I have a friend that I sing ballads with who has to work to keep in tune -- and she does that: she works at it and over the years she has improved. But what she has always had is impeccable timing and expression: when she sings "Robin Hood and the Bishop," you hear the different characters (Robin Hood, Little John, The Bishop of Hereford) and you can hear what mood they are in in each line. This makes her a fine singer in my book -- I never tire of hearing her sing. At the same time, I can't go to her to try out harmonies because it throws her off. We all have strengths and weaknesses as singers. Also tastes vary -- I like breathy singers. Some people can't stand them.