Anybody have any ideas on how I can improve my vocal tone?!

Anybody have any ideas on how I can improve my vocal tone?

I know it's normal to take several takes to get a vocal right, but I can't seem to achieve a good vocal tone with any consistency. I can never just sound good right away when I'm recording myself. It takes many, many tries before I can even get a single line in a verse to sound good, and I'm trying different things like using less/more breath, trying to sing less/more nasally, etc... It's like I'm either using improper singing techniques, or I just have undisciplined diction. Any ideas on improving?

4 days ago
Edit:
Well, I'm obviously no virtuoso, but I'm specifically asking about tone and diction. I'm looking for tips, not for people to state the obvious fact that I'm a less than professional vocalist.

So I guess to clarify, does anybody have any specific tips on how they work on diction and tone?

As jumpnjy pointed out, a lot has to do with breathing.
If the breath support is not right, then the throat muscles take over and try and compensate to get the sound out. This results in a forced tone, which not only sounds unpleasant to the singer and the listener, but can also eventually cause damage to the whole vocal mechanism.
The whole idea of diction is to take the air stream that powers the voice, and shape the sounds around it into the discrete combinations that we call words. Again, if the sound stream is not in order, the diction will be forced.
Are you taking lessons? If not, I would recommend some attention to these very important areas. singing properly is so much more than just opening your mouth and letting go. A qualified teacher is your best bet in getting the personal attention you need.
More than that would be impossible to say, since I'd have to have heard you sing in person!
Best wishes