Prompted by comments made by readers about Britney Spears' "real" voice being different from the thin, nasal and robotic one she is supposedly made to put on, I went out into the wilderness-Aka Youtube- for further evidence of her actual voice. Below is what I found!
Above is a large collection of live vocals assembled by a Youtuber that shows the Mississippi native's voice unaltered. It demonstrates that Britney Spear's is capable of creating that afore mentioned nasal tone, but its not as severe as presented on her newer records. It also shows that Britney is capable of variation in her voice, utilising different tones and timbres throughout the video to good affect.
A really interesting part of the video is at 1.40, where as a child, Britney Spears employs the same technique Christina Aguilera uses to give her voice a fuller sound.
The real vocals from Britney Spears' 2006 smash Womaniser really adds to claims made by fans that the record producers/ company alter Britney's vocals to get that trademark twang to it. Would the song have been as successful without it, I'm not sure, but there certainly is a marked difference between this and the version released.
Bringing it right up to date, above is the the supposed "live/real", vocals from last years hit Hold It Against Me. If this is indeed the real thing then I am really impressed. The verses seem unaltered and the chorus is in a lower key, but it still sounds pretty good when compared to the final, altered, vocal on the track. Things go a little off, right at the end, where she reaches for notes that she doesn't quite hit, but that demonstration of a little creativity and artistic flair, that ironically was omitted from the final track, was encouraging to hear [3.18-3.23].
These videos make for interesting listening but it's clear that the producers haven't totally fabricated the voice that is present on her records. Its more the case that its been exaggerated to give Britney Spears a sound that is instantly recognisable, and that works better with the production of the tracks she is layered over.
Thoughts?
