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
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
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"
"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?
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?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
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)
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)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
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"
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"
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"
Monday, August 8, 2011
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"
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"
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"
Sunday, August 7, 2011
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”
Monday, August 1, 2011
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"
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"
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"
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