As you age-how the voice changes, a look at Axl and Idol

[RichardNixon]

When I listen to the latest Billy Idol album, I notice that his voice sounds smoother, less course than it did in the 80s. The same goes for Axl. It doesn't sound more youthful, but smoother...if that makes sence. Does this have to do with aging? Or vocal training? Have others noticed this with Idol, Axl, and other singers?

[Grouse]

Well I don't think it has anything to do with aging I mean just look at Freddie Mercury his voice didn't really change as he got older, the only thing that changed was that he got more power...

[jaknudsen]

A good example of this is Kate Bush. Listen to her earlier work, like Wuthering Heights, and then her newest album (Aerial, which is great by the way!). Noticable differences, her voice is both lower and more rounded.

[Olorin]

Axls voice used to be pretty clean in his early days of singing with gnr, before the smoking, drinking, snorting and screaming took its toll.

Check out this dont cry demo from 1986, I always thought his voice on it sounds more like him singing nowadays, especially the final chorus.


http://s35.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2FXH6H3LO5YPH26AWYL8IPZ54G

His voice is cleaner nowadays due to coaching and looking after himself better.

People voices naturally get deeper as they age, especially men. You wont find an old man who doesnt have a deep voice. Its purely due to the vocal chords being used for years and years, they lose their elasticity.

[electricmage]

Studies show that your voice hits its peak at around age 35-40. Thus being smoother, less raw.

[Smoking Guns]

I like Raw.  Axl is hitting some pretty extreme notes though.