Hit Parader's Top 100 Vocalists of All Time

[Victor Synn]

So I picked up the latest issue of Hit Parader Magazine last week. Typically, I tend to disregard so-called "Metal" magazines anymore because they usually only focus on the flavors of the month and nothing more, but seeing that it was an issue entitled "Top 100 Vocalists of All Time," I had to pick this copy up and see who they chose. Just looking at the cover and seeing people like Corey Taylor from Slipknot and Jonathan Davis from Korn and I knew it wasn't looking good for the Big Hair genre. Unfortunately, I was right. Seems that anyone in Big Hair that was included got the royal ass fucking in terms of placement. Out of all the Big Hair singers in over 10 years of the movement, only Ray Gillan, Steven Pearcy, Kevin Dubrow, Dee Snider, Joe Elliott, Jon Bon Jovi, Don Dokken, Klaus Meine, Vince Neil, Geoff Tate, Axl Rose, Jeff Keith, Bret Michaels, and David Coverdale got a nod. I'm sure I may be missing a few, but that's the lion's share. Now, if you're a fan of the genre like I am, you're probably wondering where the Mark Slaughters, the C.J. Snares, the Steve Whitemans, the Tom Keifers, and the Jani Lanes are on the list. Well, guess what? They aren't fucking there! That's right...Hit Parader decided that Kurt Cobain (aka The Antichrist) was a far better vocalist than any of the people that were snubbed, as well as damn near 99% of the people I mentioned (Axl was the only one to chart higher than Cobain. Also note that Steven Tyler and Rob Halford charted higher, but I personally don't consider them hair metal or part of the 80's metal movement. Especially Aerosmith, who were an already established band by the late 70's. Priest wasn't Hair Metal at all). Lets take a look at some of the other names on this list:

Fred Durst- Yep. I said it. Fred fucking Durst of Limp Biskit. Since when does whiney ass rapping constitute good vocal ability?
Jonathan Davis- I guess scatting on "Freak On A Leash" is so groundbreaking that he had to be placed on the list. I like Korn, but I would never place Davis on a list of top 100 vocalists. Hell, he wouldn't make a top 200 list if I wrote one up.
Ray Davies- For some strange reason, the folks at Hit Parader feel Ray Davies is metal. Really? Since when? They obviously drew the parallel with Van Halen and "You Really Got Me." That's the only reason I could possibly see of giving Davies any recognition at all, which doesn't make it right.
Mick Jagger- Again...another guy that just screams metal. I know when I think of metal, The Stones immediately comes to mind. I'm not even going to justify this with an explaination. There isn't one, really.

These are only a few of the lack luster choices Hit Parader made. They claim that they picked their list based on talent and importance in the medium, as well as a few other not-so-important aspects. Singing talent alone should have dictated this list with all other catagories falling in way behind. As a singer, I find it hard to believe that so many more than capable singers got a huge "Fuck You" from Hit Parader. Oh, how they forget. Hit Parader used to be a haven for 80's Big Hair. Even when it wasn't the "In thing." Now all of a sudden, they're giving The Antichrist a #20 position on a vocalist list. I can't wait to see what other lists this magazine comes up with. It should be hilarious.

[blacksatinlace]

GESH!!! that list did suck! i didn't see you on there either VIC! lol i guess they are trying to appease the younger kids.

[Victor Synn]

Yeah, younger people are the fan base of the magazine as a rule, but last time I checked, I wasn't dead yet. And I really don't like Slipknot so much that I have to read about them in every issue that comes out.

[Starr]

Yeah, Wheez, a few of us wanted to know where Victor Synn was on the list. Maybe you should email the guy who did that particular section (or the mag itself) and ask about the criteria. It would be interesting to see if it's just a fuck-off type thing, or if they actually did some research behind these vocalists.

[mrbrownstone]

The thing that really sucks is that the hair bands kicked ass but had talent too. The new bands can growl and play three chords but there is nothing beyond that. In ten years you will not see the bands out today but the bands of the eighties are still touring strong!

[Victor Synn]

Exactly Brownstone. Staying power is what it was all about back then. These days, it's just flavor of the month all the time. Nobody will have a long career in music today.

[mrbrownstone]

The reason I love this music is that I can say "Wow, I remember what I was doing when I first heard that song." Albums like Apetite for Destruction, Hysteria, Long Cold Winter, etc... will never happen again unless there is a serious music revolution. Anyway, I am glad you are keeping the music alive! See ya on the 11th @ YP!

[Slash]

They are labeled prog rock but James LaBrie of Dream Theater can wail on vocals.
Mike Matjevic of Steelheart can practically shatter glass with his voice(remember all the killer steel dragon tunes from rockstar??)
Most of these lists are pure chit that change from day to day to partially appease the readers or flavor of the day.

[Victor Synn]

Mike Matjevic was on an honorable mentions type list that was scattered through the main list, which I think is rediculous and LaBrie wasn't even listed at all. See the idiocy of it all?