Is Mick Jagger a great vocalist or a great frontman?

[algernon]

You can have a commercial and original "sound" without being a great(or even good)vocalist. Johnny Cash, for instance. Diana Ross was not the best vocalist in the Supremes(Mary Wells was much superior), but Berry Gordy recognized that she had an original and distinctive "sound."

[irdeto]

I am listeninig Rolling Stones almost 40 years and Mick is good vocalist
great frontman and above all ,way of the life for me.
Do you remember "we play music which your parents don't like",this is Rolling Stenes slogan from 60's.

[disraelimoon]

He's a better frontman than vocalist, but I'm not saying he can't sing. I think he's a brilliant singer who can express himself incredibly well.

[flipflop]

He's both - it's really that simple. With a 40-60 slant, if you will

[dkmonroe]

I was thinking about Jagger's vocal ability recently while listening to "Memory Motel" from Black And Blue. This was the album where, I think, Jagger really abandoned any attempt at "straight singing" and just started caterwauling, and I must admit, I think it sounds great. Anybody else trying to sing like this would sound an absolute idiot. And, of course, if you don't like the Stones, you'd probably think Jagger sounds like an idiot anyway. All I can say is, when Mick starts barking out the last verse about his memory buds "bustin' down the door", I see how his really unique and fearless approach to vocals allows him to cram a wide range of emotions into comparatively simple metaphors. My conclusion: great singer.

As a performer, Jagger looks far more impressive in still shots than film. In still shots, Jagger is the greatest rock performer ever. To watch the actual performance, he looks chaotic and underrehearsed. Yeah, I know it's kinda silly to accuse the guy whose been performing "Brown Sugar" for 35 years of being "underrehearsed", but that's how it always looks to me.

But one has to admire a guy pushing 60 who has Jagger's flexibility. I be he could pass a draft board.

I Think He Is A Great Performer Which Is Important In A Lead Singer, His Vocals, Well He's Not Shite But He Has A Distinctive Voice Hasnt He?????

[Northlander]

Neither, he IS a great accountant and manipulator.

[Foxhound]

Originally Posted by infidel

he often goes overboard on the trying to sound like a black southern man IMHO--and yet his style works great on the Stones records, many of which I love.

True indeed.

[dr wu]

No comment....on the grounds that anything I say might offend Foxhound.



Ok....good frontman...but not much of a true singer though his style fits their music well.