In the age of Autotune, it’s sobering that some of the great songs of the last 30 years possess some of the greatest vocal performances unfettered by overdone effects, tone correction and just plain bad singing.

Three of the best examples floating around the web are from three long deceased icons of contemporary music. First up we have one of the most incredible vocal ranges ever from the criminally underrated Layne Staley, late of Alice In Chains. When he had his shit together there were none better, but when said shit was hitting a drug-addled fan, things weren’t so pretty.

The tragedy that was Ian Curtis’ life will always be remembered primarily in the lyrics of Love Will Tear Us Apart, rendered here in a hauntingly stark delivery that sends shivers down one’s back.

When shrouded by overdriven guitar, fuzzed out bass and bombastic drums, Kurt Cobain’s voice was often an adjunct to the greater whole. Isolated, it takes on an ethereal quality that showcases the depth of his lyrics and a voice that could strip paint from walls with a caress.