U2 fans are adamant Bono ranks among the “greatest vocalists of all time,” according to those discussing his work in a recent Reddit thread.
A post to the r/U2Band subreddit saw users discuss where the Beautiful Day and Red Hill Mining Town songwriter would rank in the all-time greatest performers. One user asked: “Where would you rank Bono in the ‘greatest rock vocalists conversation’?” Users were split on where to place Bono and some even admitted it would be hard to “unbiasedly rank” the U2 frontman. Though suggestions of favouritism were felt in the thread, most users agreed the “raw talent” Bono possesses is enough to feature him in discussions over who the greatest rock voice of all time is.
One fan wrote: “It’s hard to unbiasedly rank him in my opinion. I will say I think he had some of the most raw talent of all time though.” Another agreed, adding: “I like this take. His emotive range is among the best and he has a lot of raw power in his voice. You could make the argument that others are more consistent or proficient, but few had what he had!”
A third added: “Agree. I can’t be objective when it comes to him or the band. I listened to his memoir and just hearing him speak gave me comfort somehow. For raw rock and roll power it’s hard to beat Freddie [Mercury].” Others agreed with the sentiment found in this comment, suggesting Bono was in the top pool of greatest rock voices.
One user suggested: “Vocalist? Maybe top twenty-five. Frontman? Top ten.” Another wrote: “This was my take. As a singer, he’s good. As a frontman, he’s great.” A third added: “I would even say top five frontmen, alongside Freddie Mercury and Axl Rose at least.” One user even suggested Bono could not sing but says he has enough “soul” to carry the songs.
Where would you rank Bono in "Greatest Rock Vocalists Conversation"?
by inU2Band
They asked: “Can’t sing but has got soul?” Another replied: “That’s it… and IT, plenty of IT. The whole band actually, they all have IT, and they make a great combo, there’s something for everyone to identify with. Having said all that I truly feel that there is one natural rock star in the band and it is… Mr. Adam Clayton! It just comes to him naturally, no effort needed in that department.”
A third disagreed, writing: “Can absolutely sing. Prime Bono on the Lovetown tour in late 1989 and early 1990 was easily the best singer I’ve ever heard. He uses a lot of techniques and different sounds that are completely unlike any other singer I’ve ever heard. Extreme dynamics and control.”
But some have maintained, while talented, Bono is not in the discussion of all-time greats. One wrote: “Vocalist he is realistically like, top fifty. Maybe top sixty. But he is a top three or top five frontman of all time.” Another suggested the only lead acts to contend with Bono were Queen’s Freddie Mercury and The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger.
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