Still Puzzled...

OK, another list. I am bored, but again, lists are my thing. So here are my Five Favorite Voices in Music. Vocal ability was not necessarily a factor, so no Mariah, no Whitney, no... 'Tina Aguilera. No wailers(!) That said...

My 5 Favorite Voices in Music [male and female, and in order of preference]

1. Bono : Just a commanding voice that seems to be refined with age. Check out his cover of "Unchained Melody," along with "Kite" and "In A Little While" from U2's last studio album.
2. The Righteous Brothers : That guy with the tenor register set in the clouds [I mean, who really knows their names?] is amazing. I destroyed my cords trying to mimic him in the shower. The Bros. who invented "Melody" never lost that "Lovin' Feeling."
3. David Gray : His understated tenor is pained and almost haunting, on his new stuff, A New Day At Midnight. Check out "Freedom" and "Shine."
4. Bebo Norman : Coupled with certain lyric lines, his voice sometimes makes me want to weep. "A Page Is Turned" and "Where The Trees Stand Still," for starters.
5. Chris Cornell : I am a sucker for the grovely whine of this Soundgarden frontman-turned-solostar-turned-Audioslave singer . Standout tracks: "Sunshower" and "Steel Rain."

1. Lauryn Hill : She can sing and rap -- bonus. Her throaty instrument is candy to these ears, like caramel. Hear "To Zion," "Ex-factor," "Killing Me Softly" and "His Eye is on the Sparrow."
2. Natalie Merchant : I mean well when I say her breezy voice lulls me to sleep when I'm not tired. That's no small feat. "Carnival" and "Wonder" are great.
3. Danielle Young [of Caedmon's Call] : Noted her underrated chops live in concert -- flawless. "Manner and Means" and "You Created" stand out.
4. Yolanda Adams : The stately Ms. Adams possesses the greatest voice in gospel music today. Hear "I'm Thankful," "The Prayer" and "I Believe I Can Fly" [yes, that one].
5. Martina McBride : Yes, he's gone country here. I think she suckered me in with her simple, faithful rendition of "O Holy Night." Anything else she does is just buttah.