Vocal Type: Contralto
Vocal Range:3 Octaves 3 Notes G2-C6
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Powerful voice, that has a rich, weighty quality throughout its entirety. Technically brilliant singer: able to switch between the different parts of her range with relative ease, and skill; able to sing melisma; and demonstrates excellent breath control that allows for well supported held notes, and long, uninterrupted ornamentation.
Incredible comfort in the lower extremes of the voice meaning notes can be hit in the second octave with relative ease. The notes produced are solid, dark and male like in timbre. It provides a strong foundation for Annie Lennox to create interesting layered and unique harmonies that though fit and blend well together, still manage to maintain the vocal integrity and character of each part of the harmony independently- hear the introduction of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen .
The midrange is versatile: able to shift between tones and timbres depending on what is called for artistically. From an androgynous, dominating, cool, almost robotic like tone- the backing vocals of Little Bird- to one with more warmth, slightly lighter weight and a more feminine colouring- A Thousand Beautiful Things- Annie Lennox's midrange is perhaps the strongest and most versatile part of her range.
The belting range is consistently weighty and thick, even up into the fifth octave, and has a strong resonance and dynamic. The impassioned tone and the way Annie Lennox can utilise this part of her range- melisma, held notes, masterful control of its dynamics - is one of the reasons she has been labelled by many as "soulful" and "emotive" as well as a great technical singer.
Annie Lennox's head voice has a duality to it: able to be either operatic or more contemporary in tone. When singing in an operatic style the head voice demonstrates a controlled and measured tone, a rounded and lighter sound and a warmer and softer timbre- There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart). It's use in a contemporary style produces a more biting tone, that is piercing, full and bright.
Vocal Negatives: The thickness and weight of the voice doesn't always lend itself to florid ornamentation or complex/quick melisma.
There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)
A Thousand Beautiful Things
Little Bird
