Who's the Greatest Grunge Frontman Ever? 

Layne was a God damn national treasure, the world lost a huge talent the day he passed

HELL YEAH

Damn right!

agreed

Yes Layne was special! He had a unique powerfull voice, and he was a beautiful soul! He's music and art keeps me alive all day everyday! And for me he is the greatest rock singer of all time!

Kurt knew about 4 notes and 3 chords.

You're opinion lol kurt AND Layne were awesome, end of Statment...

@@roxannemoser All he needed was 4 notes and 3 chords,

@@roxannemoser and he made those 3 chords sound better than any other compliacted stuff. That right there is talent suck it

I love Chris and used to think he had the greatest voice of all,but as I've gotten older it's the emotion in Laynes voice that makes him number one for me

agreed. everyone who covers would sounds like garbage

"never given the credit" Lmao look at the comments.

Ry No Phil Anselmo did a pretty good job, way better than James Hetfield

@@ConorMcgregor322 As in publicly by the media and music industry....

Dimash is the greatest legend of all time better than Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson & Prince combined He is also the greatest metal singer, better than Dio, Bruce Dickenson & Rob Halford combined. He is also the greatest grunge singer, better than Layne Staley, Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder combined. He is also the greatest hip hop rapper, better than 2pac, biggie, eminem, rakim, nas, jay z combined Also he is the greatest dancer of all time, better than BTS, Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson combined also he is the greatest songwriter of all time better than Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stevie Wonder combined also he is the most versatile singer of all time, Better than Mike Patton also he can sing in 6000 different languages fluently and 1000 of music genres also he has the widest range of all time (10 octaves), Wider than Tim Storms, Adam Lopez & Georgia Brown combined Also he can sing the highest note (G11) than any male of female singer in history, higher than Georgia Brown (G10). Also he can sing better and higher than any Female singer, Better than Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin combined. Also he is the greatest classical and modern opera singer of all time, better than Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso & Luciano Pavarotti combined. Also he is the greatest music composer of all time, better than Mozart & Beethoven combined Also he is the greatest guitarist of all time, better than Jimi Hendrix & Eddie Van Halen combined I wish all musicians and singers should bow down to king of vocals DIMASH Dimash is immortal and invincible.

Have you seen any of the comments

@@stal9425 fans comment.

@@scottthewozznijak359 the hell you talking about. Kurt is the front runner of the Seattle scene.

@@scottthewozznijak359 That's gotta be sarcasm, cuz Cobain definitely gets plenty of credit!

I think Layne and Kurt are the best grunge vocalists without a doubt

You need to be attractive to be a good front man and he was ugly

@@Xxrocknrollgod tf man why don't you close your mouth

dat boi facts are facts. I just relay them. Try to keep emotions out of it

"you cant understand a user's mind, but try with your books and degrees. if you let yourself go and opened your mind, ill bet you'd be doin like me, and it aint so bad." "loneliness is not a phase. field of pain is where I graze serenity is far away. saw my reflection and cried. so little hope that I died." "hey ah na na, innocence is over... hey ah na na, confidence is broken... hey ah na na, I suspend my sorrow... hey ah na na, a romance is fallen" "id like to fly, but my wings have been so denied. burry me softly in this womb (oh I wanna be inside of you). I give this part of me for you (oh I wanna be inside of you). sand rains down and here I sit, holding rare flowers in a tomb (oh I wanna be inside of you). oh I wanna be inside." layne may not have written all of these lyrics, but he damn well made them what they are with his beautifully unmatched voice

Ben Carlson the fuck are you talking about

@Ben Carlson yeah nah you havent heard eddie sing then. Eddie is an awesome vocalist tf.

@Ben Carlson I don't understand why Weiland is usually left out of the conversation. He's not MY favorite, but whether or not you think he's the "best", he deserves a spot up there with the others imo.

And Andrew.

​@@HurtCow And of course Shannon Hoon.

And Andrew.

Can't believe they're all gone :(

rip kurt

Mad Season had no Jerry. Go have a listen with Layne and Mccreadys excellence

Yea but Layne was the frontman of AiC, Jerry was just the guitar player and songwriter.

YES.....They harmonized perfectly together...Good call mate.

@@griffm3Mad Season’s probably well known to everyone commenting in this thread and knows the difference. Go listen to Cornell singing Mad Season with the Seattle Symphony, he improves both Staley and Lanegan’s parts

Can't agree with you there mate. Cornell and Staley were the two best vocalists out of that era (and honestly right up there all time) but Staley nudged him into second place@@CenterThePendulum

You said it best!

Agree

I know Chis is a phenomenal singer, but his voice just doesn't appeal to me very much. The respect is definitely there though. Layne on the other hand...That's my idle as far as singing is concerned.

@@RU-vidViolates1A Same exact feeling, here!

Except Chris is the better singer

Alejandro Carrasco Milan exactly my thoughts. Both so powerful, but I like Alice In Chain’s music better and Layne I think is more unique with his style.

Tons of people could and can actually.

Layne was the best of them

@@Fireglo who?

@@njames6281 Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell, Myles Kennedy,Richie Kotzen, Maynard Keenan... to name a few. The first 4 I named are far better singers and composers than Layne Staley, also can create far creepier haunting vocals, better lyrics (their own lyrics actually) and put more emotion to what they sing. Also they all play other instruments and guitar while singing that good. You can have Layne Staley as your idol and favourite singer of all time, nothing wrong with that but don't say stupid things.

Listen to Chris in seasons and you’ll know how haunting he could be

I know this is an old post, but DAMN....you perfectly explained what it feels like when I hear Layne sing "I'd like to fly but my wings have been so denied".

Well said.

what?

Same. Tear up listening to Layne. He sang to my soul.

I agree, he was probably the best in rock history

Rankings from a trained singer who covers all these bands: Cornell > Staley > Weiland > Cobain > Vedder. Cornell sang both lower and higher than Layne, as a baritone whereas Layne was a tenor.

@@CenterThePendulum Sure, Cornell was the more technically gifted vocalist, but I rate Staley slightly higher because as an 'artist' he could stir up more emotion in his listeners. We were spoiled with abundance in the late 80's to mid 90's or so. There will never be, nor has there been, another era that touches the sheer talent of that time. I consider myself fortunate to have been a witness to it.

Layne sings better and perfectly live.

Lucky you!!

@@cherigem Layne Staley was cool, but he didn't rock out the way Cornell did. Saw AIC in early '91 (supporting Megadeth, weirdly) and he just kinda...stood there. Maybe he was dopesick that night, I dunno. Cornell, on the other hand, was a whirling, head-banging, foot-stomping force of nature. They could both pull off the vocals live, though. For sure.

@@robashton8606 AGREE with you on that. He probably was on dope. Jerry Cantrell is awesome 3rd. I loved they way they haromonized. Even though STP was from L.A. I still put Scott in that category. I believe in one of the battle of bands in late 80's in Philly AIC soundgarden were there with Megadeth and others as well. my parents had me on lock down would not let me go!!!! Still angry till this day.

@garden shine Yep. Not a huge fan of Soundgarden or Chris Cornell, but credit where credit's due - definitely one of the best, if not the best, vocalists in rock history. If you really listen to him and analyse his singing, there's not a lot to fault. Awesome range, could sing hard and soft with equal intensity, extreme vocal control; just an all-round excellent vocalist. Coupled with his lyrical skills, musicianship, and command of the stage, definitely agree that he was the best grunge frontman by a country mile.

Vocally, that argument could easily be made, but because of longevity and early influence he was a more "quintessential frontman" Yes I copied this (it's mine) from another thread

Hes such a good voclalist

Hes the best

Zero Fret he is amazing tbf

This video is about Chris! In case you didn't realise.

Underrated? Almost every Metal fans in the world still and will continue to appreciate him

Have you ever watched his performance of beyond the wheel he performs it better than studio version.I do agree Layne having a great haunting voice and being better live singer but he didn't wrote most of the stuff on AIC's discography.And this video is about frontman not just a great live singer

When Layne put his right foot forward, you knew some shit was about to happen with his vocals. Pure Power!

@@roxannemoser Hell yes!! I get chills every single time I watch him perform, without fail!!

PREACH SISTER!! Totally agree Cobain is overrated

@@ratedrhuxie1828 How in the hell did I not see your comment when it was the first one? I'm sorry about not replying way earlier! Yup, I've watched the live performance of Beyond The Wheel and it was spectacular, but I'm talking "paint-peeling" notes. Have you heard Black Rain? He hits high ass notes there which I expected to see in the live performances and never did, unfortunately.

He’s still “Alive”

And easily the least talented of them

I’m hoping this is due to the bubble wrap I ordered for him after Chris Cornell left this plane.

Stone temple pilots, agreeeee! The "Big 5"

Big 4 C'mon Man! Where the STP???!!! I hate that thing so every fookin' one forget they're! Those guys are really strong as a band and wrotes so many cool song. R.I.P Scott 🕊

Internet Jesus this☝🏻

Agreed.

Well said

Truth

Exactly! Very well put. I’ll add that I’ve always had a soft spot for Mr Cornell but it has zero to do with his singing ❤️

Except music IS a competition. Every artist is trying to be the best and best selling.

he was a metal singer

Yes, but he didn't do that alone. Jerry had a huge part in harmonizing

They all were the best. You can't choose.

@@justinb954 He was a metal and grunge singer. I like to agree much of Alice was metal, but some songs are considered grunge.

Totally agree, love the other bands and frontmans but LAYNE STAYLE Will always be my favorite one, love him so much 💞

Dimash is the greatest legend of all time better than Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson & Prince combined He is also the greatest metal singer, better than Dio, Bruce Dickenson & Rob Halford combined. He is also the greatest grunge singer, better than Layne Staley, Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder combined. He is also the greatest hip hop rapper, better than 2pac, biggie, eminem, rakim, nas, jay z combined Also he is the greatest dancer of all time, better than BTS, Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson combined also he is the greatest songwriter of all time better than Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stevie Wonder combined also he is the most versatile singer of all time, Better than Mike Patton also he can sing in 6000 different languages fluently and 1000 of music genres also he has the widest range of all time (10 octaves), Wider than Tim Storms, Adam Lopez & Georgia Brown combined Also he can sing the highest note (G11) than any male of female singer in history, higher than Georgia Brown (G10). Also he can sing better and higher than any Female singer, Better than Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin combined. Also he is the greatest classical and modern opera singer of all time, better than Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso & Luciano Pavarotti combined. Also he is the greatest music composer of all time, better than Mozart & Beethoven combined Also he is the greatest guitarist of all time, better than Jimi Hendrix & Eddie Van Halen combined I wish all musicians and singers should bow down to king of vocals DIMASH Dimash is immortal and invincible.

Cornell is top 3 vocalist of all time

Thank god the world is finally waking up to Layne and his greatness

Definitely in my top 3!!

Layne actually used healthy vocal techniques unlike Kurt Cobain. I think you mean he had the ability to express his pain and emotions through his voice.

Cornell is the hardest to cover, especially tonally. He and Layne had the same vocal coach. Knowing a few rock instructors, I’ve only seen one figure it out and she and I did it together. And when we did, we agreed to not share it handily - like if you stumbled into the recipe for Coke, you cherish it and hold it as proprietary.

Yes thats true hes the best

Agree and agree. I'll always love Weiland, and AIC is in my top 5 bands of all time.

Very good point. His presence in Sex Type Thing was next level good. It’s Lane for sure but Scott had epic stage presence

Agree with the Scott W part but Chris Cornell is #1

Chris cornell.

Yes..instead kurt cobain

I agree with everything you said... I was disappointed with the video too.

Kurt was too , look into lyrics more deeply, but kurt and Layne were awesome

Chris at the time was known as the guy who also had his personal life situated despite the dark content. Layne, Lanegan and others were barely holding on and spoke to it. BUT, pain is just one part of the human experience or emotion to convey musically.

He's a very underrated guitarist as well.

Yes

He was a good songwriter and vocalist but he lacked the stage presence and charisma of Layne or Kurt.

@@TheStepmonkey Those aren’t that important - people who fall for stage presence think Bowie was amazing

@@TheStepmonkeyFell On Black Days was quietly the best song of the era.

Staley

Crazy Horse rip Chris

They Sold their Souls....

Staley in my opinion

Which he got his name from Soundgarden

MARGERINE!

Think with your head for once not your f*** a** big f*** dummie.

Ace Spades, you missed the joke.

@@acespades8747 wtf bro calm your big steroids ass down they were making a joke from the Simpson's do you not get that with your 2 brain cells you brainlit

I agree❤

Layne and Chris are equally as good!

We all agree

Amen!

This is the correct answer. Either cornell or staley best vocalists, Scott was the best frontman by far, not even close.

William Gabriel Borges True. Vocalist wise either Chris or Layne. But frontman..Scott Weiland.

Agreed

Best surfer : Eddie Vedder

No one compared to Weiland live

their

Chris Cornell blows layne away. Layne was incredible don’t get me wrong, but Chris was just untouchable

I think all are different so no comparative possible or fair but Chris it was like the old bro that maintain a lot of groups bond, I think the video talks about that role

Facts. It's like saying who is better. Freddie Mercury or Michael Jackson.

Dimash is the greatest legend of all time better than Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson & Prince combined He is also the greatest metal singer, better than Dio, Bruce Dickenson & Rob Halford combined. He is also the greatest grunge singer, better than Layne Staley, Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder combined. He is also the greatest hip hop rapper, better than 2pac, biggie, eminem, rakim, nas, jay z combined Also he is the greatest dancer of all time, better than BTS, Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson combined also he is the greatest songwriter of all time better than Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stevie Wonder combined also he is the most versatile singer of all time, Better than Mike Patton also he can sing in 6000 different languages fluently and 1000 of music genres also he has the widest range of all time (10 octaves), Wider than Tim Storms, Adam Lopez & Georgia Brown combined Also he can sing the highest note (G11) than any male of female singer in history, higher than Georgia Brown (G10). Also he can sing better and higher than any Female singer, Better than Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin combined. Also he is the greatest classical and modern opera singer of all time, better than Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso & Luciano Pavarotti combined. Also he is the greatest music composer of all time, better than Mozart & Beethoven combined Also he is the greatest guitarist of all time, better than Jimi Hendrix & Eddie Van Halen combined I wish all musicians and singers should bow down to king of vocals DIMASH Dimash is immortal and invincible.

GypsyRock Jerry Cantrell was responsible for most of the harmonies and many many of the lyrics.

@@alexknowlton4038 Not sure about that. More of the album is Layne doubling his vocals, though Jerry takes over for the live shows. I haven't exactley counted, but at the very least, most of their songs included both.

Junior M Cantrell was absolutely the chief songwriter, musically and lyrically. Jerry doesn’t “double” vocals, they harmonize, it’s what gives the band their iconic vocal sound. C’mon now.

Cantrell WROTE the parts.

@@alexknowlton4038 They do double Layne's vocals. Not on everything, but they absolutely do. No one said anything about songwriting, you already seem on the defensive for Jerry, or your own knowledge on the band. Again, I haven't counted, but I give their harmonies to the live shows, and dubs on the album. Jerry himself stated he did not want to sing early on because "We got that guy", and it was Layne who inspired him to do it. Layne doubles on Sickman, while Jerry harmonizes in the live performances. That's just one example.

And you were never the same lmao. Welcome to the club!

Then listen to beyond the Wheel by Soundgarden

Ahmad Safwan love hate love live at the Moore makes every other live performance by anyone seem less incredible

Now listen to Beyond the Wheel by Soundgarden and count the octaves, then make a decision.

apollo11bb octaves doesn’t equal quality. Chris is a top three vocalist for me, but not just because of his range. Layne ranks higher on my list because I find his voice more impressive.

Great talent but unfortunately the only demon was drugs! We all have some small demons especially baby boomers but drugs are the reason they get amplified!

Or even Jar of Flies.

Wise words, Dirt just kills every other album

Lmao except for Ten, Nevermind, Superunknown, In Utero and Badmotorfinger

Ten,VS, Temple of the dog, sixteen stone by bush, rage against the machines fist album are all better song for song. Plus every song is poor pitiful me shit like a emo kid, the needle hurts so good type of shit lol

beau g don’t forget Superunknown!

I don't care about Nirvana much, but I appreciate the fact that you said that. I agree with you on Layne Staley being the best 100%.

dadmumdarrenV2 Chris Cornell was technically, physically, and all around better as a vocalist abd front man than layne was.

@@KodieGregory Range doesn't mean to be better IMO

@Michael H. Soundgarden and Alice in Chains were relatively well-known before Nirvana.

@Michael H. Yeah, blown up to the point where grunge was being played on the same stations as shitty pop songs.

Agree but LAYNE is the boss

no one sings like him anymore

🙏🤘Rip Cc😢

Well, actually there are a few, Freddy Mercury for one. I would say no one can sing like Layne Staley, and oh boy do we know many have tried. Cornell's voice was pure talent, Layne's was talent and emotion. So I'd say it depends on your preference. Chris gives me goosebumps with his high notes, layne gives me goosebumps with his haunting dark angel beautiful voice.

And who sounds like Kurt ?

Na

@@s3lfFish A lot of people

@@TheStepmonkey really ? like who ?

@@s3lfFishGavin Rossdale has a better sounding voice in the “Kurt” category for one.

Yeah, it tells me somethin' too; that Millennials are delusional.

Best list

Honestly i put Scott in the 3rd place instead of Eddie, he was a great singer and most important thing, he was a great showman, no one can do a great show in the way of Scott. It's my humble opinion

Here's my COMPLETELY SUBJECTIVE list (more 90s alt than "grunge"): Scott Weiland - STP, Velvet Revolver Layne Stayley - AiC, Mad Season Perry Farrell - Jane's Addiction Shannon Hoon - Blind Melon Chris Cornell - Soundgarden, Audioslave Kurt Cobain - Nirvana Mark Arm - Green River, Mudhoney Andy Wood - Mother Love Bone All legends in their own way.

@@alecoram7874 Nice list man just needs a little fix: Layne Staley - AiC, Mad Season, Class Of '99 Kurt Cobain - Fecal Matter, Nirvana Chris Cornell - Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple Of The Dog There you go ;)

Hahahhahahhahaha ..... That's cute man

True, they were both able to sing in different genres. I couldn't say the same for Vedder and Kurt.

I would say the most versatile vocalist of the 90s was Scott Weiland, he could literally sing any style and any genre, but I'm not sure if he's 100% grunge, STP was always a grey area genre wise

Isaac Keithan definitely! He had a great range but I always thought STP was more alternative rock with a bit of post-glam rock attitude than grunge.

I think you spelt Eddie vedder wrong

@@adamdelaney6782 naaah!! Even when Layne was near 90lbs with no teeth he could sing like no other! He was iconic and amazing! I love Eddie alot as a singer and person but Layne is definitely better!!!!

Vocally, that argument could easily be made, but because of longevity and early influence he was a more "quintessential frontman" Yes I copied this (it's mine) from another thread

It's obviously a contest

Elton John.

Thats cool. But I would go for Layne.

Me to. I so agree. Chris had a very versatile voice. His had a octave 4 voice range. That is extremely high. Most musicians and alot of opera singers can't get that high. I love Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Mother Love Bone, but Chris and Soundgarden is the upmost supreme to me. They are my favorite band of all time. Chris was a genius in all areas of his music. One of the best poets ever.

saw Chris acoustic live a few years back, the best concert I ever saw, his voice was amazing and his guitar technique wasn’t bad either, man I was glad I’ve got to see that

Chris para mi el mejor

@@prometheuspredator7971 4 octave range? My guitar barely has 4 octaves. Chris was awesome but 4 octaves is ridiculous...

IKR, Layne deserves all the love 💗

Cornell had a larger range, Layne didn’t hit low notes. He’s a tenor, Chris a baritone.

Not the most talented musician, but an amaaaaazing musician anyways, great composer, incredible lyricist and one of the best singers EVER

@@foxy781 😂😂 Lol ye u keep telling yourself that kiddo

Yes he was a beast, but LAYNE STAYLE is the boss

Abiga ill Kruss no, Alice In Chains and Layne Staley are nothing compared to Chris Cornell and Soundgarden. Everything Chris Cornell touched became great, and Soundgarden had some of the best musicians of the decade with Matt Cameron on Drums, Ben Shepherd on Bass and Kim Thayil on lead guitar

@@toad2117 ok, for me is Layne Staley and Alice in Chains, by the way i love Chris Cornell and soundgarden too

Vocally, that argument could easily be made, but because of longevity and early influence he was a more "quintessential frontman"

Layne Stanley? You be trollin bro.

Everyone forgets it's the harmonization with Jerry that filled out that eerie sound.

I’m very ok with this. Buzz was a surprise

Great list

I can agree with this

Chris and Layne are equal at least, Layne couldn’t sing circles around Cornell… they could both sing circles around the rest

Better than Cornell?nah

Him and Cornell are equals - AIC fan

Kurt Cobain na frente do Eddie Vedder? Kkkkk Kurt Cobain é o mais fraquinho desses aí.

We have a winner

No Chester Benington!!

Robert Skoda its not a grunge vocal.

@@OrhunSoran William Goodman from Billboard said Bennington and fellow musicians Chris Cornell and Scott Weiland " helped define a generation of the hard rock sound, who was tied together artistically and personally"

Dimash is the greatest legend of all time better than Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson & Prince combined He is also the greatest metal singer, better than Dio, Bruce Dickenson & Rob Halford combined. He is also the greatest grunge singer, better than Layne Staley, Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder combined. He is also the greatest hip hop rapper, better than 2pac, biggie, eminem, rakim, nas, jay z combined Also he is the greatest dancer of all time, better than BTS, Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson combined also he is the greatest songwriter of all time better than Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stevie Wonder combined also he is the most versatile singer of all time, Better than Mike Patton also he can sing in 6000 different languages fluently and 1000 of music genres also he has the widest range of all time (10 octaves), Wider than Tim Storms, Adam Lopez & Georgia Brown combined Also he can sing the highest note (G11) than any male of female singer in history, higher than Georgia Brown (G10). Also he can sing better and higher than any Female singer, Better than Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin combined. Also he is the greatest classical and modern opera singer of all time, better than Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso & Luciano Pavarotti combined. Also he is the greatest music composer of all time, better than Mozart & Beethoven combined Also he is the greatest guitarist of all time, better than Jimi Hendrix & Eddie Van Halen combined I wish all musicians and singers should bow down to king of vocals DIMASH Dimash is immortal and invincible.

Nah man, Chris always sounded like a Marshall on 11! He had the range of Freddy Mercury and the distortion and rasp of Kurt.

I love aic, but people seem to forget jerry cantrell was backing vocals, and has an incredible voice too.

@@EricLopez-zi3ov Agreed. I love AIC far more than the rest of these bands (they're all great), but listening to Cornell singing "Say Hello 2 Heaven" with Temple of the Dog really shows how powerful Cornell's voice was.

I agree!!

Same

Kurt was the best at melody and rhythms. He's a better song writer than all of them. Which is why Nirvana was so successful.

@Stephen Hughes Thats because mainstream consumers today will eat whatever they put in front of them. But it wasn't as bad in the 90s as success from a financial, cultural, and influential standpoint Nirvana had a much bigger impact than the rest of them. Idk how you can argue that. Yes, you probably a lot of points that you would be right in that the other 3 were more musically talented and technical than Nirvana across the board but no doubt Nirvana was the most successful of the whole bunch.

@@jdrobinson3468 def. not better song writer if not, he had the most generic writing out of all the front men. Also, CC and Layne washes him when it comes to singing

@love layne what do you mean no.

@love layne that's like saying freddie mercury was just a legend in rock and not music as a whole thing.

Chris Cornell’s highs are higher