Yeah he was a screamer but still "in the day" it was very astounding to hear what he could do and those two ballades just poored the passion out. He really did one up all those commercial metal guys. I dont think that was a "great" album but I had plenty of hours into listening to it back then. That high voice was all the rage and they all had it but he could really wail out some notes. I went through a bunch of those live youtube vids and thought he sounded pretty good live by comparision to many, thats pretty demanding singing those parts. Eventually I found it annoying and today in commercial music I prefer a voice like Chris Cornell, thicker and richer I guess. Or heavy metal voices like Allen, Barlow and Stevens, still anybody that can make you recheck the credits to see who all is singing lead vocals like Allen does I find simply incredible. "no, that cant be the same guy"
It took me some getting used to but I will always feel Jon Oliva gave an awesome overall vocal performance on Gutter Ballet, he showed many sides of his voice, he could be like nails on a chalk board but he did it so well and could settle right down with great expression too. Plus I love the madman side.
Speaking of which... Joe Cocker, damn would he have made one hell of a metal vocalist
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Postulate, you posted some great tunes, others did as well.