Everyone knows the Mount Rushmore of rock singers. From Plant and Daltrey to Freddie and Cornell. Now here are some underrated rock vocalists.

Let’s face it, unless you have Slash or the like on guitar, or Neil Peart on drums, singers get all the glory. Rightfully so, as they are indeed the frontman, or woman, in the band. Over the past 60-plus years the world has had the good fortune to be blessed with dozens of what we would call the best of the best singers in rock. That, however, doesn’t mean there are singers that for whatever reason, fly under the radar. They are the underrated rock vocalists of the world, and I feel they need to be recognized! 

Check Out The Rock Vocalists Of These One Hit Wonders From The 70s.

 Reasons Performers Are Considered Underrated Rock Vocalists

Meat Loaf
(Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

One of the main reasons is they are musicians in a band with an already kick-ass lead singer! One of the fellows on this list had one of rock’s all-time great lead singers in his band, but it didn’t take long for fans to realize this guy not only had amazing guitar skills, but he could rip it on the mic as well! 

Another reason musicians are considered underrated rock vocalists is much like an underrated hitter in baseball. They fly under the radar because they perform in an era where there are other better-known superstars all around them. It doesn’t mean they aren’t as talented. It means that they might not have the flash, or commercial hits other singers and their bands do. Hence they are not considered in the upper echelon of their field. 

Still, a third reason is some underrated lead singers are known primarily as some of the greatest instrumentalists in their respective field. That’s right, a legendary guitarist, drummer, bassist, ect, can also be a top of the line singer as well! I mean look at Phil Collins! Not on our list, but an A+ singer and drummer.

So whatever the reason, the fact is there are some amazing underrated rock vocalists in the world and we should appreciate their efforts. So let’s drop the mic, and get to it! 

  • Jerry Cantrell Alice In Chains/Solo

    When the world first heard Alice In Chains, they were instantly drawn to two things, Layne Staley’s unmistakable vocals, and Jerry Cantrell’s ripping guitar. It took some time for the smoke to clear for us all to realize that the vocal harmony between the two was what really set the band apart. Today Jerry still sings beautifully in AIC with William DuVall and on his well-received solo efforts. 

  • Adam Gontier Three Days Grace/Saint Asonia

    Having had the pleasure and privilege to not only interview Adam face to face, but to witness him perform from a few feet away, it’s always been obvious to me this guy has not only a God-given talent like few others, but he loves doing it. It was nice to hear this year that Adam is returning to 3DG, as they will be touring in 2025 with the Disturbed “Down With The Sickness” 25th Anniversary Tour. I guess it really is never too late! 

  • Zakk Wylde Ozzy/Solo/Black Label Society/Zakk Sabbath

    Not that I wouldn’t put him on this list anywho, but if I left Uncle Zakky off of here he would probably drive to the Rat and put me in a headlock. The guy can sing! Forget the awesome backing vocals for Ozzy. Forget the power vocals of all those intense BLS tunes. Give me his vocal range on Way Beyond Empty and close the case.

  • Ian Astbury The Cult/The Doors Of The 21st Century

    Astbury is a perfect example of a top-notch lead singer sometimes forgotten about because of the era he rose to prominence. While somewhat overshadowed by contemporaries like Rob Halford, Bruce Dickenson, David Lee Roth, and others, the Cult had a following that continues today. As does Ian’s ability to hit all the notes. None better than Sweet Soul Sister. 

  • Kevin Martin Candlebox

    Kevin Martin is another case like Astbury, all be it a decade later, where he was overshadowed by vocalists in bigger bands of the day. However, this is not to say Kev couldn’t hold his own with the Chris Cornells and Eddie Vedders of the world! The vocals on the song “You” alone, are evidence of that. 

  • Mike Farris Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies/Solo

    One of my all-time favorite underrated rock vocalists. Mike is a great guy and a talent the world should know more of. Had the pleasure of seeing him and the Wheelies a couple of Summers ago at the Grammercy in Manhattan for their farewell tour, and he sounded better than ever. His Shine For All The People Gospel album even won Mike a Grammy in 2014. 

  • Jay Buchanan Rival Sons

    Rival Son’s has toiled through 8 albums to solidify themselves as one of the premier American Rock Bands of the 2020s. No small part of that success has be due to Buchanan’s immense presence and talent. A voice that can stand toe to toe with any rocker today. Just look at him lay waste to these legendary songs in the Black Sabbath Grammy tribute from a few years back. 

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