To Sing or Not to Sing

[Godzillarama]

Greetings. I've found this to be a great forum full of valuable information. I would like to get some advice: should I or should I not sing? I'm just getting back into writing and recording, after being out of it for about three years, and my new wife says I should not sing. Some of my friends say I should sing and they are rather insistent about it, others agree with my wife.

I can write instrumental rock no problem and still find fulfillment in what I do; however, I enjoy writing lyrics also. I prefer to work by myself, so if your advice is to shut up and burn my MIDI sequences, that's what I'll do -- but I'm not interested in hooking up with a vocalist. I'll write instrumental music.

My primary genre is prog rock. I submit for your consideration two of my older tracks. If you have the time, please listen and tell me what you think of my singing. No need to be brutal about it -- just honest -- but let me know the deal. I've lost my objectivity on the issue. Thanks.

Twenty-six Dollars 3:35 128K
A Million Miles 6:54 96K

[rwhitney]

I think you should sing. Your voice isn't bad. Maybe take some lessons (if you haven't)? The main thing, for me, is personal expression and enjoyment. I don't think people will hate your voice, especially if the lyrics and songs are interesting, and you have a personal style. I mean, look at Randy Newman, for god's sake.