Ten on One: Great Female Rock Singers Quiz

Answer: Heather Nova

Bermudian native Heather Nova launched her debut album "Glow Stars" in 1993, but only starting achieving success with 1994's "Oyster" which reached no. 72 in the UK. Unfortunately this talented lady has not had the commercial success that I believe she should have. Other excellent tracks are "London Rain" and "Maybe an Angel".

Answer: Tarja Turunen

Tarja Turunen was born in Finland in 1975. She joined "Nightwish", an acoustic mood band, in 1996. The other band members soon discovered her powerful voice was better suited to symphonic metal and the band reverted to a powerful rock sound.
Unfortunately the band had a very public breakup in 2005, leaving her to pursue a solo career. Among other great songs, "Nemo" and their cover of Gary Moore's "Over the Hills and Far Away" are highlights.

Answer: Sinead O'Connor

Sinead O'Connor was one of music's most polarising figures in the nineties, bringing out powerful social commentary in her songs, and also publicly standing up for her beliefs. In 1992 she famously tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II in protest against child abuse in the Catholic Church.
She also found time to perform some surprisingly tender songs, an example being a stunning cover of Elton John's "Sacrifice" and "You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart".

Answer: Pat Benatar

Born in 1953 to Polish parents in New York, Benatar paid her dues in the '70s before eventually hitting the big time with "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" in 1979. Her 1983 album "Live From Earth" featured the hit "Love is a Battlefield" which went to No. 5 on the US Hot 100.

Answer: Hope Sandoval

Mazzy Star was an alternative rock band from California, with guitarist David Roback and singer Hope Sandoval. Sandoval's calming vocals are the main attraction for me, with their biggest hit coming off the album "She Hangs Brightly" in 1990, called "Fade Into You". Also give a listen to "Blue Flower".

Answer: Shirley Manson

Shirley Manson is a Scottish singer who has performed with a variety of bands including Angelfish, but her biggest success has been as the face of Garbage. Their biggest success came in 1995 with the release of "Garbage", which included the hits "Only Happy When It Rains", "Milk" and "Stupid Girl". Personally, I love those songs but am partial to "When I Grow Up".
Garbage also managed to record "The World Is Not Enough" for the Bond film of the same name.

Answer: Skin

Skunk Anansie was formed in 1994 in England. Their lead singer Skin (born Deborah Ann Dyer)spent most of her career with the band, but has also released two solo albums. Her powerful voice is perfectly suited to Skunk Anansie's alternative hard rock sound. Listen to "Hedonism" or "Secretly" if you are not convinced...

Answer: Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks has one of the ultimate voices to me- powerful and extremely emotional. Born in 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona, she joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974.Along with Christine McVie they alternated as vocalists for the band, and while both are great singers I rate Stevie much higher- I get chills every time I play "Rhiannon" or "Landslide".

Answer: Amy Lee

Born in 1981 in California, Amy Lee has an incredibly powerful and unique voice. Her major breakthrough came as part of Evanescence, the album "Fallen" producing hits like "Going Under" and "Everybody's Fool", but her vocals really shine on power ballads like "My Immortal" and "Good Enough".
Another great performance is her duet with Seether's Shaun Morgan on "Broken".

Answer: Ann Wilson

Heart was formed in 1973 after using the names The Army and Hocus Pocus previously. Ann Wilson and her sister Nancy has been a constant throughout many lineup changes, and as of 2013 they are still performing. My historical trip led me to incredible vocal performances like "Alone" and "Barracuda".
My number one: Ann Wilson.