That Voice: and the women it belongs to … a playlist.

A distinct voice is hard to come by and lately I have been trying to put together a playlist that showcases the deeper side of a woman’s voice. I keep searching for that voice, the one that will just make me stop what I am doing and listen.

After searching the deep corners of my library and using my shazam app at every turn, I have created an amazing playlist. Ahem, if I do say so myself. (shines nails on shirtfront)

Amy Winehouse was such an amazing talent and her voice helped so many women showcase their sound. There will always be a place for the Whitney’s and the Mariah’s on the airwaves, but once in a while I am looking for something different and it is such a shame when you have to travel to the oldies section to get it.

I figure a healthy balance is what I needed. What I have noticed is that a lot of the songs that let me admire what these artists can do are covers. Joss Stone has some amazing ones. So many, that I had to include three of them on the list. When you realize which songs they are, you can’t imagine you missed out on the lyric’s versatility.

I also included some personal favorites. One of my favorite movies is Cry Baby (don’t judge me, I think it is a great film!) with Johnny Depp and Amy Locane. There is a song at the end by Wynona Carr that is just amazing. I get chills when I hear her voice and you just want that jailer to listen to her and let her man go free. Watch the movie, you will know what I mean. In fact, yes, homework…. go watch that movie and listen to the soundtrack. So many great songs. Also, see if you can spot Willem Dafoe, bonus points if you do.

After I post these playlist I typically get someone telling me, “I have no idea who some of those artists are.” And trust me, it is not because I am some underground kid who has their ear to the ground, but because unless you are really looking for these artists they are hard to find. They’re totally under-publicized. When I have my moments where the radio holds no hope for music I go in search of something new.  Gin Wigmore is one of these artists that I stumbled upon.  She has this amazing gravely? voice that just makes my ears perk up. She has been a songwriter since the age of 14 and now at the age of 27 is finally getting her music over to the U.S. . Her third album Gravel & Wine was released here in April of this year just in time for her appearance on the Vans Warped Tour. If you watch supernatural type shows on TV, chances are you may have come across her song Kill of the Night.

So without much more ado I give you my blend of female artists that have That Voice.

1. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
2. Fell in Love with a Boy – Joss Stone
3. Hold On – Alabama Shakes
4. Chasing Pavements – Adele
5. Kill of the Night – Gin Wigmore
6. Royals – Lorde
7. Please Mr. Jailer – Wynona Carr
8. Devil In Me – Gin Wigmore
9. Set Fire to the Rain – Adele
10. Mercy – Dufy
11. My Man – Billie Holiday
12. Sexy Silk – Jessica Cornish ( Aka Jessie J)
13. Heart Sized Crush – Devil Doll
14. I Want to be Evil – Eartha Kitt
15. The High Road – Joss Stone
16. An Occasional Man – Jeri Southern
17. Valerie – Amy Winehouse

Bonus Track:

How Can You Mend – Al Green & Joss Stone

If I heard someone else singing like me, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
-Amy Winehouse