing style like Chitose Hajime. It has an ethnic feel to it. On wikipedia he is listed as folk singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxz33IiRuMU ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leAD2PF0Z7E ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iatTsYFA2I

Sekishi · 2012-01-08, 11:04

So far my knowledge about Japanese artists, I put up this huge list because some of the artists are really good yet quite unknown and I'd like them to be known to a greater audience. I hope that more people get to like their music and decide to support them. Also I wanted to present a broad range of different voices to meet a lot of tastes. I hope there is a favourite pick for anybody visiting this thread.

Since I visited the Tanz & Folk Festival in Rudolstadt/Thüringen (Germany) in 1998 I'm hooked on/for? folk/world music. I started to collect CDs by then. Thank god there is ebay. I got quite a lot album through it. Now I have a large collection of amazing artists. To compile it including samples will take a while.

Are you folks actually interested in folk / world music?

Sekishi · 2012-01-08, 11:25

As a transition from Japanese artists to musicians from the rest of the world I'd like to introduce you to CECILE CORBEL.
She is a European (Breton) folk-pop harpist yet she might be known to more people in Japan than elsewhere. Why? Well, she composed the soundtrack to the Ghibli movie "The secret world of Arrietty" and sings all the songs herself. there are quite some vocal tracks for that movie and most of them are really beautiful. You will find most of them on Youtube. One of the best songs is the theme song for Arrietty which she sings in English, Japanese, French, German and Italian. Someone put up a nice mash-up here > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0VJELx6XgM

She has a gorgeous voice. Here are some more tracks from the rock-opera "Anne de Bretagne": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3F9cC32n_A ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gurh2gFDbb0 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l6t3SnfDfU

Enjoy!

Snow_Storm · 2012-01-08, 12:22

Can never go with Freedie Mercy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKxIfOdwSJE

Also, another legendary singer who may need not no introduction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--bYf6QkBE

Another great singer was Marvin Gaye who too had such a handsome voice for his range.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--bYf6QkBE

For Japanese artists, I really don't listen to much J-Popish stuff as I don't like it but
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmhZ6FYoNEs
Sucks that Eiko Shimamiya got throat cancer however.

Elo the Blue · 2012-01-12, 20:32

The Weeknd

"High For This"

XO/The Host

Rolling Stone

Frank Ocean

"Thinking About You"

"Swim Good"

"We All Try"

Transitions · 2012-01-13, 00:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Even after a couple of years, I still find Loop by Sakamoto Maaya to have the nicest vocals of any anime song I've heard. Youtube really does not do this song justice. I have to admit, I'm really impressed by her use of vibrato.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryonea

For me it would be...

Female:
- Nino (ROUND TABLE feat. Nino) -->> Hearing her singing could make me relax ^^

ohh yes! there was not considerate this girl, but she deserves a mention

Tane Tomoko:

Silently Karen mok

Ritsuko okazaki

I was remembering Locomotion channel, while I made this post, xD

they are my beautiful singing voices

Afternoon Tea · 2012-03-05, 23:58

Ranks #11 out of 100 greatest singers

A master track from "Oh Darling", All natural voice no digital alteration Abby Road.

---

----

Other good voices

Freddie Mercury from Queen

Elvis Presley

Michael Jackson

Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin

2012-01-06, 23:17	Link #64
Varaxis Member Join Date: Aug 2010	Interesting additions. I appreciate you going through the trouble of sharing all your knowledge and linking to all the video examples. I've only heard of AKINO from her Sousei no Aquarion songs, whom I don't particularly hold in high regard, though I happen to like her performance in "Nike 15 Sai" over her work on "Sousei no Aquarion" (the song, not the anime). Not the same AKINO, I see now. Listened to the the first three links in full and have to agree that her voice is beautiful, but I guess Maaya Sakamoto is just more likable and she just did an amazing piece of work with School Food Punishment, which I think seriously propelled her to a new level. I liked a lot of the FictionJunction with singer features. I think I like KAORI the best, though I've only heard her Tsubasa Chronicle work and only know some of the others (YUUKA and KEIKO) from older Gundam works. I say I think, because I only rate her songs 7/10, while most FictionJunction songs rate 5 or 6/10 and I only have 7 of them in my collection. Haven't heard of any song with Chiaki Ishikawa that didn't have something that alters her voice, adding some echo or synthesizing it a bit. Prototype and Uninstall are the two I know her best for, but I also noted her for work in the Kamisama Dolls anime. I like Prototype best, but it still only scores a 7/10 for me, and I think that's being generous. Akiko Shikata made her first impression on me with her work on the ED of "Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi" with Utsusemi (dunno if I listed it in this thread or not, but it wasn't because of her voice that I find this impressive). I checked out Ar Tonelico, but none of the music really seemed to be easy to listen to. Probably just not my style, though Utsusemi is an exception (7.5/10 in my book): Spoiler for YouTube: <p>No iframe support, please <a href="http://youtu.be/2NG9Po8hnyQ">watch on YouTube</a>.</p> The singers that I found impressive were: Akino Arai - Watched the first 3, listening to the whole songs. The 4th and 5th I skimmed through until I got to her voice, which was great, though the instrumental composition and mastering were severely lacking. Not quite enough to make her stand out from the other beautiful voices. Noriko Ogawa - Thought the first was good, but the old footage in the 2nd made me giggle, until I heard some of her voice and wanted to find something newer. I will after I post this. Kaori Oda - The exact 2 songs I know her best for. She's great. I would really be interested in finding any performances that are better than dream scape from her. Kaori Hikita - One of the few singers that I'm glad you listed that I wasn't aware of. I was seriously entranced by the first song and listened to most of the high energy first half of 2nd vid before the instrumentals lost my attn and I moved on down the list. First song deserves a youtube embed, since it impressed me so much. 8.5/10 <p>No iframe support, please <a href="http://youtu.be/o1Nc-xp6JDQ">watch on YouTube</a>.</p> Keiko Kubota - Pretty good. The second song reminded me of the OP from 07 Ghost for some strange reason. That actually sparked my curiosity and got me to listen to the 07 Ghost songs and the Yui Makino version of this song. Just made the instrumentals in the linked version seem relatively weak and not match the energy of Keiko's vocals very well. Marina Inoue - Her name sounded familiar, but I guess I don't actually know her. The first song was beautiful, as well as the second, but something seems missing. It doesn't have the energy or power that reaches the inside of your chest like the others. Clara Kennedy - Wow. I honestly didn't really expect to be impressed by English singer. Tomaru Hanae - Heavenly, hitting some impressive notes within a relatively wide range, especially in "mezame". Feels so far away though. Blurs the line between a lead vocalist and chorus. Love the musical composition, especially with Lotus. Would make a great BGM/soundtrack. Yuuko Ishibashi - First song sounds church-like at first, but gives me a feeling of suspension in a clear space, leaving me searching with my other senses, to keep me in reality. Kind of surreal if I close my other senses off, closing my eyes and not really trying to feel anything. Kind of makes me feel light headed. The others are really harmonious. A little too new age for me. People with refined [acquired] tastes would probably like this, like fine wine or something. I can sort of generalize that the same could be said with most of the Hymmnos stuff. Some real talent is getting attracted to it, I have to admit. Random comments/honorable mentions for others: Yuri Kasahara - Wow. The studio version of Salvos Nos was tons better and the 2nd link didn't redeem her. Wakana Ootaki - I think Rie Tanaka (studio version) did the version of your first link (Mizu no Akashi) better, but looked up another performance of Wakana (live one) of the same song, and it was really touching. Live with just Yuki Kajiura on the piano, Wakana wins, but the more refined performance is more memorable and touching in the end. Yuuka Nanri - Amusing that I ended up interrupting her song cause I recognized a pic of Maaya Sakamoto on the side and Maaya Sakamoto really brought a smile to my face, a big contrast to YUUKA. I did give YUUKA a 6/10 for Honoh no Tobira (though Gundam SEED popularized the song) and thought Akatsuki no kuruma was rather beautiful (still a 6/10 in my book). Kato Asuka - I liked her voice in the 2nd link (jazz song), but wasn't really that impressive compared to others. I'm a fan of Yuki Kajiura, so that probably explains why I found more, that you listed under her, impressive. I'm not really a fan of the Western/foreign stuff from Yoko Kanno. Despite being a fan of Yuki Kajiura, I actually didn't really like many of the songs done for that Everlasting Songs album that you often linked to, though I liked the same songs in their original form. I also notice it's easy to discount Gundam songs--maybe I've heard them so much that their awesomeness wore off. Looking forward to what else you have. You seem to have a lot of experience in this subject, though I think it's getting way too advanced, or I dare too geeky or artsy, for me to really have the ability to find appreciation in some of it. Gave out some more rep to all the great suggestions that have impressed me so far. Last edited by Varaxis; 2012-01-07 at 01:18.

2012-01-07, 21:03	Link #69
xxanimefan4_ever Sorri++ Join Date: Apr 2006	the lead singer of karasu's voice isn't exactly beautiful. I wouldn't describe it as beautiful but I REALLY like it. he's very good at expressing emotions with the screaming and the way he sings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YzkDRvYAzE&feature=fvst the thing with jrock is that some of the voices sound similar or the vocalist actually keeps singing off key (bad at singing... but decided to become a vocalist? ) and all that but anyways his voice is unique and he is good at singing. ABE FUYUMi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ52wtS2QuE Depending on her songs she bores me to death or moves me but anyways when she moves me it's from her voice since her music composition and all that stuff is very simple..... korean artists: caker http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFHi2...feature=relmfu jang jane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7slNSjFQK6Q zitten: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEeD-fvQEyU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXtuJM8dOE0 __________________ <3

2012-01-08, 12:22	Link #77
Snow_Storm Welcome to primetime! Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: St. Louis Age: 34	Can never go with Freedie Mercy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKxIfOdwSJE Also, another legendary singer who may need not no introduction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--bYf6QkBE Another great singer was Marvin Gaye who too had such a handsome voice for his range. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--bYf6QkBE For Japanese artists, I really don't listen to much J-Popish stuff as I don't like it but http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmhZ6FYoNEs Sucks that Eiko Shimamiya got throat cancer however. __________________

2012-01-12, 20:32	Link #78
Elo the Blue Mama there goes that man! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: UK	The Weeknd "High For This" XO/The Host Rolling Stone Frank Ocean "Thinking About You" "Swim Good" "We All Try" __________________

2012-03-05, 23:58	Link #80
Afternoon Tea Senior Member Artist Join Date: Mar 2010	Paul McCartney Ranks #11 out of 100 greatest singers A master track from "Oh Darling", All natural voice no digital alteration Abby Road. <p>No iframe support, please <a href="http://youtu.be/xmZDS1938lE">watch on YouTube</a>.</p> --- <p>No iframe support, please <a href="http://youtu.be/cm2YyVZBL8U">watch on YouTube</a>.</p> <p>No iframe support, please <a href="http://youtu.be/aMTqvhV_nDM">watch on YouTube</a>.</p> <p>No iframe support, please <a href="http://youtu.be/5oXPgZjm6Uk">watch on YouTube</a>.</p> ---- Other good voices Freddie Mercury from Queen Elvis Presley Michael Jackson Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin

2012-01-06, 17:55	Link #61
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Other great singers working for YK are: Mai Yamane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v3yA_pIP7E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfQaj...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V-WGwJJj58 Shanti Snyder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7coM...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gz1K...eature=related Seika Iwashita http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAEh4chaixA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lASEtrnhG_w Joyce Moreno http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e1abC9ymNA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiLKL...eature=related Donna Burke http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t661DztOJQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d02wNWFMbdg Anna Tsuchiya http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ba9SlHZZ0s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r34u...eature=related Kyoko Koizumi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W4NiOmiR3g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KriYzXC8VcQ

2012-01-06, 17:56	Link #62
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Great vocalist working with YK and Yuki Kajiura are: Emily Curtis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWOOyS3QsPE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x25gyk--9uk Emily Bindiger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P87kjAN7iNY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOz1UpdURfw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6kY7hm4WQs Margaret Dorn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vliWl3B7NU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AjCjg3FCPo Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z41ouA9Ja9U http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DQKaWxB-uc More wunderful vocalists of Yuki Kajiura are (some have already been mentioned): Chiaki Ishikawa of course one of the most successful collaborations as See-Saw Deb Lyons http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eszSy1LkrMc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRbXa...eature=related Yuriko Kaida http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bocJADl8U78 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8CiICKbXGk Noriko Ogawa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXvCo...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhXgzeuV_O4 Kaori Nishina http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgkvx3J5F48 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOg3RLkEY3E Kaori Oda (FictionJunction) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8dco...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8JdB...eature=related Kaori Hikita http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Nc-xp6JDQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZBzo...eature=related Keiko Kubota (FictionJunction, Kalafina) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5Yjs...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaY0v...eature=related Yuri Kasahara http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqDoFX2BTs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If0QAinRrtw Wakana Ootaki (FictionJunction, Kalafina) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m6GW...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vza_Y7I4-vc Yuuka Nanri (FictionJunction) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH0NR...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnw_HimcIR8 Asuka Kato (FictionJunction) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB5HW...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOurUdmLjk Mika Arisaka http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTxVl...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYFa86PsPj4 Saeko Chiba http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WStRIN_hIM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JioIE...eature=related Marina Inoue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l1JiWt7MMo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-8Uo...eature=related Eri Itoh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTcuddrVi4Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgSQc...eature=related Clara Kennedy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoPOahdTRuI Houko Kuwashima http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylsiYfTYSrE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ4s20kNvHc Tomaru Hanae http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ondkp2CfMZM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COhdhAUqipE Yuki Kajiura also sings herself under a pseudonym like YK. she performs as Fion mainly background vocals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDOEzDs4gdE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0v2j...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgFqQXL5JU8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HBQc-epq_U

2012-01-06, 18:58	Link #63
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	One of my most favourite artists is Akiko Shikata. She is a musical genius. But also the other singers from Ar Tonelico are amazing: Yuuko Ishibashi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAici0OW_Ys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGJDEaQtIVU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo0W7UsYs8o Haruka Shimotsuki http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfSpr...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb55P...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8pTo...eature=related Noriko Mitose http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oGdjaLmLqw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LsIY...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCjAA...eature=related Kokia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9Jz4...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqSkA...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPf56...eature=related Rekka Katakiri http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSFqqP9Pqhw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxZ_e...eature=related Yoko Ueno http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sKZ1ZqOez4 More beautiful voices will be added tomorrow.

2012-01-07, 17:46	Link #67
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	These artists are also great, so that I could not withstand buying some CDs. This is the first part with the female singers. I'm really digging soft-voiced singer-songwriters producing calm and gentle music. So for many of you my suggestions might be sleep inducing. Quite known are: Eri Kawai She got a exceptionally clear voice. It's really a pity that she died in 2008. This is a huge loss for fans of wonderfuls Japanese singers. She is mostly known for her work for the Aria series, the ED of Utawarerumono (Madoromi no rinne) and the OP of Tales of Symphonia (Almateria). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyUh9aj2qUQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpckkW3B2Ug http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LklUiC8e_qY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rcMosRxaLc Angela Aki This tends to be a bit more generic J-Pop but she still has a great voice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jec0JyVTt08 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW_audLEqrQ Angela (Vocals Atsuko Yamashita) This is more rock-like J-Pop with a strong voice. They contributed quite some anime theme songs e.g. for Stellvia of the Universe, Fafner in the Azure, Shikabane Hime and Asura Cryin'. Sometimes it even gets a bit funky, jazzy, latin-like, dance-like etc. It's a nice blend of genres. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycFn7iegJns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXVroaUwACQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gj65bT46pE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGXXfc3vVJ0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1MtT-5IIFw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLszDv4tD4g The following arstists are unfortunately quite unknown at least for the western audience. Yuki Otake She has a very soft voice which is really soothing. Unfortunately it seems she left the music business for becoming an actress since she only released 2 albums and there is almost nothing from her on Youtube. Her renditions of Greensleeves and Scarborough Fair (not on youtube, it's on the album Nemuru Kujaku) are fantastic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUa5u_G3Rjc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJBUMpqdlEo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQIO_CmqZkE Eri Takenaka She is quite unknown yet to my mind better than some of the more generic J-Pop singers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjFjxMSkmc4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PWFR8zK79w Anri Kumaki Another one with a softer voice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di1jn0jzJqg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HTStNt831Y anNina This is actually the name of the band. The vocalist is Annabel who also worked with another singer under the name binaria. Mostly known are the EDs for Higurashi Kai & Rei Taisho a & Manazashi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSMfFXO8nDI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNZKRyV3is4 Via Higurashi I got to know about Eiko Shimamiya who has a stronger voice. The OP of Higurashi is one of the most creepy and haunting opening songs I'v ever listened to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppCy64lVrGU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkHRUCaO-Dk Garnet Crow This a rock/pop band. The vocalist Yuri Nakamura has quite a deep voice which is pleasing for the ears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRinDnK64JI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dBQaAHNSiI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDesRiohuJE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhGw6LeJb0Y I like also Mari Iijima as Lynn Minmay and Chie Kajiura as Mylene Jenius from MACROSS. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT3qw47VJ78 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgaRpetXeNM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEcmqhwgKTI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrdOpERUvaA

2012-01-07, 17:47	Link #68
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	The list with male artists will be significantly shorter. I will compile it tomorrow.

2012-01-08, 07:51	Link #70
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Here's the continuation of the Japanese female singers with good voices part. These artist sound also quite good. Some of them are real music veterans and some are quite new. Some of them I found when looking for similar artists like Yuki Otake and some got accidentially (e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4yeVRYYBS4) on my watch/listen list. This one is a newcomer I have high expectations for: Aimer >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWQi7uxHWDw Miyuki Nakajima: A veteran with a unique voice. >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGcb83xkLR8 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3TknNSvNt0 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwNV24meK-g ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNeDcEf1B0w ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1BoJ372rgc Chihiro Onitsuka: another veteran >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Hcrgi3k_4 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pflb6y8JQDY ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCvtbf1BQQg Jun Shibata: also more on the softer side of song >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxPoP97q8Ho ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtGbxdxWpKo ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsgR3rpCvKE Fayray >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5hMZ54xRAw ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUWc5WVESH8 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1jQhaDREr0 Emi: Fujita She brings out mainly albums with western cover songs. Her English is pretty good. >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPTnY_0rsZA ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxSrid79SP8 Aoi Tada >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhKUbxl_cKA ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0oso71FX9A ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opndUCB-lbI Youmou to Ohana >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhkToYLYDqI ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yAdWbsnZJI ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWBprzcAOGk Azuma Hitomi >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2LMcoiDlkM ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMoRrvAeCjA ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFMe3gj8tB8 Satomi Takasugi >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4_wF_4oK_w ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZSgSzoVg8k ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH3KJWhx9Xc Yurika Ohyama >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3jatD3xhoc ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18WZeRnSw20 ; Amasia Landscape >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia0E2xRn4g4 Chihiro Yonekura >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cof82L-fNuQ

2012-01-08, 09:30	Link #72
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Himmiherrgodsakramend, I got it mixed up. Yuka Sato sings "Banana Moon Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwaRCIBXh-Y) while "For now, a friend" is sung by Tomoyo Sato (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v74OPNouRSU). There is also a Sayo Sato listed on the soundtrack for Macross II. For my taste, there are way too many Satos here.

2012-01-08, 10:35	Link #74
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	So now onto the very short male singers list. They are really kind of underrepresentated. I'd like to get more suggestions for male artists with pleasing voices, so http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAOFrRLBwhc Most male singers I know are also from MACROSS! Makoto Fujiwara >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U5_HWBWriQ ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij7sw8AN4Qw Yoshiki Fukuyama as Nekki Basara (Fire Bomber) >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkLO0EKKE9s ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXWCZMU-es8 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3Bnj-U7Vq0 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mssHMHVsRY Kousuke Atari This one has no connection to space opera anime. He contributed theme songs to Natsume Yuujichin-chou. He got a similar singing style like Chitose Hajime. It has an ethnic feel to it. On wikipedia he is listed as folk singer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxz33IiRuMU ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leAD2PF0Z7E ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iatTsYFA2I

2012-01-08, 11:04	Link #75
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	So far my knowledge about Japanese artists, I put up this huge list because some of the artists are really good yet quite unknown and I'd like them to be known to a greater audience. I hope that more people get to like their music and decide to support them. Also I wanted to present a broad range of different voices to meet a lot of tastes. I hope there is a favourite pick for anybody visiting this thread. Since I visited the Tanz & Folk Festival in Rudolstadt/Thüringen (Germany) in 1998 I'm hooked on/for? folk/world music. I started to collect CDs by then. Thank god there is ebay. I got quite a lot album through it. Now I have a large collection of amazing artists. To compile it including samples will take a while. Are you folks actually interested in folk / world music?

2012-01-08, 11:25	Link #76
Sekishi Member Join Date: Jul 2010	As a transition from Japanese artists to musicians from the rest of the world I'd like to introduce you to CECILE CORBEL. She is a European (Breton) folk-pop harpist yet she might be known to more people in Japan than elsewhere. Why? Well, she composed the soundtrack to the Ghibli movie "The secret world of Arrietty" and sings all the songs herself. there are quite some vocal tracks for that movie and most of them are really beautiful. You will find most of them on Youtube. One of the best songs is the theme song for Arrietty which she sings in English, Japanese, French, German and Italian. Someone put up a nice mash-up here > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0VJELx6XgM She has a gorgeous voice. Here are some more tracks from the rock-opera "Anne de Bretagne": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3F9cC32n_A ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gurh2gFDbb0 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l6t3SnfDfU Enjoy!