Who Had The Best Voice In Grunge? | Rocked

Reminiscing on the glory of the grunge days leads to the question: who had the best voice in grunge? Was it Kurt Cobain of Nirvana? Was it Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam? Was it Chris Cornell of Soundgarden? Or was it Layne Staley of Alice In Chains?
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Grunge (sometimes referred to as the Seattle sound) is a subgenre of alternative rock and a subculture that emerged during the mid-1980s in the Pacific Northwest U.S. state of Washington, particularly in Seattle and nearby towns. The early grunge movement revolved around Seattle's independent record label Sub Pop and that region's underground music scene. By the early 1990s its popularity had spread, with grunge bands appearing in California, then emerging in other parts of the United States and in Australia, building strong followings and signing major record deals.
Grunge was commercially successful in the early-mid 1990s, due to releases such as Nirvana's Nevermind, Pearl Jam's Ten, Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger, Alice in Chains' Dirt and Stone Temple Pilots' Core. The success of these bands boosted the popularity of alternative rock and made grunge the most popular form of rock music at the time. Although most grunge bands had disbanded or faded from view by the late 1990s, they influenced modern rock music, as their lyrics brought socially conscious issues into pop culture and added introspection and an exploration of what it means to be true to oneself.
#ChrisCornell #LayneStaley #KurtCobain #EddieVedder #Grunge #Nirvana #PearlJam #AliceInChains #Soundgarden #Rocked
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[@RockedNet]

Who do YOU think had the best voice in grunge? Leave a comment and vote in the poll featured in the KZbin card!

[@noahnorville7806]

Rocked Who do you think was the worst person to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame?

[@erikbasso362]

Travis Meeks.

[@CunningCondor]

I'm gonna hafta give it to Cornell. Some of the stuff his vocal chords pull off just blows my mind.

[@CunningCondor]

Oh also, while he didn't do grunge... Jeff Buckley's voice, man. Holy hell

[@patricklauer4452]

Rocked Eddie

[@coopercobb8867]

Depends what you want Consistent high screaming: Cornell Smooth flowing singing: Vedder Burst of intense power: Staley Raw emotional energy: Cobain

[@butthole9580]

Anonymous Mouse Staley had all that

[@jesk743]

@@butthole9580 agreed

[@CME1124]

Cornell kinda covers all those

[@eliborg]

c. pza 100%

[@tammichenard1024]

I like this, very well done. Absolutely perfect.

[@944CoyoteV8]

Singer: Cornell Writer: Vedder Influencer: Cobain Best: Staley

[@aleksandarboskovic1330]

Very good view on subject of those voices of grunge

[@jeffreylatham1164]

I dunno...I actually think Cornell was the best writer ...especially when it came to writing not only Lyrica but the melodies etc...he could literally think about how he wanted it and then just do it...basically write it all in his head before ever playing or singing a note...not very many people can do that

[@jordandenny6875]

@@jeffreylatham1164 I think you are right that Cornell wrote more complex and unique melodies, but Kurt Cobain had the same kind of knack for memorable melodies as the Beatles.

[@ianmason2003]

Dude?? Writing is Cornell from any era. We lived through one of the greatest songwriters and didn’t even know it.

[@pat4281]

@@jeffreylatham1164 In my opinion you are spot-on

[@bryanwilliams423]

Kurt is the face of grunge. Chris is the voice of grunge. Eddie is the heart of grunge. Layne is the soul of grunge. They all contributed to the genre in their own way.

[@josecano9210]

Yes but don’t forget the other guys Mark Lanegan was the uniqueness of grunge then Andrew Wood, Mark Arm and Buzz Osborne all 3 of them deserve the title of the Godathers of Grunge

[@bryanwilliams423]

@@josecano9210 completely agree

[@copocopocopocopo]

Now THIS take I agree with, @Bryan Williams!

[@Wikcan]

@@josecano9210 and scott

[@TheKrazysexykool]

Well said

[@mainsmain]

Chris had a crispy angelic voice Layne had a heavier darker voice

[@Iansco1]

And somehow David Draiman's is their child.

[@richardsouk4374]

How bout kurt? What voice does he have?

[@FakeMessiah909]

@@richardsouk4374 whiny

[@richardsouk4374]

@@FakeMessiah909 no kurt's voice wasn't whiny, his voice was raspy, fry sort of voice

[@mickroyster6442]

@@richardsouk4374 Kurt Cobain was a slightly above average vocalist. He did have a pretty good vocal range but he didn't have anything very special goin on in his vocal chords. I know many people including myself who can pretty easily match Cobain's singing voice

[@405adam]

Hands down Layne Staley....Just watch the live version of Love Hate Love

[@Gretzky2857]

Amazing!

[@brentwalker5726]

F#$kin A!

[@axsent801]

Easy

[@fearlesssockpuppet]

He was singing his mothafuckin' ass off.

[@user-sr2nc9ge1d]

Yes, yes yes!

[@bryangarcia5599]

Cobain: Deceased Staley: Deceased Cornell: Deceased Vedder: _'I-yee-I-yee-I'm still alive....'_

[@bjcee1108]

Kind of morbid, considering how they died

[@ItzNick900]

Weiland: Deceased

[@loser3089]

@Bryan Garcia it's tradgically funny

[@anetas1838]

Brilliant :)

[@theactualdice5865]

Corgan-Sounds Deceased

[@PracticingStitchcraft]

I agree, Chris Cornell had the most powerful voice and an incredible range. But Layne's voice gives me chills every time, the raw emotion in his singing is unmatched to this day. The harmonization with Jerry Cantrell was also a big part of this, they were like a grunge Simon and Garfunkel 🙂

[@kristopherbrown5610]

Exactly. i couldn't have said it any better. Except for the last part. lol But we can agree to disagree on that.

[@angelcarrilfernandez1537]

@@kristopherbrown5610 ok

[@kristopherbrown5610]

@@angelcarrilfernandez1537 Who are you and what do you have to do with this comment?

[@aggremo]

Cantrell had a better voice than Staley. Staley was just so unique that's what he had going. And good power

[@138seven]

Exactly. Cantrell/Staley, Simon/Garfunkel, Lennon/McCartney, Crosby/Stills/Nash... they deserve to be in that category.

[@texassippin6868]

Layne Staley is IMO the best but I REALLY love all four of the options. All we have left now is Vedder. ),:

[@christophersawyer253]

TexasSippin we need to all protect Eddie vedder. Him and Mark Lanegan are the two last standing

[@johnmagnisalis8326]

Def agree..idk if it's the music being a heroin addict for half my life i feel for layne the most his music I relate to the most

[@Aron-ru5zk]

John Magnisalis kurt overdosed on heroin before he was shot

[@EDMLyfe]

@@christophersawyer253just Eddie now 🥲

[@MLCrow]

@@christophersawyer253 RIP Lanegan

[@PrisonKilljoy]

I was the mom who feared my kids WOULDN'T listen to Alice in Chains, et al.

[@thema1998]

I guess that makes you a cool mom. 😎

[@patricklauer4452]

PrisonKilljoy my mum got me to discover nirvana and then I got into the other three And other big names that weren’t in the big four:) Also AIC is my favourite from the genre and I think Layne is my favourite vocalist

[@dixirose111]

Yep I made sure my kids knew AIC and even took them to an all ages show...

[@thorgrootsweetrabbit2244]

Sadly I feel your pain my daughter is a fan of Katy Perry, it's up to me to introduce my grandson to real music, and I do.

[@darkloom3919]

ok, boomer

[@SlimPlum691]

It’s Layne Staley for me. The emotion he emitted through his voice still gives me chills no matter how many times I hear his songs

[@ryno9508]

Like all of the others but no one makes me feel what they're singing more than Layne

[@smolpp5316]

Chris Cornell is technically the best in terms of vocal range, he was basically the Rob Halford of grunge. But goddamn Layne just had this beautiful, haunting essence in his voice that no other singer could capture or emulate, he was truly one of a kind and will always be my favourite.

[@leinonibishop9480]

Not denying Chris was an amazing singer but Eddie Vedder has a 5 octave vocal range and Chris ‘only’ had a 4 octave range. Mike Patton from Faith No More has a 6 octave range, which is quite amazing. I believe Layne’s was somewhere between 4-5 octaves but have not seen a definitive study of his range. Freddy Mercury only had like 3 1/2 octaves. I think some singers use bigger interval jumps in their songs which might be why they are perceived as having a bigger range than others. Of course their are a lot of other factors that go into determining who your favorite might be.

[@StacheBigote]

I agree completely. At a certain point, when you hear Layne, the traditional criteria for what makes a singer “good” loses a lot of meaning. The dude was tapping into another realm. His entire body and spirt thrown behind his voice. Those moments propelled him to the mountaintop. And from up there, imo, he could look down on the top of Cornell’s head.

[@Zuub470]

Agreed, I respect the decision to drop him into third here, but Lane is definitely my favorite as well.

[@amaralxk]

Can anyone imitate Layne? listen to Skorned or Chout

[@TheStepmonkey]

@@leinonibishop9480 Actually Layne had more vocal range and technical ability than Cornell, that’s why he always sounded perfect in his live performances while Cornell just sounded “good”. This video here shows that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/houtaZqraZqSiqc

[@oisinmcphillips2090]

Chris Cornell was the best singer, by a country mile. But Layne/Jerry's voice suited the sound the best

[@CunningCondor]

Superunknown is my favorite album of the 90s.

[@Chris-Ian]

Cornell had no technique. He was talented, had a 4 fucking octave range, but he couldn't hit those notes live and his voice wasn't stable. Staley and Vedder have to be the best singers. Scott Weiland - the best voice. Cornell - the best songwriter. Cobain well.. He made grunge popular and wasn't that bad of a singer himself when he wasn't high as a kite throwing guitars and singing in nightgowns.

[@lipton4598]

Agree

[@brandonc.6034]

@CunningCondor Counter opinion, I think Bad Motorfinger is better, but Superunknown is a great album.

[@Blannibal311]

Cornell actually did have technique and DEFINITELY could hit those notes live, just go back and watch him perform Jesus Christ Pose around the 90's and he hits the notes like it's nothing, but his voice became unstable as he got older because....well.....he was older and also he was an extreme alcoholic at one point which will eat at your vocal chords. Layne Stayley's voice even began to get fucked towards the end of his life because of all the heroin he had taken over the years and Jerry Cantrell has even admitted that and Scott Weiland as well. Honestly there's no denying that Cornell had the best voice overall and while I do like Scott Weiland as well he's definitely not better than Cornell.

[@VaporMemory]

Great video. I agree with your choice, but my favorite will always be Layne Staley.

[@Misfits822]

Bro, literally every song of AIC is about suicide and dug addiction. They had the best most haunting lyrics in grunge

[@ubik_3786]

You’re vaporwave vids are awesome

[@JunebugsDaddy9628]

Vapor Memory our favorite

[@kevinwipf4142]

They all have terrible voices the best voice is TINY TIM by far.-tip toe throu the tulips- 😂rock on

[@jpjouster]

Layne Staley all the way

[@rmv9194]

Kurt was pretty overdubbed in recordings. Chris had the best ability and technique but for me layne has the best voice and style.

[@thepastimes5955]

he was pretty overdubbed on Nevermind. everywhere else he wasnt really, he was great live.

[@danielalmeida7382]

Kameron true

[@kujon1968]

He nailed MTV unplugged.

[@thedarklord6130]

C'mon everyone knows Chris Cornell had the best voice. Kurt was the face. But Layne was THE VOICE of grunge

[@SeattleScotty]

I think Eddie Vedder was as influential if not moreso than Layne. So many vocalists copied his style in the late 90s.

[@riotmoms]

The Dark Lord I TOTALLY AGREE! & I believe Eddie was the heart of grunge - Black & other songs always make me cry

[@bobbybobberson3374]

God damn right Layne was THE VOICE of grunge.

[@P.Jlive2024]

@8un3zz Glad this is all Opinion

[@anaparada7219]

Kurt Cobain had a weird big chin he was not that good-looking not all the time a lot of pictures were airbrush he's not as good looking as Eddie Vedder was God bless you all Chris Cornell was not ugly either he looked kind of ethnic though nobody can beat the Irish band Rory Gallagher who is their phenomenal they were a big success in 1970s when I was little nobody could touch them their class if you could see the one KZbin day he was a genius that whole band was gorgeous they don't make men like that anymore

[@maxd1541]

Layne Staley for me, I could feel his emotion like I did with Chris

[@rudowakening3638]

Cornell was technically the best. Just head-and-shoulders above anyone from the Seattle scene. Layne is my personal favourite though.

[@Paremata]

Too bad they can't bring Grunge back to Seattle and put them on the city council. MSGA.

[@jackrobinson3833]

Eddie and Kurt knew how to use there voice better though.

[@kvltizt]

Absolutely correct.

[@GrungeJeans]

Cornell sounds a bit generic to me. Vedder, Layne and Kurt were/are unique and very pleasant to listen to.

[@MLCrow]

Cornell had his peaks but as a live performer (in general) he was the worst one. I mean some of his performances were really weak or even bad.

[@nicholasf5899]

Layne number one. Period.

[@ayushyadav6348]

Chris Cornell any time 😏

[@ofmonadsandnomads9500]

I mean, duh. Why did there even need to be a video ?

[@Poppaea-Sabina]

Layne and Cornell were metal singers!

[@larrysmith2485]

Kurt didnt have the best voice though he made it work awesomely. But in my eyes he and Nirvana are the pioneers of Grunge. Kurt was Grunge

[@vilimbubas1302]

Yeah he was filthy rocker of unique style and for me he is best vocal for grunge.

[@vilimbubas1302]

His voice was grunge and as far as i see we are writing about wich vocal fits perfect for that era.

[@shogunracka9796]

they helped popularise grunge they didn’t make the genre

[@amiramlan3119]

He is a genius punk rocker.. Guitar hero killer..

[@oziasmedeiroscoelho3518]

Soundgarden and Green River are The pioneers.

[@tristen4142]

Everyone in this video has alot of talent, but Layne and Jerry were fucking AMAZING at singing.

[@therealiblack16]

Kurt Cobain did NOT have the best voice in grunge. He had the most FITTING voice in grunge.

[@moistmeter3634]

His sounds better than the rest imo

[@quoththeraven3985]

Kurt had a terrible voice. But like Bob Dylan, Kurt used his voice very well.

[@jdvlss01]

This video is not fair for each individual singers, this bands really do not share any similarities aside from “Grunge" Nirvana is more punk,Alice in Chains is more classic heavy metal,Pearl Jam is more 70s rock and SoundGarden is more goth and classic rock thats why Kurts voice is so natural and flawed because Nirvana was a more accesible punk for the masses and in punk the vocals are not as important as the message and riffs.Nirvana is the only band in this list with punk roots.

[@quoththeraven3985]

@Christopher Bingham Indeed, good sir. It was real,

[@UnderPressureLudwig]

​@@moistmeter3634imo he's worse than Andy Wood and Scott Weiland, not even top 5, and I'm a nirvana fab

[@jenniferwilmarth148]

Chris Cornell had one of the best voices, not only in Grunge, but it ALL music. His loss still haunts me today. His voice was magical and profoundly beautiful. RIP Chris.

[@brentwalker5726]

He was so good. I remember the first time i heard "outshined". I was just blown away.

[@Ticonderous1]

Cornell easily but Staley had a haunting soulful voice .... We are definitely worse off for losing both of them..

[@ElectricMonkey99]

Chris not only had the best voice in grunge, but one of the best in rock music, period.

[@angeladavis1170]

Absolutely Agree Chris Cornell was the best Vocalist Ever.

[@mfsurfer3039]

I absolutely agree

[@theresasnakeinmyboot3006]

The Electric Monkey no Kurt Cobain was

[@angeladavis1170]

@@theresasnakeinmyboot3006 Nope. Chris Cornell and Layne.

[@LittleSuzi86]

Angela Davis Absolutely 🤘💔

[@kyoackerman156]

It's true that Cornell has the widest range and a good technique, but I think Layne is unbeatable when it comes to delivering the emotion and will always be my favorite. Nicely done video nevertheless \m/

[@JayNohh]

Kyo Ackerman This!

[@breezyvibes9947]

Best voice: Chris Favorite Voice: Layne Best writer: Kurt (Nirvana is my favorite all-time band) Most unique: Eddie Most Underrated: Andrew Wood

[@alvarobarrosso4169]

Breezy Vibes best writer kurt???🤣🤣🤣 wtf men all nirvana songs were the same and sooo simple, the best writer is Chris and Jerry Cantrell

[@danielalmeida7382]

Álvaro Barrosso the same???? Look you must be dumb or maybe just happy 😉

[@danielalmeida7382]

Álvaro Barrosso how is a song like all apologies even similar to even in his youth or Stay Away

[@alvarobarrosso4169]

Daniel Almeida men I’m just saying that the songs in general always followed the same line(not all of them), and I’m not the only who say this, the band itself told that the way of Kurt wrote the songs was very simple(that doesn’t mean the are bad) I like nirvana too but we have to recognized that Chris was always the best at writing. And I’m not saying that simplicity is bad but the most “difficult or maybe strange” riffs were from Soundgarden or Alice In Chains

[@alvarobarrosso4169]

Daniel Almeida Nirvana was probably the most unique band of the grunge era but that doesn’t mean they were the best. 1.AIC 2.Soundgarden 3. And for me the third one depends on what you prefer(Pearl Jam or Nirvana)

[@rhodayackez9570]

I agree. However Layne was bloody amazing. I think he ties with Cornell. Staley just moves me in a way Cornell doesn't. And I love Cornell. May they both Rip. Damn it.

[@sandramorrison99]

I had them in the top 2 also, Chris # 1. Both of those guys had HORRIBLE DEATHS! SO LONELY. Chris was found within hours. Probable Self inflicted. LAYNE, his BODY had to be identified by dental records, due to the DECOMP. Alone in his apt. Surrounded by his guitars, gold spray paint cans, a mound of Coke. He died high as FUCK (it wasn't raining) I guess thats painless. His was accidental.

[@steelz78]

This critique between Layne and Chris is 100% spot on. Layne had more pure power than Cornell and was more consistent as a live singer. Cornell at times sounded tired. Although Cornell had maybe 1 more octave in his range than Layne, I just prefer Layne’s unique sound and his ability to sing so held back and beautifully, to screaming to the heavens on Love, Hate, Love.

[@lovingklimt]

I agree and they were clearly both ahead kurt and vedder in terms of vocal talent.

[@lovingklimt]

Rob Ellis Yes Layne delivered way better than Chris live.

[@christar9527]

Rob Ellis right. Cornell could be hard on the ears.

[@carolschmelz6422]

All four singers were great and yet so different. I listen to them regularly but Layne probably touches my emotions the most

[@brentwalker5726]

Agreed. But if I really want to cry myself to sleep (not grunge but from the same era), I listen to Tori Amos sing "Winter".

[@casey10bb]

@@brentwalker5726 Yes, winter for me as well.

[@oldgasengines]

LAYNE STALEY = #1............carry on.

[@m1s3ry97]

Chris Cornell, Layne Staley, and let's not forget Scott Weiland

[@afa78djd]

Layne's voice was goosebump-inducing. So was Eddie's in more than a few songs. I choose either of those two.

[@anonymoususer2756]

Really? In what songs? I’ve listened to Dirt many, many times and Layne’s voice has never given me goosebumps.

[@TCsInspiredVlogs]

@@anonymoususer2756 You're just weird I guess

[@RileyAiC]

down in a hole mtv unplugged. highly recommend it.

[@TiesSaalmink]

@@anonymoususer2756Love hate love live at the moore is a good one

[@abyjose9520]

Chris Cornell had one of the best voices in all of rock, let alone grunge.

[@jondubb35]

Pure singing ability, Chris Cornell. Most unique and my personal favorite, Layne Staley. It’s unfortunate that all of the post grunge bands that came later would try to copy Layne’s, and to an extent, Eddie Vedder’s singing style. They took that unique singing style and ran it into the ground.

[@martymauldin9518]

Chris Cornell not only had the best voice in grunge but the best voice in rock music period,in my opinion. I disagree with your second choice however. Layne Staley had a higher vocal range than Eddie Vedder and a more powerful delivery even when he was zonked out on heroin.So my list would be 1.Chris Cornell 2.Layne Staley 3.Eddie Vedder 4.Kurt Cobain

[@cornelloverfloater4231]

@love layne Everyone is entitled to their opinions like you do

[@theoutsiderspost4982]

Freddy Mercury had the best in rock.

[@joshuaroberts4245]

Those are my picks as well.

[@donaldstone540]

I would have to respectfully disagree. Chris is damn good, but in my humble opinion, Meatloaf has the best voice in rock.

[@aprilh8022]

Eddie should be last really, I love him but I dont know many people who would or could liten to his voice and not get a bit annoyed after awhile.

[@artvjon]

Man, this was a GREAT video! Really enjoyed it, hope to see more like this in the future. Had been looking forward to it since you announced it at the live stream.

[@RockedNet]

Thanks! I'm sure I'll make one like it again eventually. I like talking about positive things as opposed to garbage.

[@dylanhammersproductions7081]

Even though people enjoy watching you listen to unbearable trash like Simple plan, but I always find your regretting the past videos very entertaining and hilarious but I did enjoy this video a lot. I would go with Chris Cornell also because I’m a fan of all of his projects. Superunknown is also probably one of my favorite albums of all time. With great songs like black hole sun, superunknown, and fell on black days it is without a doubt even better than most other 90s rock bands. I love Pearl Jam’s ten also and they come pretty close

[@soilavaina7281]

Rocked HAHA THE NUMBER ONE IS LAYNE, SON OF BICTH

[@Kirk0377]

Kurt, maybe not always or for every song, but at times he was untouchable, MTV Unplugged for example. I don't care about range or any technical shit, I go by how it sounds.

[@ilustrado7291]

Bruh, but AiC MTV Unplugged though?

[@schmittza]

Ilustrado they were both fucken awesome unplugged amirite?

[@magdalal1342]

i agree

[@Itjustgotserious]

Was literally watching this going "Chris Cornell or I'm calling the cops."

[@alwynsam5349]

Lol :)

[@hanzistorrhanz7982]

Same here :D

[@FeelingParanormal]

Though I am a HUGE PJ fan when you introduce someone to Eds voice you get "Oh wow such a good voice" when you introduce someone to Chris it's always "holy fuck how is he doing that" Chris hands down the best of the grunge era.

[@Kman31ca]

Yeah, same here and I don't think many PJ fans would argue.

[@leekeeho543]

@@Kman31ca same, big time PJ fan but nobody can deny that Chris had the best voice

[@danutd94]

I seriously think there is a fair chance that Chris Cornell had the greatest singing voice of any human being to have ever lived

[@eli_are_ftw]

He is the freddie mercury of grunge

[@RK_peace]

The only potential rival is Robert Plant between 1969-1973.

[@jimjackson2089]

Jumbo that's a fair statement.

[@jackrobinson3833]

Robert plant, Freddy mercury. Just stop.

[@roopan1968]

McCartney, best and most versatile singing voice in recorded music history.

[@jobriathboy]

Kurt might not have had the best voice in grunge, but he certainly had the best grunge voice...

[@jamesmills109]

Well said. Nirvana was definitely more raw than any of these other bands, and Kurt just really didn't give a shit! You can hear a lot of passion, and hurt in his voice which helps to deliver his style of music.

[@caynancrenshaw]

Very true

[@FloydtheBarber8384]

I agree. In terms of technique Vedder, Cornell and Staley were better but that raspy sound, man... This is rock and roll, not opera, this is communication not capacity to reach the octaves and in terms of getting a connection Cobain's voice is uncomparable to me. Of course the other three are grest also, especially Vedder.

[@jobriathboy]

@@FloydtheBarber8384 absolutely... i have huge respect for Eddie, Chris & Layne... but they were definitely more "conventional" singers, if you will... and they were all pretty damn good at conveying emotion through their voices... but there's something significantly different about Kurt's voice... a different quality altogether. he also had a brilliant knack for coming up with vocal melodies that played against his often unconventional guitar parts... another arguement might be that PJ, Soundgarden and AIC weren't actually "grunge" (if grunge was actually a real genre or not... that's an arguement for another day, entirely)... over the years, there haven't been many singers trying to ape Kurt's voice (compared to those that mimicked Eddie and Layne, for example), and those that have really haven't done it very successfully... and i'm kinda grateful for that... he was truly unique...

[@danielsgrunge]

That's accurate

[@erictomerlin161]

I would have had it between Chris and Layne . they had the biggest range . But it boiles down to preference . Very difficult choice .

[@Mansplainer452]

Isn't Kurt's range higher than Staley's? Kurt had a 4 octave and 4 notes range as opposed to Layne's 4 octavs range

[@erictomerlin161]

@@Mansplainer452 I never heard that before . Never heard that range from Kurt on a song myself . I am interested in researching it though .

[@Mansplainer452]

@@erictomerlin161 Hey bro. I checked it up. They give the songs and the respective notes he hit in studio and on stage to measure his range. Besides range, people forget that whilst Kurt was also living a destructive lifestyle, he was able to hit studio notes on stage almost every single time atop the fact that the guy practically screames his lungs out week in week out. Layne had quite a few bad concerts but I won't take away from his vocal prowess which he possessed

[@erictomerlin161]

@@Mansplainer452 Cool ... Thanks for the info . Always enjoy learning new stuff .

[@Mansplainer452]

@@erictomerlin161 Ah no worries bro. Have a great one😉✌

[@jerytherew1]

The harmonizing of Alice in chains is what gets me hard.

[@scottepterrell7441]

Me too! LMAO

[@IknowIamkindagreat]

Cornell is (sigh, was) untouchable in all of music.....

[@coolcole6417]

Lanye Staley 4 ever!

[@GoombaGuy1996]

Scott Weiland of STP was also pretty unique at the time. He had an ability to sound completely different. For example on “Plush” he has that raspy grunge sounding voice. But on “Big Bang Baby” he uses a more nasally and more high pitched voice. His ability to use different types of voices was pretty damn impressive.

[@im-pro-at-skyrim8285]

Brad Casalinuovo I love Scott but I think he was just kind of shape shifting between these 4 artists voices

[@Logan912]

im-pro-at-skyrim More like heroin affected Scott Weiland's voice from album to album

[@emotionallyexhausted1410]

Brad Casalinuovo Agreed. Scott's way underrated. A vocal chameleon, true. - His voice was as much Bowie as it was 90’s gritty powerhouse. Songs like Atlanta and …And so I know showcase the best of Scott’s open, crooning and really show the depth of range and tone he developed a little later in his career. Scott’s voice was powerful, open and his delivery, amazing. Whether he was aware of the technique he often used, or it was a natural intuition, he was truly capable of some amazing singing and in possession of an incredibly gifted range. Cornell, Staley, Weiland, then others...then Vedder, Cobain.

[@emotionallyexhausted1410]

@@Logan912 Man, that's not necessary. Weiland's voice actually got better after their Core debut. Show some respect.

[@jacinto1477]

@@emotionallyexhausted1410 Have to agree with you specially when you watch Scott covering "Angry Chair" from aic

[@Andrey110379]

Chris is the heart, Layne is the soul.

[@janelltrent9560]

Chris Cornell his range is insane!!! I love Layne to and Eddie but Chris just is hands down best.

[@tjchiusano]

Nirvana is my favorite band. But dear god, is Layne’s voice powerful. He’s like a more melodic version of Kurt and had such a higher vocal range than him. I love Kurt cuz his scream, god his scream is amazing. But Layne has just the same scream as him and just sings more melodically than Kirt cuz what Kurt did was just belt out the words. But Layne can use his voice and hold notes much longer in songs such as “Rooster”.

[@ItzNick900]

Range: Chris Cornell Power: Layne Staley Rawness: Kurt Cobain Emotion: Eddie Vedder

[@moniquelegarda1842]

Layne's voice was so unique that I still remember the first time I heard it on the radio while stuck in traffic. AIC has been my favorite band from that era ever since that day.

[@calebdegrechie4857]

Layne Staley

[@rockingbirdey]

1. Layne Stanley 2. Chris Cornell (another day could be No. 1. He's probably the most talented of the 4 with a nearly 4 octave range) 3. Kurt Cobain 4. Eddie Vedder (love him, just personal order)

[@rott3npaul294]

If Cornell mist talented then the 4 then he is number one my dude😂

[@bonecanoe86]

My favorite grunge band went from being Nirvana, to Alice in Chains, to Pearl Jam, and finally back to Alice in Chains and I'm pretty sure they'll hold that title for me from here on out.

[@TranzparentMethods]

Honestly you can't place Layne, because he was really a co-lead vocalist with Jerry Cantrell. Their harmonies were FANTASTIC though. Alice In Chains is my favorite Grunge band, but Cornell was the best vocalist in Grunge, without question.

[@jldp24]

Cornell wast the best singer. Layne had the best grunge sound...Layne,s sound is so.typically grunge..or atleast captured the idea of what grunge was supposed to be.

[@chrisw1197]

I love Cobain's voice but chris Cornell is miles ahead of all of them voice wise. Forget grunge he's one of the best male vocalists ever.

[@alwynsam5349]

Indeed ! Folks saying he only had a bigger range don't know what they're talking abt

[@jasonbowman8698]

I personally think that cornells voice would have to be in the top 3 greatest voices of all time. His voice is timeless and his range is unmatched

[@kc2094]

On a technical level, easily Cornell. I'm not even a huge fan of grunge, but it's straight up no contest. Though Kurt had something really special.

[@Jason918114]

11:44 His voice rips through your spine unlike the others

[@chrisw1197]

K C yes, I agree Cornell technically is better but there’s something about the sound and authenticity of Kurt’s voice that I love

[@sincitysinner9239]

Personally for me it was always Layne Staley who had the best voice, but he also had Cantrell to do those awesome fucking harmonies so it's hard for me to say he had the best voice. Chris Cornell probably had the overall greatest voice, that man could fucking wail and there are not a whole lot of singers in any genre that can match his voice. Cobain definitely had an awesome voice that was perfect for grunge, and though Pearl Jam is a great band I always found Eddie Vedders voice to be slightly annoying, lol. He just had that weird fucking cadence and would enunciate words so fucking strangely, lol. Out of the 4 of them I personally have to give it to Cornell, with Staley a close second.

[@lovingklimt]

I suggest to listen to mad season and cantrell wasn't singing much early on.

[@wesadams5128]

When I think of the grunge scene and the sound that goes to it I think Staley. Now if it were for more upbeat music then Chris Cornell and Eddie all the way. But for grunge? Layne just sounds like what "grunge" would be. Dark and deep and something everyone could relate to in the dark parts of their life

[@TANA-ku9vt]

It’s unfair to compare Kurt because his whole style was not to be perfect, grunge is kinda all about human error and that’s why he’s the face of grunge

[@stoots1000]

Kurt was not a good vocalist or guitar player...he was less than average at both. He was a great song writer, and he was great at saying what our generation was thinking.. The most talent in Nirvana was/is Dave Grohl...hands down, even Kurt knew Dave was leaps and bounds ahead of him and said that Dave joining the band changed the sound and drove them in the direction they went.. Bad thing is real Nirvana fanboys get angry when you point this out..everyone who is honest knows it's true, hell even dogs and cats know it's true...he was no John Lennon.

[@satanworshippers2614]

@@stoots1000 and dave is really nice too

[@AleksandreBurchuladze]

A.L. Stoots he was a good musician

[@stoots1000]

@@AleksandreBurchuladze he was average at best as a guitar player and vocalist..he was an AMAZING song writer, and his "style" fit perfectly with the music the band played. I'm a huge fan, but I am honest about his abilities.

[@AleksandreBurchuladze]

@@stoots1000 I agree

[@czapalac14]

I’m a really big fan of nirvana but layne is the best vocalists outve the 4

[@maxpalmer3212]

I miss chris Cornell 😢😭 I miss Layne Staley 😢😭

[@CrocodileKyle]

But what about Kurt?

[@alexh.6362]

What about Kurt? Dont you miss him?

[@maxpalmer3212]

@@alexh.6362 yeah I listen to nirvana all the time

[@RileyAiC]

RIP Chris Cornell RIP Layne Staley RIP Kurt Cobain

[@luiscarlosleal86]

Love all of them but Layne.... Layne is so unique. Still is my favourite voice not only from Grunge era but from all the genres. Amazing voice. Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@MikeFlamingo]

Mark Lanegan certainly deserves a mention

[@jasonmgomez]

THIS!

[@bootitup6927]

Yep

[@TheGreatCue772]

And this is the problem with this list for me. The vocalists who are grunge were overshadowed by album sales.

[@kylehegedus5498]

R.I.P. Mark Lanegan

[@bonjoev2781]

Sadly Eddie Vedder is the only one of those 4 still alive

[@miahthorpatrick1013]

@Joseph Vincenzes I was thinking that too whilst watching this video!

[@ThomasJ502]

Joseph Vincenzes ohh iiiiiiiii uuuuuuhhhhhuuu I'm still aliiiiive

[@bonjoev2781]

@@ThomasJ502 ooooohh hooo ooohhh oooooohh ooooohh he's still alive

[@ThomasJ502]

@@maxotto9877 wasn't Layne an overdose

[@justinkoeberl5797]

@@maxotto9877 based on what exactly???

[@tgpjoe-tp1re]

Staley Cornell Cobain Vedder

[@derekfletcher8934]

Hey me too! And I LOVE all 4

[@bruntos31]

1. Layne 2. Kurt 3. Eddie 4. Chris Layne is the best at conveying emotion and kurt is similar just more raw, both delivered very raw emotional vocals. Eddie and Chris could perform those iconic rock vocals, more cleaner than the previous two. All have their unique styles but it comes down to how you want to feel listening to their music.

[@brianajaxwintor6023]

Layne is the best grungeboy

[@jessenethery5700]

No.

[@jessenethery5700]

@Flunkass Chris is the best

[@shaggy791]

My favorite will always be Layne, but as for the best, I’ll never be able to choose between Cornell and Layne. While the other 2 are great, they aren’t even in he same league as Layne and Cornell.

[@michaelstreich7734]

Ima have to go with Chris Cornell. NUFF SAID.

[@pnut2552]

Nirvana is by far my favorite band... but you can't touch Layne Staley

[@franco1926]

I remember the first time when my girlfriend did mention me Alice In Chains, I cringed a lot because I thought that it could be another mom rock band like hinder or buckcherry (this happened in 2006 when both were huge), then she showed me man in the box and I fell in love at the first second. Sorry layne :(

[@mamajodylynn5585]

Chris Cornell. That wail. He was one of a kind and there will never be another like him. Losing him was a huge loss and I still haven't gotten over it.

[@angeladavis1170]

Yes Chris Cornell was the Best Vocalist Ever. Never Get Over It. Justice for Chris Cornell. Rip Our Beautiful Rock Legend.

[@porksword1975]

Cornell ripped it up on the Badmotorfinger album.

[@LittleSuzi86]

Angela Davis I know... My heart is broken. What a beautiful human being he was. He was so talented. Listen to his music a lot. It is amazing!!

[@angeladavis4019]

@@LittleSuzi86 💔

[@tomgolde5175]

My mom thought Alice in chains was Allison chains. Lol I remember my mom saying " I bet she's not better then stevie Nick's" when I introduced her to them lol.

[@gonza4922]

Wtf, All of them are awesome, but Stanley is the best one, THE BEST!

[@andyguajardo4785]

1. Chris Cornell 2. Layne Staley 3. Eddie Vedder 4. Kurt Cobain Although this guy makes great argument for Eddie being #2.

[@efvancum837]

No Layne is still better no one ever can match him

[@PPCAPOGAMING]

@@efvancum837 It really boils down to who is listening. Yes, Layne had this haunting timbre that fit AiC perfectly and is yet to be matched. On the other hand, Eddie had probably the prettiest voice of the big 4. Point is that their styles are so unique and different from eachother that comparing them is meaningless.

[@ozkrhills9624]

Good...

[@anonymoususer2756]

Evan Credeur He’s alright.

[@douggreen7645]

1. AIC 2 . Soundgarden 3 . Pearl Jam 4 . Nirvana

[@rott3npaul294]

I put Pearl jam over Soundgarden

[@GWh135]

I'd switch Soundgarden w/ Pearl Jam

[@worrowland8084]

It should be opposite

[@GWh135]

@@worrowland8084 Nirvana is the least talented of the four.

[@theyungone-cg8ck]

@@GWh135 your cool

[@adamlone5548]

In my opinion Layne Staley and Chris Cornell were the best rock vocalists of the 90s; they were simply a tier above everyone else. Choosing between them would be nearly impossible for me.

[@brody_lol6427]

"Rusty Cage" is my favorite example of why Cornell was just outright talented in every vocal style

[@randyembree2930]

Kurt's voice was perfectly imperfect. His performance of "where did you sleep last night" really shows his strength as a vocalist. Layne had so much power and no one can belt out "jeeeesssus Christ" like he could. All that said Cornell was just other worldly in his abilities. Objectively no contest. Chris wins.

[@XD418480]

Randy Embree I think when Kurt originally recorded that song he blew his vocal cords out which is why something in the way he could barely talk and why that song sounds the way it does. Kurt’s the man Rip

[@antdujar]

I'm torn between Cornell and Layne. Because I love them both. Both have range and soul piercing vocals. But I will admit, as much I love Cornell (big fan of Soundgarden, audioslave, solo work etc and is personally my one of my favorite singers and top grunge singer). But, Layne has raw emotion that just can't be matched in regards to forbidding, longing , Despair and rage, especially with Cantrell. So I'd say for grunge, Layne.

[@sussychachi]

I gotta agree I think Chris Cornell best vocalists but Eddie comes in second because a he’s just as epic vocally. For the sound of grunge music I say Alice In Chains wins. Either way all bands listed are amazing!!🤘😆

[@rainingwhenidie]

It's so hard picking one since everyone was so talented, but Layne is by far my favorite out of the four. He just had such a powerful voice and I'm still in awe no matter how many times I listen to his music or watch a live performance. I used to not like rough voices, but listening to Alice in Chains just flipped that switch completely. He has such an amazing range that I could only achieve in my dreams. I have a fairly powerful voice, but I would sound like a dying cat if I tried singing his part in Man In The Box. And when you pair his voice with Jerry Cantrell's??? The harmonies are out of this world and it's one of my favorite things about Alice In Chains. Yeah, maybe on a technical level, Cornell's voice is better, but Layne's will always be my favorite out of the four. And I can't imagine any other bands taking AIC's place as my favorite band any time soon. I have nothing but respect for him (and everyone else mentioned of course!) and it's such a shame how he went out. I hop wherever he is, he's at peace now. (and as a side note: i'm proud of aic that they were able to grow and make new music. I'll always prefer Layne's voice over William's but i think he does a really good job. Idk I just love this band to bits and pieces, no matter what era

[@miguel35w60]

I personally love Kurt Cobain, but I think Chris Cornell had the best voice in Grunge. Ps: Love the Underoath shirt. 🤘🤘

[@tboztheish]

listen to Alice In Chains Live @ The Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA, USA, Dec 22 1990 and tell me that Layne doesn't have the best voice!

[@Blannibal311]

Chris Cornell is the technical best. While they all have their uniqueness no one can compare to Cornell and his vocal range and performance. I never understood how anyone could really think Vedder could out sing Cornell because he couldn't at all. You can have your preferences on who you like better but factually Cornell has the best voice. Layne would have to be my second because of the sound of his voice in general. Honestly I never understood how a band like Soundgarden or Alice in Chains could even be considered grunge at all considering early on their music was more punk and they switched up their sound many times throughout their career. BadMotorFinger is considered their masterpiece of grunge but it sounds more like heavy metal than anything else.

[@AlexGreat321]

When I started majorly getting into grunge music I started to realise Soundgarden and Alice In Chains were more metal, Nirvana was more punk and Pearl Jam were more bluesy. Still all great bands though

[@Brandonmtlhd]

Grunge wasn't really a style of music. It was just a name that a media outlet assigned to the wave of bands coming from the Seattle area at the time. They encompassed different styles of music and genres.

[@angeladavis1170]

Totally Agree.

[@davidlewis2723]

I accept Cornell as #1 but listen to all the covers of AIC at the MoPop awards. Layne Staley is UNCOVERABLE.

[@RabbitPunching]

layne is da best

[@monicaanderson6747]

Layne Staley for sure!

[@RBRSC]

Number one would Staley. Different ranges, techniques and musical styles. Cornell is a close second, and maybe even tied if we took his whole career in account, but in that era he was notoriously kind of bad live. Vedder is the solid third. Cobain is just not a great vocalist, but made up for it with songwriting. On a musical history level, the "big four" of grunge thing just kind of irks me. Pearl Jam were post-grunge/hard rock (despite having a lineage to grunge group Green River). Nirvana dabbled in and out, but Nevermind was really the kickoff for post-grunge. Soundgarden and Alice in Chains took more heavy influence, but hung out more readily in alt-metal/early stoner/sludge metal. Its a tossup if you want to call it post-grunge, or second wave or something, but the popular use of grunge really diverges a lot from the grunge genre that emerged in the 80s with Mudhoney, Green River, The Melvins, Malfunkshun, et al. Even members of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and AiC have described themselves as not being part of grunge.

[@otherwords2978]

I actually liked Kurt’s breaks and delivery it gave it an emotional power. He’s my favorite singer of the 4

[@joshuafult84]

Cornell: Best overall well rounded voice Cobain: Best natural sounding voice Staley: Best technical singer out of them.

[@DropTehBazz]

Joshua: Inaccurate arbitrary conclusions

[@ryanstaley5590]

Staley*

[@joshuafult84]

@@ryanstaley5590 Fixed

[@mickeyd4012]

Layne "mothafuckn" Staley

[@detwins77]

I don't care about technic or opera standard talent. I know that's important and from that viewpoint, Layne was the greatest. But I care about what makes my heart fells and my guts to burns, and that will always be Kurt. He had that something. Even when I hear that isolated voice that is supposed to be an example of his limitations, what I hear is a heartfelt soul, a voice and feeling that connects with me. And that's it. That's all I need to choose my icon and most beloved musical Hero, Kurt Cobain. That's all.

[@user-eo7jf3lb9f]

Finally someone who think like I do hahaha

[@gokberkmusic6865]

.layne(incredible dark emotion) .chris(incredible teknique and sexy voice) .scott w(yes ı love his dance and different energy) .eddie .kurt

[@isaiahsmithproductions9866]

It better be Chris Cornell! EDIT: Hell yeah!

[@TheKopsfanclub]

Honorable mention to Mark Lanegan of the Screaming Trees.

[@richardmiller2049]

Pretty great voice yes.

[@Conor2016]

I said the same thing . He's voice is fantastic.

[@jimreed2138]

Absolutely!!

[@lmrk5705]

YES!

[@bulujeegar9184]

Loved him on Queens of the Stone Age too.

[@peterholt8774]

1 Staley 2 Cobain 3Cornell 4 Vedder I have always thought that grunge was the style that celebrated the different non conventional approach. You had huge rock stars that acted as if they were content playing in small venues and not sure what to make of fame. Cornell is by far the most technically proficient and gifted vocalist. The greatest grunge vocalist should be different than what everyone else is striving to be. The most unigue and iconic voice to lead the genre is Staley I think. Cornell is textbook great singer, Vedder comes across as forced sometimes. Cobain had a great scream. Staley I think just comes across as the naturally comfortable voice. You can make a case for the most recognizable in the genre.