Alicia Keys needs to leave her husband at home when she hits the studio, because every new song I've heard from herself and Swizz Beatz contains the same aggressive beat, and the same aggressive vocal. Just check out the her new single, Girl On Fire, and tell me it doesn't have you reaching for the Paracetamol.
The video is cute though. Watch Alicia Keys taking care of house and home- and working that Mary Poppins magic- all under the the blanket of some beautifully coloured lights.
Saw her perform on Chatty man and was so disappointed to see her play backing. Another one bites the dust
ReplyDeleteYeh I have noticed she does that often, and sometimes her live voice is painful but when she is on a good day she is really good, those seem sparse these days though..
ReplyDeleteI agree on her on a good day being great. Hence my disappointment. I don't have high hopes for too ,amy pop singers ;)
ReplyDeleteI've always had this peculiar attitude to Alicia Keys. She's always been pop singer to me but with something extra added, more sophisticated somehow. I really like 'As I Am' album. I was caught by intelligent arrangements with piano, horns, strings, vocal harmonies in it. Very modern but still with old fashioned Motown punch. I always admitted Alicia's fairy intelligent and talented artist - one of the finest among her peers. She was my last hope. I hoped she would develop her talent and offer us more complex and smarter kind of pop music/contemporary R&B. And finally she didn't... What a waste. What a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteDD, you've written about aggressive beat and aggressive vocal. I would mention aggressive product placement in the video as well.
Oh, by the way. She doesn't seem to be member of the left wing feminist movement considering the video. That's the chauvinist perverted dream - woman in full make-up, impeccable hairdo and high heels hoovering the floor! Yummie!;)))
Right! I know it myself. Old silly billy goat :(
Something is going on with modern singers. They are overtouring, oversinging, and overperforming and fatiguing their voices. It's no wonder many talented ones (I'm not talking about ones who have questionable ability) need backing tracks: Their voices are being eaten alive by all of this lunacy! Something funny is going on when people barely into their 20s have chords full of nodes and need sudden surgery to save their careers.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think Alicia's voice is great when it is on. But I think some of the material is really not suited for her unique voice. Some of her belts are not mixed well enough and are too uncomfortably high for vocal stability and ease. She sounded most at ease earlier in her career on her first album. Now I feel like she is unnecessarily laboring and we all know she can sing. They need to rework the material to fit her voice and maybe give her vocal chords a little TLC to work on the blending and give her some more stamina in the higher mixed belts, because I can tell this is really wearing on her.
Personally I suspect all trying to be belters is a greater problem than over touring or over performing ( especially since it would be hard to tire your vocal chords playbacking ;D)
ReplyDeleteAs a woman, may I say Kudos T, for noticing And being not positive about that.
ReplyDeleteYou mean product placement?
ReplyDelete;))))) (eternal laughter)
Of course!
ReplyDeleteEverybody knows it's all about the right equipment for the job. :D
Good point. For instance, I know that I have a lyric voice. It's not the type of voice destined to be a belting powerhouse. Can I belt and mix-belt smoothly? Yes, absolutely. Do I do it every day and every phrase a la Mariah / Whitney / Aguilera? Negative. Even people with heavy, strident voices probably shouldn't do it as often as they do, especially with some of the questionable technique we've seen. Alicia should stick with her voice's strengths: Smoky color, emotional deliveries, and a rawer, passionate belting sound saved for special occasions. Not this every song belt, belt, belt thing. If you don't have that type of voice, don't do it. If she wants to work on building vocal stamina for more frequent belting, she'll need to do specific work on that, preferably via mixing. Pushed chesting is getting passe and as it wrecks people's voices, it gets less interesting.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless this video is worth attention and deeper analysis, particularly its gender and ideological messages. Of course we should confront it with song lyrics to find additional meanings.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen anything like that for the very long time (never?). I would rather suspect JLo of producing that kind of stuff (don't ask me why).
Anyways it's too late and I'm too tired to watch it once again (and again and again).
As for noticing various things in audio-visual stream I'm quite thoroughly trained (at least I believe so).
Trained professionally or trained by lots of exposure?
ReplyDeleteThe technical side is not an area I know much about but generally I think the influence of Whitney/Mariah on pop singing is not a positive imo.
ReplyDeleteIt has been way too overpowering.
Both.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful word you've just used - exposure. It triggered instant association with radiation and atomic bomb. Quite suitable association I must admit ;)
As for my background - MA degree in knowledge of cinema and media.
I just wish people would connect with their own unique sound and natural flair. On the music side of the coin, that's great. We'll hear more variety and expand the musical landscape. As for the business side...well...it can be a tough sell. Labels always want the newest version of Whitney and Mariah. That or a speak-singing dancing robot that can never make a mistake or have any troubles in their life. I like it when people do something that demonstrates that it is theirs and theirs alone. Or maybe some motif someone else was famous for doing, but that was reinterpreted and reworked to add a unique spin on it.
ReplyDeleteThe other side of Lana Del Rey's "retro-spleen"?
ReplyDeleteLana's femme fatale image vs. Alicia's perfect housewife?
Well, THAT should make you very capable of recognizing such things indeed. In fact, in that case if you had not noticed it, I would have had to strongly advice to get your tuition fees back LOL
ReplyDeleteHahaha Good One!
ReplyDeleteI am in such utter agreement with you!
ReplyDeleteAnd that last bit...that describes exactly why I love Alison Krauss. She did exactly that.
It does go on in music. By people who don't care about record sales numbers. Or amount of twitter followers
I think it makes for a nice listen :D
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely in love with this song. Love Al's soaring vocals over the pounding drum and simple chord progression, Nicki's emotive rap (which is nociably absent), even the sometimes cliché lyrics! However this video is so stupid, and completely the opposite message I expected Alicia to deliver. I am so very very disappointed with this effort :(
ReplyDeleteI find the bluelight version nicer, and she doesn't belt that heavily as she makes it sound lighter. Or is it just me?
ReplyDeleteOpie, I'm not sure but you once mentioned about your mixed feelings about so called folktronica or electrofolk.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to ask if you have ever listened to Beth Orton's stuff. She's just released new album ('Sugaring Season') which is great in my opinion. She has made unbelievable progress since 'Superpinkymandy'. I just think you might like it.
Well, check it out for yourself - a link to opening track below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acR9cz8ZOKw
Not sure what that "it" is you mean makes a nice listen? Every singer belting? Or are you referring to "Girl On Fire"?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with both of you.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be never ending circle. Industry has utterly conservative approach - if something sold out in millions we need the same thing but in different packaging. This strategy has strong influence on artists who become more and more uniform to meet labels' expectations and provide decent revenue. And of course there's huge impact on audience. Lazy nature of human being makes him/her vulnerable to overpowering marketing strategies. People buy such crap because that's easy to believe it's really good crap. They don't need to make effort to look for something different. So we end up with endless feedback.
Just look what happened to indie rock/pop scene. Indie became just another tag with no real (original) meaning under it. No more independent than any other mainstream genre - another profit driven trend.
Another insightful analysis that is too deep for this blog! lol. Nevertheless, I love reading your take on things T. I would actually love to take that route with posts, but in all honestly, it wouldn't be worth the time it would take me to put together. However, I may create a new type of post that analyses specific videos with a more critical eye.
ReplyDeleteI'm saying nothing.....lol
ReplyDeleteJust listened to it, and yep, definitely a modified vocal. Less pushed, and less "power" behind the note. Overall a softened vocal. Quite raspy, though.
ReplyDeleteEspecially considering the fact you've got quite an eye for interesting videos. I came across Pink's video on you site couple days ago. Another example of unusual treatment of male/female relationship patterns in very short film form. Unfortunately I wasn't in "insightful" ;))) enough mood to post a comment.
ReplyDeleteToo true T.
ReplyDeleteBut though most people tend to blame just business, I tend to blame the "artists" more. After all, it comes down to the individual 's choice to cooperate with that system or not.
There are positive signs though. Look at The Civil Wars career path and work. Who are very commercially successful.
Or a Shelby Lynne who ended up setting up her own record company and totally being in control of her own work/promotion etc. Not as successful financially but she's got a fair loyal audience,is a lot happier, a lot more genuine and producing good music.
Hahaha you better not..."cute". Hrumpf
ReplyDeleteCold! LOL. But more seriously, the pressures are immense and people are coerced to do some very unsavory things in the business Singing so that your hurt your voice is one of them. The attitude is if it sells, do it. And that makes me sad because then artistry goes flying out the window. It's important to maintain a strong objective check on performances. That's why some acts wisely keep their money notes an forays into the sixth octave off the recordings and just do them live. That way, they couldn't be pressured to constantly reproduce the sound on the fly.
ReplyDeleteNot aiming this at you, but sometimes, I wish people would just shut up and listen to the damn music without all of the cheesy speculation. Hell, I'd listen to her music no matter what. Plus I must say Swiss Beatz makes for a pretty dramatic beard since he was married when they began their romantic involvement! There are better less conspicuous beards than someone like that.
ReplyDeleteActually my point was the pressure is only intense if your priorities are fame and fortune. If they are music, you'll do like Shelby Lynne and ...walk away.
ReplyDeleteIt's not "cold" to put the responsibility for an artist's actions by that artist himself. What a silly thing to say.
Seriously what do they stand to lose? Their life? Nope, their freedom? Only if they chose to put the responsibility with the record company in fact.
LOL If you aren't aiming it at me, how come you use the reply button under my comment and replying to my words? I think that was a fib? It's okay though. You can aim it at me. :)
ReplyDeleteBut, just to clarify my position... I couldn't care less what she does outside her music myself, I was just looking for a possible explanation for that video being what it is.
Because what it is, is definitely worth wondering about. A female singer delivering that??? In 2012!
As a joke I suggested a silly and gossipy explanation. :)
As for wishing people "just shut up and listen"....as far as I know, my typing a comment and someone else replying does not actually audible interfere with third parties listening to music?
Unless you've got some kind of superadvanced computer/stereo I haven't heard about? ;D
But a small tip...a good way of seeing your wish fulfilled is to not look at blogs about music and again....just listen to the album. You're welcome ;)
I myself listened to this bit of pop music once and will probably listen to that bluelight version Ricky mentioned ( if I can find it, wish he'd added a link) but I certainly am not going to do much more listening to this effort I am afraid. It's not entertaining enough for my taste to be honest, can't keep my interest.
As beards go, that would actually be even better than the usual though., don't you think? Seducing a married guy. LOL
You do need to take me a bit less seriously (I dropped the lighthearted LOL). I do not deny artists have responsibility! But what I do notice is that the stakes are quite high for people hoping to establish themselves. Alicia might have more breathing room since she's been around a while but younger acts need to stick to their guns or find some way to reconcile their passion with the pressures.
ReplyDeleteYou misread me too often. I'm no attack dog, OE. LOL. I was addressing what you were saying, but not you directly. I remember in the 1990s rumors surrounded Whitney Houston's relationship with Robyn Crawford. Whatever did or didn't happen certainly did not take away from her music. That's all I meant.
ReplyDeleteAs for music, my point again concerns that the music industry is only partly about music. Image is so incredibly important. It has been for a long time I am sure, but I sort of miss Alicia's earlier style because it was natural, it was her own look. I didn't care whether people said she was butch or not.
That's a good point about the beard...but still...it rocked the boat, man! Even some of Alicia's fans were not having that one. LOL.
oh I got that that "cold" was a joke. That why I said it was a silly thing to say. Normally I wouldn't use that phrase if I take someone serious. But I admit, that probably didn't work as intended in written form. You should have seen the wink in my eye as I typed that though. LOL
ReplyDeleteI get your argument and you are correct, if you want a certain kind of life and status, I am sure the pressures are enormous.
It just doesn't work for me because I am truly quite cold when it comes to such motivations as those artist carry who desire fame more than they desire producing music.
Gotcha. ;-) We're reading each other better now.
ReplyDeleteI hope so because otherwise you are going to take my long reply to your "wistful" comment the wrong way.
ReplyDeleteBut I strew plenty of appropriate smileys around there to prevent that I think?
LOL. Hahahaha! No worries.
ReplyDeleteCool! :)
ReplyDeleteOpie, have you been exposed ;))) to new Beth Orton's album? I think you might like it. You might check 'Magpie' on YT if you wished.
ReplyDeleteI posted link couple hours ago with this question, but was probably filtered out, so I won't do that mistake once again.
Another great come back after years of silence.
I have to admit, the reason I like her is because of her raspiness. She actually has good control too, but somehow on the bluelight version it sounds very... snobbish?
ReplyDeleteI have not suffered such exposure T. ;)
ReplyDeleteBut I will go and see if I can withstand it.
Okay, I went and listened to her singing ( using that term loosely) Magpie on Letterman live and then the official video ( thank heavens for autotune) and this is definitely not for me. Her voice sounds like screeching to me and she combines it with a vocal style which doesn't help. :(
ReplyDeleteThe music itself I kinda liked.
But...thanks for the suggestion though. :)
If the system gives you trouble again with posting links, feel free to share youtubes through my youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/reddragonready
Add it's from you though. Otherwise I might think it's some confused rapper again ( keep getting videos sent from rappers. No idea why)
Do you have a link ( or some directions) to that bluelight version?
ReplyDeleteRappers you said? Hmm... Red Dragon is the brand of skateboarding clothing. So maybe they started some video contest? And guys are sending their films to you by mistake?
ReplyDeleteWait as Red Dragon Chinese Restaurants make culinary contest. You'll get hundreds recipes for spring rolls;)))
Sorry about disappointing link. We don't know each other as much. Simply hit or miss. I like Beth anyway.
LOL I'd rather be sent spring rolls than rap videos.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think the red dragon in question was actually a cute,sweet character from some fairytales.
Yes,an unfortunate miss but like I said, it was the vocals. I liked the music. I have the same issue with Elvis Costello..Love his music, cannot stand his voice nor singing style.
But I figured by giving you the youtube channel link I'd hit two birds with one stone, as it were. Solving that link posting problem but also you will get a better idea regarding my music taste.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjcMR8XJCU8
ReplyDelete@facebook-100000090078915:disqus It's actually one of the 3 versions she released, search it up on youtube "Girl on Fire Bluelight" and the first one from VEVO. Can't post the link here. :\
ReplyDeleteCheers Ricky! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL Was just going to try post it myself. Thanks though for the tip of this version. Like it a lot better than the other one. A lot better
ReplyDelete@facebook-100000090078915:disqus So the snobbish-attitude vocals, it's just me isn't it? :\
ReplyDeleteBut yes, it's more calming to listen to, instead of her belting out aggressively. I mean, the song is awesome, but after a while you kind of get bored of it and ask for something lighter.
I think I just like this much better because it is closer to my general taste. I am not a fan of modern belters.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you meant to say "snobbish"?
Can you explain some more what you mean by that?
As I understand the word, I certainly see no reason to apply it to her vocals here. Then again, since I like a certain arrogance under certain circumstances, it could well be I just wouldn't register snobbish vocals as such. ;D
It sounds like her attitude is very, pretentious. It might just be her style. Just a thought and opinion...
ReplyDeleteWell, like I said, I don't hear that in these vocals but I do see it in her public personality
ReplyDeleteThe belting. But that's just my taste.
ReplyDeleteOkay.Got it.
ReplyDeletePersonally I only like appropriate belting. Not belting for it's own sake.
Sorry T, missed this comment. Have to say I don't remember discussing folktronica or electrofolk?
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I have no idea what to think off with that genre? Other than Beth Orton who's voice we have established is not my cup of tea I know not which artists work in that genre?
Nice comment.
ReplyDeleteSounds a beat like Bleeding Love to me once the beat kicks in? Agreed about the harsh production of the song...not enough light and shade.
ReplyDeleteTHIS!! SO MUCH!! I really hate the influence that Mariah and Whitney have had on aspiring singers as well as consumers. I have come across so many people that don't consider a singer to be "good" unless they can belt out every other line. I just don't understand it; there's so much more to singing. Honestly, I find complex vocal harmonies and arrangements far more impressive than belting.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of Alicia's voice; her tone is harsh imo, and she treads the line between vocal rawness and singing just plain off key a little too much.
ReplyDelete" I find complex vocal harmonies and arrangements far more impressive than belting."
ReplyDeleteOh you are preaching to the choir with that Mel. :)
I think it is so shortsighted how people always come up with Whitney or Mariah ( or even dare I say it..Aretha) as "greatest singers evah".
Even Ella is no longer mentioned WTF eh?
The Divine Miss Fitzgerald! Love her!
ReplyDeleteNot a fan really myself Spark, but I know enough to think neither Whitney nor Mariah really are a match for Ella when it comes to such a ( silly ) title.
ReplyDeleteThat's okay. I forgive you. LOL. But seriously, I like that we all enjoy such varied artists. My voice is nothing like Ella's instrument and I have artistic influences from a variety of genres, but I still can respect her craft. You can tell how much she enjoyed singing in her live performances.
ReplyDeletehahaha I just felt the need to jump in this discussion because I couldn't agree more with what everyone had to say. I usually try to avoid discussions about the "greatest singers" because it's subjective. I guess from a technical standpoint, you could name a great singer above all else, but tone, ability to emote, and other nuances that ppl prefer are solely subjective imo.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, not entirely subjective though. Some singers appeal emotional to larger group of people and/or wider demographics, cross times and cultural boundaries etc. There ARE singers that jump out at you even if you don't like their songs or genre they sing in. I think true greatness can be recognized universally even if you still prefer to spent most of your listening time to others
ReplyDeleteAlicia can't even sing this song live.
ReplyDelete