The History Of A Passion III

PJ Harvey

     My friends are always telling me that my taste in music is very raw and intense. Perhaps. And perhaps I am raw and intense. So, that would just explain my taste in music, I guess. We arrive at PJ Harvey. Now, PJ Harvey is the name of the band, and the name of the girl behind it all is Polly Jean Harvey. I just want to make that clear because my adoration for this singer runs very deep. She doesn't like to be called PJ. And I want the full respect that she deserves noted.
     The first single introducing her to the world was called, "Sheela-Na-Gig." Looking back it is not my favorite song, but it was that song that confirmed that in the 90's, a female from England was about to set a new standard. Polly's arrival upon the music scene was like a supernova that took up tenancy in the galaxy and shines with the flare of brilliance onto all that has the ability to gaze upwards and inwards. It is pure rock coming from the voice and an era believed to be quite forgotten. This girl, the mastermind behind ALL the songs, began to invite us into what was her interpretation of the conglomerate we call rock music. The chords, melodies, progressions are standard and catchy, but add a singer who has the ability to not only catch your ear, but your full attention. She is not the most intense of singers, but she is definitely up there in the rankings as raw and powerful. I will love this one until death.

DRY

Debut 1992


     Not quite the later masterpieces that were to come, but now she had her shot-her audience. The beginning of what was to become a musical dynasty.(3+albums that are stellar workings of a true artist) The last song on this album entitled, "Water," in my opinion is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. After listening to it in its entirety, I remember saying, "I think that is the best song ever written." I didn't just think it-i said it out loud. It was a true awakening.

Rid of Me

     Good God, woman. Polly's sophomoric effort. On a scale of 1-100, this one is about 1,000. Each and every track reeling with the essence of a songstress on a mission. Although, difficult to describe what gives these songs their oh je ne sais quoi, for any rock musician or fan of, listening is imperative. Could be a broken heart, a crushed dream, or a simple burning with the fuel of sheer soul.

4-Track Demos

     An album of acoustic outtakes from the recording of "Rid of Me." Also, with a couple extra songs-one of which I think happens to be my favorite only able to surmise after these last years-"Goodnight." Polly paints this album with invaluable strokes of a genius. The voice, the guitar, the lyrics, etc. You can gauge the authenticity in the acoustic versions as where she saw her music going and as always what a polished studio rendition of an idea will produce. I, personally believe if done correctly, studio management is itself an artform. There are few "studio artists" on the scene anymore with all the latest technology seemingly taking over the touch or the ear of an actual human.

To Bring You My Love

    Alright people, put whatever it is you are holding in your hand at the moment down and sit down. This album is one of those that will lift you up, bring you down, break your heart-rip it right out of your chest, stomp on it on the ground and then kiss you goodnight. On our scale of 1-100. 1,000,000. Polly's finest. It did, however, sort of break away for a moment from her down and dirty guitar and voice twanging pre-efforts lending itself to a more tightly knit page of prose if you will with smoother edges. Regardless, this album catapulted her into a cult icon. Thank Goodness.

Dance Hall At Louse Point

     Beauty, beauty, beauty. She reverts on some of the tracks to the harder edged-Polly that we were first introduced to. She collaborates on this one with friend, John Parish. It is special because it would be the last album that quite frankly was more good than bad. Oh, Polly, where hast thou gone? Pick it up-it is worth the listen.

Technicalities:



Vocal Range:

Diffilcult to gauge, mezzo-soprano-contralto

Projection:

Your insides

Style:

Pure rock-n-roll

Difficult to gauge

The History Of A Passion II

PIXIES


     Four piece standard rock band. Black Francis: Lead vocals, guitar, lead lyricist. Kim Deal: Bass. David Lovering: Drums. Joey Santiago: Lead guitar. In the early 1990's, the Pixies were the band to follow. Even after they disbanded in 1993. The music carried on from house to house...car to car. Their popularity could quite possibly be even greater today as many other, newer bands have cited the Pixies as a significant influence. They have been noted as having Boston as their origin.(refer to my Throwing Muses post and my description of the Boston music scene which includes the Pixies) However, Boston is where they went to gig. They formed at UMass while attending.

     This must be duly noted that Black Francis is a musical genius. Fact. The last album was indicative of an unfortunate but eventual split of the band. One can surmise that the members were not seeing eye to eye because of the lack of musical cohesion and fluidity of sound that had been so explosive on prior albums. Francis could not make everyone happy as leader. It happens. He did go on to produce a few solo projects, but really they could not compare to the ingenuity of Pixies phenomena.

     Kim Deal...Bassist and sometime vocal contributor herself was a major influence on the success of the Pixies edge. Unfortunately, struggled and continues to struggle with substance abuse rendering her talents well-wasted. She did come out with a few solo pieces as well that were huge college radio successes, but then fell flat. Long after this work, I went to see Deal perform and it was mediocre at best. So sad about us......

TECHNICALITIES:


Black Francis

Vocal Range:

Tenor

C3-C5

Never goes low(bass)
Let alone--baritone, but brilliantly uses his natural vocal ability to
rise and fall within the tenor range

Kim Deal

Contralto

F3-F5

Projection:

Aliens+the alienated

Style

Pure Rock


Album Breakdown:

Come On Pilgrim  5 stars

"On the launchpad..."

Surfer Rosa           4 stars

"Blast off....."

Doolittle                 3 stars

"Hovering in space..."

Bossanova             5 stars

"Ultimate soundtrack to life in space...."

Trompe Le Monde      2 stars

"Back to earth like meteor-style...messy...."

-------------------------------------------------------

"Something just snapped...and I think it was my brain. Now I'm on an edge between the sunshine and the rain."

A History of A Passion I

Throwing Muses


     I was born and raised just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. It is important to mention because at the time of my childhood, the music scene was overly abundant with talent. I also grew up about 1,000 feet from the main commuter train that runs right throught the heart of Mass. and into Boston proper. With this transportive availability I took full advantage(as soon as my Mom would let me) by taking the train there. The place to go was in Cambridge called Harvard Square. Yes, that is where Harvard University is located. All the best record stores were there...my 2 favorites were Newbury Comics(they do sell comic books, but mainly music) and Second Coming Records that specialized in bootlegs and rare imports. But, being so young at the time I did not have any money so I had to get a job to support my new hobby: collecting music.
     Fast forward...3 years later with music collection establishing itself nicely...my friend and I came across a music review of this new group over lunch in the cafeteria one fine school day. It was for, Throwing Muses-"Hunkpapa." the reveiw was so-so, but I think we were drawn to the name of the band first and the title of the album second. The album title is not made up. It is actually the name of a Native American Tribe. Anyway, one of us picked it up and right then was the beginning of a deep admiration that to this day and beyond is impenetrable.
     The band was formed by frontwoman, Kristin Hersh and drummer David Narcizo in 1986. They are the heart and soul of TM's lineup. There were other members, yes, but it was really these two that masterminded the crafting of their sound. One notable mention is Tanya Donnelly(Hersh's step sister) She did have some early influence on the groups production, but later left. Donnelly helped co-write some of the songs and played guitar alongside Hersh. This type of duo was unheard of! It did not exist. They, my friends, were the first: Two girls and two guitars. In addition, Donnelly wrote the band's biggest hit according to industry standards, "Not too soon." Soon after this achievement, however, she bailed and TM continued on well without her. Usually, when a significant member leaves a band it will fizzle out. Not so in this particular case because Hersh and Narcizo would keep it alive. With the next three albums in an unbelievable fashion. Probably their best works to that date(1992). The music was a little bit less la-ti-da, and more focused on a tightly knit trio of guitar, bass, and drums(vocals of course)
A classic combination.
     They are still going strong today with about 10 albums under their belts. The music has changed somewhat, but that is what happens to just about all the great ones. They get older and maybe their creative drive does, too. Look at the Rolling Stones-they're like 100 years old and still touring. I just feel like when the musician has lived awhile it is evident that the artistic passion wanes.

Technicalities:


Kristin Hersh/Vocal Range:

F3-F5, A3-A5, and C4-C6

An even contralto that goes high, but never low-low

Guitar: Varies, but usually a Fender or acoustic or both

Drums: Pearl with serious cymbalization

Bass: Whatever make or model, but electric

Projection:

The Confused

Style:

Pure rock

"And a full moon rose with tears in its eyes praying for a shoulder or a cloud for a makeshift disguise."

cuidada

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers XIV

Amy Winehouse


                                           "Black bird singing in the dead of night
                                            Take these broken wings
                                            And learn to fly...all your life
                                            You were only waiting
                                            For this moment to arise...black bird...fly.
                                                                                     
                                                                                               The Beatles




     It was as if a musical holocaust had disparagingly occurred. And when the smoke cleared and the dust had settled...there she was...Ms.Winehouse. With a voice and a style that was soulfully retrospect carrying us back to a place when music was so innocent and pop music so new. A time when every song was a love song. Alot of Amy's songs were in fact covers of oldies, however, reconstructed better than the originals themselves. With that voice as inviting as her sad soul was to the destruction of her body and as addictive as nicotine. She has been compared to a few other singers...Ronnie Spector, in particular. But, Spector was such a girl-singer...so one-sided. Winehouse took on a very masculine energy with her talent that commanded you to listen, and targeted everybody. I always love people's reactions to her when her songs come on. Like full on gasps and moans...even cartwheels. I love that s**t. 


Technicalities:


Vocal Range:


Contralto


D3-Eb6


Style:

Achy-breaky Pop swing


Projection:


The mirror



"She's flying high, now"                                                 

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers IA

Christina Aguilera


     Take her or leave her. I was impressed, however, when she sang, "Beautiful," from her knees.  Most singers need to stand because they need their bodies fully erect to sustain the force of their voice. The ones that sit on stools and sing are pretty impressive as well. She definitely has a gift, but it is seemingly contrived. As if she's forcing it, and not allowing it to naturally flow. (I think Jennifer Hudson does this, too) I don't like it. It's like can you sing the song or not? When things are meant to be especially in an artform, it will happen on its own. We are the just the vessels that carry it to the light. Then at the Super Bowl, she forgot the words to one of the easiest songs ever. What? Thumbs down.


Technicalities:


Vocal Range:


Spinto Soprano

    
     This would explain the notion of a contrived flow. It translates as "pushed lyric" just as I was describing before. Exactly. Technically, singers with this peculiar skill set do this on purpose in order to sing above a band or an orchestra. (where we creep back into those who are "yelling") But, girlfriend this is Pop...not Op(era) The band is so throw away when we're in this genre. Nobody cares if the guitar player is any good...they're not even listening to it.



C3-C7, and a G#6 and a G#6


4 Octaves(she actually does possess it)


Style:

Pop, of course, but wants sooooo bad to be bluesy. Uh...no.


Projection:

Another Super Bowl?

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers XII

Jill Scott


     The depth of her voice is remniscent of the traditional African-American gospel choirs. Where if she were to be a part of-she would most definitely lead. Her voice is like a halogen headlight-blinding anyone who looks into it, yet clearing the path in the darkness of the night. A moonless night. I do not usually assume the role of a follower, but I would follow this one because her brilliance exposes any threat that might manifest itself in the form of a dangerous turn. She began by doing spoken word at live poetry readings that quickly led to her musical career. She commands the microphone. When she performs there is no distortion-she is as clear as a bell. Her vocal strength rises clear above the people-even her band.


Technicalities

Vocal Range:

Full soprano

D3-E6

3 Octaves

Has hit F6(Mariah-style)

Projection:

Every direction...north, south, east, and west

Style:

Mostly R-n-B


"What I got, I paid for"


(Love Rain with Mos Def--absolute genius)     

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers XI

Sade



     Ah, Sade. Nothing like a lady with golden tonsils. A wailer, but it is as if when she opens her mouth to sing liquid gold flows out in the form of song. A songbird. All the while listening to her albums and stuff and not understanding the full extent of this one's talent. Until I went to see her live. And thank God it was outside because a hall or anywhere indoors DOES NOT do her justice. Her voice has a natural reverberation that can only bounce off the sky. I brought a recording device that time because I thought, you never know. It took about half of a song to be turned on. The studio albums really take away from her fans experiencing the real gift that Sade has been bestowed. Her ability to project when a particular song calls for it is only matched in my opinion by one other pop singer live(Sinead). This is where alot of singers try to belt, but wind up yelling/screaming. I mean you can get the idea from one of the albums, but you don't really get it unless you see her live. I was like, Holy S**t.


Technicalties:


Vocal Range:


Perfect Contralto

2.4 Octaves

D3-G#5

Projection:

Her kids in the next county

Vocal Strength:

Intense


Style:

Romantically Rhythmic


"She could sing to a glacier and it would begin to melt"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers X

Madonna


     O.k. my deal with Madonna is going to be short because I do not think that she can really sing. Strip away all the sound effects, the sound-brushing, the studio, and what do you have? Plain Jane American the billionaire who cannot sing. Here is where I draw the line between entertainers and artists. Madonna versus Lady GaGa=Entertainer v. Artist. That is just one example. With Madonna it is ALL just a big show. A circus. Where the lion tamer is coaxing a stuffed animal. Where the clowns squeezing into a two-door are like one guy squeezing into a stretch limousine. Fake. I know certain people are going to be like, but Madonna did this and this. She paved the way for her, for her, etc. Madonna was the first ever to sing and dance? Maybe the first to THINK she could sing and dance at the same time. Or lipsync? I love how we now have Madonna camps and GaGa camps. Bickering about who's better. Please. The Madonna campers are just loyals who don't really ever take the time to consider if there is any true talent inside the voice. At GaGa's circus, she'd be the girl in the box about to get sawed in half, but like really do it if she thought it would make her "Little Monsters" happy. Anyway, done with Madonna. Next, please.


Technicalities:


Vocal Range:

Minimally Contralto

1 Octave, 5 notes, and a semi-tone

E3-C#5, roughly 

Style:

She-Pop

Projection:

The front row

Vocal Strength:

Surface


"I like all of one Madonna song...funny...One of her first singles, ever..."Burnin Up"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers IX

Alicia Keys


     Alicia has some songs I like. She's cool. I think she works really, really hard at being a good singer. She strains, though. She hasn't relaxed enough to allow her vocal cords to do what they can really do. She can sing. However, I put her up there with Beyonce in that the genuine artistic vision is like sorely lacking. I have seen her perform and is mediocre at best. Unfortunately, inconsisentcy follows this one around like a bad habit. She performed "Empire State" with Jay-Z at an award ceremony and could not even hit her own notes. It was bizarre. And that is what we call studio auto-tuning. Why would you allow something that is not even true to be released?  I mean practice until you get it. And if you can't sing it, adjust yourself to the song or vice-versa. Lame!  She's clearly contralto trying to be soprano? Sorry, I am not fooled.


Technicalities:


Vocal Range:


Contralto

Bb2-B5

Experts are saying 3 Octaves? I don't think so...maybe 2.3 at best with 1 semi-tone


Vocal Strength:

Average


Projection:

A couple blocks


"Like a voice student who skipped class...alot"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers VIII

Whitney Houston

     Where do I start with Houston? That's tough. Not one of my first choices on the dial, but undoubtedly a national treasure. Without question. To date, no one has perfomed the "Star Spangled Banner" better.(Super Bowl 1991) Maybe never will. I would give it to GaGa, though. I think she could do it almost as well.Everyone knows Whitney. However, not everyone likes Whitney. I admire and respect her talent and accomplishments above and beyond most. My memory can span her entire career: The beginning, the middle, the end? Unfortunately, her voice isn't where it used to be having picked up some baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad habits. I believe she married a demon, one straight from Hell. And when you love something whatever they do is going to seem o.k. in your eyes. You are blind. She was blinded by love-a wicked love. Everybody knows who I am referring to so I do not need to mention his name. People like that do not deserve shout outs. I am sure that there are many who would agree with me when I say that such an influence of evil better hope that we do not cross paths-in this life or the next. I strongly believe that she could bounce back if she wanted to. She could heal. It is possible. Mentally, physically, vocally. Please?


Technicalities:


Vocal Range:


Mezzo-soprano

A2-C6

3.3 Octaves


Projection:

The Congregation


Style:

(I'm giving this to you, Whit...even though you dissed my girl back in the day)


Pop-Soul


"God's mic"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers VII: L. Boogie, Y'all

                                                                      
                                                                          

                                                       "To that of which we hold so dear,
                                                         Referring to the grace of love
                                                         That in our eyes is abundantly clear.
                                                         Wherein Heaven the door of the cage alas had sprung
                                                         And with a soul from the old upon us you flung."
                                                                                                                                           cuidada


Lauryn Hill   

       I have never been a fan of categorizing. I wish that especially in music. Why can we not just organize everything alphabetically? However, since it does exist and the masses are playing along, oh well. There are some singers who have actually invented their own categories. Something we'll explore later...when we get into my true loves. Hill did not define herself per se...her vocal ability did. As far as we know there has never been a Lauryn Hill. She is most certainly in a league of her own or category if you must.
     This one's gift made me cry. After years away from the scene, she agreed to do a Fugees Reunion for Dave Chappelle's, "Block Party." The first sight of her I welled up...the first note...borderline sobbing. It was just that it had been so long since we'd seen or heard from her. It was like seeing an old friend. One you'd been through things with. One you'd spent real time with...loving...worrying...giving...stressing...living. And then there they were again like all of a sudden.
     To begin any appropriate analysis of an artist we must consider a few factors. Their age and where they're from. Hill apparently had a normal American upbringing. No serious family issues which can sometimes lead to an artist's drive. And no serious vocal training. She just tried it one day and could do it...well. She teamed up with some schoolmates who were already musicians and formed "The Fugees." It was during this formative time that she grew rapidly into her new role as an MC/singer. This led to her solo career where we arrive at "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Myself and my friends from across the country who basically agreed on all things music were so young when this album was released and were fiercely protective of our musical preferences. However, deeply rooted in the alternative music scene we were all unable to deny loving this singer.
     My once upon a time best friend called me up one day and all she said was, “She’s going to win album of the year, guaranteed.” At that particular time I despised any award shows and wouldn’t even read an article believing it would coerce my true opinion of an artist. Anyway, Hill did in fact win that most coveted award. Unfortunately, however, since that time and celebration of her achievement, Hill has been ravaged by the media, reprimanded by the industry, and thrust into a reclusive state. Where? Who knows. Personally, I am just sad about that occurrence. Now, though, in 2011 Hill seems to be creeping back upon us like a praying mantis whose ability hasn’t been sacrificed because of the lauders and the haters of the world alike.

　
　   Now, the gift. “Killing me Softly.” I am very passionate about this topic so I think I am allowed to be a singer-snob. Usually, I am very critical about covers that are already perfect. “Killing me Softly?” Come on. Where would easy listening be without Roberta Flack? Probably not so easy. At any rate, Go Lauryn. I think that is when I knew we were going to be witnessing a natural. This is the kind of singer that songs are written for. I can envision songwriters with their sheets of musical papery not even losing sleep because if they write a song for Hill there is no doubt it will either A. work beautifully and B. Break the ground.
    

     Live: Free Tibet Concert Golden Gate Park 1996. Everyone was playing. Everyone. At the time The Fugees’ album, “The Score” had just been released. I mean like a week prior. So, The hype hadn’t built, yet. It was the very beginning of the festival and my friends and I were in the front row(out of a possible 100,000) because Cibo Matto was slated to appear randomly and we wanted to see them up close. They played and we were all like yay…Cibo Matto…killer. We began commenting on how we hoped the rest of the fest was as good. And within seconds out walked Lauryn(w/the Fugees). The beats began and I could not take my eyes nor my ears off of her. She out-rapped her bandmates basically leaving them in the dust. A vocal phenomenon.


     Miseducation Tour 1999. San Francisco, Ca. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. I remember people eating French fries and pizza and I was just like, “How can they eat at a time like this?” Performed, “I’m Going Down.” Mary J. Blige’s version.(Original-Rose Royce)


     Miseducation Tour 1999. Shoreline Amphitheatre. Mountain View, Ca. One of the most memorable performances I have ever witnessed. That was a truly blessed time.
　
　
　
　
Technicalities:　


Vocal Range:

Full Soprano
C3-F6
3.5 Octaves
　
Projection:

G.O.D.

Style:

So far, A Hip and a Hop
　
Accomplished On A Single Album:　
C5-C#3-D5-A5-Bb2, “Sweetest Thing”
　
C5-up to F6(end of song) “To Zion”
Employs the whistle register-Mariah style)
　
B4, “Forgive Them Father”
D3-E3, “Hurts So Bad”
Eb3, “Miseducation”
F5, “Nothing Even Matters”
Eb5, “Ex-Factor”
　

“Come Back To Us” 　

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers VI

Lady GaGa

     I have been blown away by a singer only a few times before. When I first heard this girl I thought...That's fun. But, when I discovered her acoustic piano versions of the radio hits I was blown like I had been swept up upon the gale of a hurricane. She totally deconstructed her own songs. Simply groundbreaking is an understatement. There is only one other singer on the planet who even attempted this style/technique/artistic expression.(Diamanda Galas...I'll get to her, later.) GaGa is like a cross between Madonna and Streisand. One can deliver the pop/dance and one can deliver the voice. Gaga does both. The first round of hits were like none other than sheer brilliance. They in fact catapulted her career into a realm few have visited. The pop music scene was in desperate need of a Lady GaGa. Seemingly barren of true talent these days and God was like, "Yo! I'm bored. So, here you go...GaGa." Since her arrival, pop has experienced a re-birth attracting those from all walks myself included.

Technicalities

Vocal Range:

Contralto
Approx. D3-B5
2.5 Octaves

Projection:

The Heavens

Style:

Supreme pop that can actually sing

"A chronic champion"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers V

Mariah Carey

     I have always liked Mariah. Her gift is in your face and undeniable. I've never actually owned any of her albums because she's a little too "poppish" for me. Always singing love songs and stuff, but it is how she pulls off the sappy content that caught my attention. To this day I believe that "Fantasy" is one of the best pop songs ever written. Usually, in pop music the beginning of the song is what grabs you, but it isn't until the second verse where she carries the song upward with her voice. This is highly unusual and jarring, although pleasing to the ear. There are very few examples of this occurring in a pop song. One is, "Take your Time(Do it right)" by the S.O.S. Band. The lead, Mary Davis achieves the same secondary attention grabbing technique essentially forcing listeners to really get moving.

Technicalities

Vocal Range:

G2-G7
This means 5 octaves. She may have been able to achieve this in the past, but Mariah even says that she cannot any longer. Mariah possesses the ability to employ the whistle register which in fact is known for. For those of you who aren't familiar with this term, it means carrying a high, high pitched note.

Projection:

Straight through the eardrum like a needle

Style:

Pure Pop

"Like a bird in the trees"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers IIIA

This is supposed to be in alphabetical order. Somehow, I managed to forget Beyonce. So, let's recap a moment. 1.Adele 2. Badu 3. Benatar 3A. Beyonce 4. Blige.


Beyonce


     Beyonce. However sweet and adorable, is not the best singer to ever grace the scene. She is, though, the second most winningest female pop singer ever behind Dolly Parton with 16 Grammy's. Even if she is cleaning up at most award ceremonies I believe that she lacks true artistic vision. The one that should steer these talents toward the light. The light that is placed inside one's heart at their very moment of conception. I say this because I do respect her. Her performance of Etta James' "I'd rather go blind," in the film "Cadillac Records," is unforgettable. It was in those few moments that I recognized that light, but haven't since.

Technicalities

Vocal Range:

Mezzo-soprano
B2-C6, and 1 note

Projection:

Pop Culture

Style:

A blend of glam-pop+hip-hop

"Fun at the club;-)"

   

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers IV

Mary J. Blige

     O.k., Mary. She has been at the top of the game for awhile now. Bizarrely, I did not fall in love with her music until just recently when a co-worker gave me a copy of,"What's The 411." From then I've been hooked.She could sing about blowing her nose and I think I'd like it. It's Mary. However, with all due respect, her songs are a bit...well...cheesy. What gets me is the voice. It's always the voice. When Mary was nominated for a Grammy for her version of U2's "One," I actually cried.

Technicalities:

A2-C6, 3 Octaves

Projection: Forward

Style: R-n-B most of the time with a twist of Hip-Hop. Alot of people regard her as "The Queen of Hip-Hop?" Guys, she's not rapping...she's singing!

"To awaken the Gospels"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers III

Pat Benatar

     When I was really young, Pat Benatar was my favorite. I really wanted to be what she was-an amazing singer. Obviously, I loved her voice. I knew she was special. She had a natural talent and then I learned that she had been trained professionally in opera(4-octaves) so her ability really stood alone in her genre(Rock/Pop.) To most her music is typical 80's, but to me she is timeless.

Technicalities:

Vocal Range: Wider than most.
                      D3-B6

Projection: The stars

Style:  Pure Female Rock'N'Roll
          Unprecedented

"Good driving music"

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers II

Erykah Badu:

     I think I tend to cling to singers.When I like someone's music, I want to know everything about them. Where they're from, where they were born, etc. With this information, I believe I can have a better understanding of their art. Before I was introduced to Badu's music, I had Lauryn Hill. Understanding full well that Lauryn's ability would carry her career above and beyond. But, as most of us are aware it did, and then she seemingly gave it up. I will always be a gigantic L.Hill fan-regardless of what her misdirection led her to say in the media. I'll discuss Hill more later in her own post as I digress from Badu. Almost as soon as Hill disappeared from the scene I had been developing a deep admiration for Badu and her interesting style. To me she is like a cross between Billie Holiday and Chaka Khan. Badu certainly has a voice, but I strongly believe it took some extra concentration on what her influences had taught her to perfect her ability. This is not a rarity by any means. Alot of singers train this way. I have. She combines a light flow of beautiful and original lyrics with the possibility of erupting at any moment into a powerhouse vocalist. She is the calm and the storm. Badu has served as a huge influence for me. Just by listening to her songs and singing them around the house or what have you, I have learned a great deal about the technique of a vocalist. As someone who loves to sing--Thank you, Erykah with all my heart.

Technicalities:

Vocal Range:  D3-B6, C7(Live-"Stay" by Chaka Khan)

Projection:  Your soul

Style: Original nuanced with her personal influences

"Floats in the Air."

A Comprehensive Look At Female Pop Singers

     First, let us begin with a brief overview of this list. The following will be an outline of the vocal abilities of the modern era's female singers. I have been thinking of this project for some time, but did not pinpoint the real goal of it until I found myself reading about Mariah Carey and her deafening vocal talent. There was a wee fact located there in the text about how there did not exist an official account or study of the vocal abilities of today's pop singers. That kind of thing was only taken seriously in the Classical music/Opera department. So, the goal is that these singers are serious singers, too! I may not exactly be a fan of any of them(some), but I understand the importance behind the talent and the importance of these females that made themselves heard. We will go in alphabetical order.

Adele:


     Thank you, God. I will listen to her until the day I die. First of all, her style is that of grace and composure. Even though she keeps singing about her breakups. Most people cannot even listen to songs that remind them of their exes. Is she marketing self-anguish? Perhaps. Leave it to the Brits. All that is woeful is me, now can we make a bit of cash off it? Probably. I'm teasing, but so bloody English, isn'tit?(Emphasis on a British accent there-not a typo) Adele rules. Her voice comes from waaaaaaaay down deep like a coalminer who crawls out of a dark pit covered in black dust and clenching a raw diamond. "Reflecting the light of the sun. I praise the day, he turned my way."-Badu. I want to nickname Adele, "Mama London." She's barely 22 years old, and has already quit drinking. Nice. Cheers to a long and prosperous career, my dear.
         



Technicalities:

Contralto

Ranging from 3 Octaves+1 Note--C3-D6

Projection: The Moon

Style: Rolls words...one at a time...very soulful

Vocal Strength: DEEP

"This one was born with it."