Christina Aguilera has been called the "Voice of a generation" by various media outlets and award ceremonies--but do we know why? It's all well and good giving a title to someone, but I've always felt it to be kind of redundant when no accompanying explanation was ever offered as to why they chose the singer they did.
With that in mind, I've been wanting, for the longest time (seriously, it's been so long in the making that my original title was going to be "Which Diva under 30 is the voice of our generation?"- and that was when Beyonce and Christina fell within that catchment age), to create a post that delved a little deeper into what exactly makes a singer worthy of such a title; all while offering up some other singers as potential contenders for the crown.
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| (I'm sure you Christina fans are thinking that right about now, but it would be really helpful to hear why you think she deserves to retain the crown.) |
But before I get to writing that post, I'd like to hear from you lovely people first! What do you think the criteria should be for judging who the voice of this generation is? Do you think it should be based on success? A singer's technique? Or could it be their range that is most important? Whatever you think, I'd like to hear it. I'd also like to know which Diva you think ultimately deserves the title, as well as something negative about said Diva's voice (just to weed out the unobjective Stans).
If you don't have (or want) a Disqus account to leave a comment, feel free to use the suggestion boxes directly below. They don't require any details, just type out your thoughts and hit the "submit" button! Easy-as-cherry-pie!
Some videos to get you all thinking:
I don't feel this generation has a voice.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't have one definitive voice.
There are certainly many talented singers from this generation, but none of them truly speak for or represent their generation like previous generations of singers have.
If it came down to technique I'd give it to Beyonce or Alison Goldfrapp.
If it came to success, Beyonce, Britney or Shakira.
If it came down to emoting I'd give it to Adele, Kelly or Florence.
There are so many aspects, and I don't think one woman or man embodies them all.
I certainly have some favorites from this generation, and I have been vocal about them at times. But I'm not a stan, and wouldn't try to push them to a "voice of the generation status"
P.S thank you for linking one of my videos :D
Beyonce #faultlessandyouwilldeal
ReplyDeleteI agree with Serendipity's points plus want to add...there's also the different genres.
ReplyDeleteI would also suggest it is any waya question which can only really be answered in retrospect. I would definitely say because of that it would anyway have to be someone who actually has a memorable voice.
That would exclude certain names suggested. :-)
On the other hand, if we take the level of ability of many of the most popular singers...maybe tis generation's 'voice'' should be pne of the lesser ones.
In which case Taylor Swift is definitely a serious candidate. Few have a bigger teen audience and speak to so many teens.
Adele and Florence are, I think, appealing more to those in their twenties.
So who are actually the generation under discussion. Today's teens? Or those in their twenties?
I was going to make this EXACT post on my own blog. Creepy. ._. I volunteered Kelly Clarkson as tribute, though Beyonce was my next vocalist.
ReplyDeleteI almost would like to put Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift in the "next generation" category because they are so young. Maybe even Adele.
ReplyDeleteThis generation with Christina, Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Gaga, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson... Good, not great generation.
I agree I don't think this generation has a voice. Christina & Beyonce come pretty close. I think they still have dues to pay as crazy as it sounds.
ReplyDeleteWell my choice is clearly going to be Kelly Clarkson.
ReplyDeleteBeyhive represent.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, yes, Beyonce tbh. Her dynamics are incredible. No one can do her runs. Plus her voice is so connected. Plus her unparelleled lung power. Plus her world class vibrato.
Excellent choice Stuey.
ReplyDeleteTaylor should DEFINITELY not be present. She's a good songwriter, but vocalist? Thats a bit of a stretch.
ReplyDeleteIf it came down to it, I'd have to choose between Beyonce and Kelly, probably. With odds in favour of Beyonce.
ReplyDeleteBeyonce is an incredible vocalist, a talented artist capable of keeping current while still maintaining her original sound, an incredible influential and powerful celebrity, someone with a huge fan base from young teens ranging up to adults, an incredible number (and unsurpassed with the people listed) of album and record sales (at least if you also take into account Destiny's Child) and she's yet to debut her fifth studio album! Hopefully it'll be out before you make your post!
In terms of her voice, Beyonce has incredible dynamics and exceptional control - her diminuendoing ability is amazing, as are her roulades. She has smooth, and often crescendoing or diminuendoing, glissandos and her staccato ability is stunning, especially in the far reaches of her head voice. Her melismatic abilities are second to none in this generation; they can be lightning fast (Halo "burning through my darkest night") or slower, they can cover multiple registers (life performances of "Crazy in Love" from Roseland tour), are always in the musical key and is comfortable doing chromatic scales up or down with speed. Her registers are smoothly connected - she uses an excellently balanced use of cricothyroid and thyroaryteniod muscles across almost her entire range. This means, to some extent, that her belts are always perfectly mixed and resonant (at least in her ballad performances). Her head voice utilises all major forms of singing (twang, falsetto etc), and is resonant and easily accessed. Her vocal range is impressive, easily covering three octaves (we haven't updated the profile here but from what I can gather her combined studio and live range is now G2-Eb6) and she's confident across it all. Her vibrato is otherworldly; it is perfectly spaced, no matter what register she is in, flows naturally and is incredibly powerful. She has very recognisable tonal qualities, and she is an emotive singer (though there are definitely more emotive out there). And she does most of this while strutting around the stage and being prime perpetuator of Tina Turner's legacy. Enough of the vocal technique.
As for Kelly, I wont rant on as I'm sure someone else will but I feel that Beyonce has the upper hand in a few aspects: her technique is definitely stronger and has never caused herself vocal damage like Kelly did in the earlier days; Beyonce has the larger fanbase and higher record sales (to answer the success factor in your post, Diva); Beyonce, if we consider the updated version, has the larger vocal range; Beyonce has the higher number of "hits" that people will remember.
I'm not dissing Kelly - I think she's absolutely phenomenal. I just think that, currently, Beyonce has the better technique and is moreso the "Voice of this Generation". Kelly has a nicer tone, it's more unique and NOW has a near unimpeachable technique but she also needs to work on her low extension (common problems for a soprano and it takes a lot of work) as her control over her low notes is shaky at best, and they aren't healthily accessed or resonant.
Not the point of my post but I agree - Taylor's not a good singer. I've heard her too many times live and thought yik!
ReplyDeleteI have, however, seen and heard singers get better as they develop through the years. Rihanna's been around for almost 10 years and I've only started being able to listen to her in the last year or so. So I'm willing to give her a shot in a few years. For next generation singers, look out for a girl (only 14 right now) named Carly Rose Sonenclar. If you haven't seen/heard her on last year's X-factor, look out!
I also think the next generation of singers will be interesting to watch - I'd consider Jessie J among them, as she is still relatively new on the scene, as I would Demi Lovato etc.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, I see the next generation being caught between Jessie, Demi, Ariana Grande etc. How exciting.
Taylor is terrible singer..but she is about the biggest seller to ''this generation'' and her lyrics are, so ''this generation'' claims, really speaking to them and about their emotions. On those criteria she definitely IS in the running to be ''this generation's voice''.
ReplyDeleteWhich is incredibly sad but also true. ;-)
I think Taylor is good at delivering emotion but past that, she's weak or average at best. I don't see her developing very much honestly, she's been taking vocal lessons for years with very little improvement. She is still prone to going off key, singing in the nasal cavity, and her voice overall is very thin. She may improve some what, but I don't see her ever being a fighting force in the "Voice of Our Generation" battle.
ReplyDeleteRihanna has improved DRASTICALLY. Its almost unreal; she's a different person. I don't know if she was taking vocal lessons or not, but she has been doing something right recently.
As for Carly, we'll have too see what the X Factor does for her. I think she has a magnificent, bluesy voice. I just hope the worlds attention span doesn't leave her behind.
I agree for the most. Her album sales are outrageous (thanks to her loyal country fans), and her lyrics receive universal acclaim from 14 year old girls, and critics. But I don't see those two aspects carrying all of her weight for "The Voice of the Generation" title.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but bring artistry into this but I am going to try my best not to. Since I'm 16, I'm going to do people less then the age of 20 WITH POTIENTIAL.
ReplyDelete1. At the top of my list is Lee Hi. She doesn't have an ounce of artistry about her due to her selling her soul to YG Entertainment when she was 15. However Papa YG has done some wondrous things in her favor. He and his producers make music that fits her voice perfectly. It reflects jazz and swing. However her voice is the icing on the cake. She has the most gorgeous nasal tone that I've ever heard (I mean it is not annoying at all, is pleasant to hear, and is just stellar) and that is no exageration. (Gosh, I gotta do a vocal range vid on her mini album.) She doesn't do much with her voice as far as range goes, but her voice is well developed for her to be only 16. To me, she is at "I'm your biggest STAN level." lol (Sorry but I couldn't think of anything grander)
2. I'll say Demi Lovato. Can anyone say fierce belting diva? Well she's not so much a diva but she has tremendous potential. She has a lot to work on though, including her lower register and her head voice. She has pretty nasal quality too but I can't stand her enunciation when she's not belting. She is though a true artist and that is what matters (still hate to add it in this post). She sits around "Very good to Inter-universal dominance".
3. I know she is like 27 but who cares. Janelle Monae needs a slice of these yams too! She is unique and I love her style. If I had one word to describe all 3 octaves 5 notes and a seminote of her voice would be "brassy"...This lady can sing G6s and C7s like they are high chest belts (Though they are deft mixes with head) and that feat is impressive especially with how raw her vocals are. I place her at "Stellar to Inter-galactic dominance".
4. My pride and joy, Kimbra, may be 23 but she is the definition of artsy (I hate saying it for the relevancy of this post but this time I must bring it up). She composes all her music, and she sings around her music. She is very tonally diverse, able to sing with pseudo androgyny (only love though) characterful warmth, lovely delicacy, nasal thickness, coarse brassiness, or piercing steeliness. I also underestimated her volume capacity. This girl can belt like out this world LOUD!!!!! She is what a lyric mezzo-soprano supposed to be. For some strange reason though, live, she turns into a pseudo dramatic mezzo belting out random C6s and singing high notes that just pop up out of nowhere with some very loud and resonant belts too. I also love her amazing head voice especially her E5s. Her quirky vibrato is lovely too. She sits around "Great to Out of this world."
5. I can't count out Ariana Grande. Although she lacks artistry, the girl can sing. She is a technical singer that has no issue with emoting as far as I'm concerned but she doesn't have a lot of versatility, from what I've seen. She utterly defines soprano and she has a tone that is more youthful than her 19 years of age lead on. Her tone can be hit or miss for me...it depends on when she decides to rip of Mimi. She sits at "Very good" to "Great" as far as I'm concerned.
6. Last and least (though I love her) Is Jessica Sanchez. My issue with this chick is her lack or artistry and her fake vocal prowess. I will say it now. She is a lyric mezzo starving her self and desperate to be a dramatic mezzo. Her enunciation doesn't match her volume capacity, even on the mezzo soprano chest note of power (F5), but I must say she does have a nice thick tone that I enjoy. She should soften her phrasing, show some dexterity, improve her head voice, and all 2 octave 6 notes and a semi note of her throat will be better than "above average" and will soon be at "Very good".
Well I suppose it depends on how you define a voice of a generation. The way i see it is a person who's message and talents reach out to several thousand people and touch their hearts. Someone who can make a standing point in history- singer or not. The first time I recall hearing the word was when in my history class my book called Martin Luther King Jr. the "Voice of his generation" for his speech "I had a dream". This term branches out of singing. However if I had to choose a singer it wouldn't be a singer who has excellent technique or even a great voice- otherwise I would strike down Christina from that title every chance I got. Its about their reach out towards their fans and ability to make a true connection with them and be a memorable part of music history.
ReplyDeleteI agree Brian. That's why my vote goes to Kelly.
ReplyDeleteWhoever down voted this is pressed. Anyways, this basically a perfect explanation as to why Beyonce is the voice of her generation.
ReplyDeleteThat would be me arthur. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't care how many thrills and melisma's Beyonce can sing...her voice in itself is far from special or memorable and her music is limited and onedimensional.
I think in a few generations she will be just one of the many Houston wannabee. She won't stick out. Which would, one would think, be rather THE quality needed for sure for that title under discussion.
Oh I wasn't serious about that really. It was sarcasm at the general level of ability amongst the best selling singers today.
ReplyDeleteI said it before and I will say it again....I'm with you. Kelly is my pick amongst chart music.
Pure voice...nobody working in popular music today has a more beautiful pure voice than Alison Krauss. But that again...not something ''this generation'' even is aware of. ;-D
Well for one I think there's a distinct difference between "Voice" of this generation, and "Vocalist" of this generation. Vocalist of this generation would be like Beyonce or Kelly Clarkson, they really know how to use their voice. They know how to ease through out all of their vocal range that they posses, they have great technique. Now as far as VOICE. I think that they has more to do w/ the vocalist' tone, emotive ability through, connection with their songs through vocals (authenticity of the songs they sing, quality of their songs that speak out for our generation in a range of relevant topics covered in their music). I think it's also nice to note a nice range too. Personally to me, Christina is still the voice of this generation. People can nag her about technique, me being a fan I know her voice, the good & the bad. I'm not gone act like her voice is perfect or her technique. But I'm starting to think she really does know her voice,she just doesn't always train it, or exercise it properly. Like on the Voice where she belted that Epic E5 while singing that Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone" with Adriana, or performances like "Lift Me Up", "Blank Page", and some of her recent studio recordings. Surprise you didn't post that "The Voice" clip, it's here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbkpcRvLOVM Almost has 100k views. I don't think anybody has the emotive ability Christina has when it comes to vocals, she really knows how to sell a song with her vocals. Plus she still has over 3 octaves of vocal range. But this is just my personal opinion. I also think your voice has to be unique. It's not enough to sing a song the way it's "supposed" to be sung, but to have a unique stylistic approach to songs and your vocals, that makes it "you." To me next up is Jessie J, though she's really young and just has became mainstream, I don't think people can deny her crazy vocal ability and her power and emotive ability in live performances.
ReplyDeleteNo... I meant it. Mitch gave a really elaborate and detailed explanation, which brought some good points.
ReplyDeleteAnd Beyonce's voice isn't special? It's not only about her melismas, as Mitch mentioned, there are other aspects which make her voice great. Her control, her lung power, the connectivity of her range and her vibrato all come in to play as well.
Her music is one dimensional? Have you listened to her last (critically acclaimed) album 4? It was primarily R&B but incorporated many different sounds. Ranging from a simplistic and vulnerable ballad (I Miss You) to an aggressive and needy ballad (I Care). From a contemporary R&B song (Countdown) to a throwback 90's R&B song (Party). It had an afrojazz uptempo (End of Time) to a bubbly and sparkling uptempo (Love On Top). Opie in all honesty, you don't listen to her music enough to come to that conclusion.
Anyways, I personally feel that when people think back to this era of pop music, they will think of Beyonce. As Bono said, "She [Beyonce] makes music at will be around for hundreds of years."
She's not anywhere near a wannabe Whitney! What are you saying? She has a style all her own.
Maybe to you it's far from special or memorable, and again maybe, to you, her music is limited and one dimensional. There is a reason she is critically acclaimed as vocalist and artist by critics and singers from an INCREDIBLY wide array of genres, from classical to hip hop. She is far from a Houston wannabe, has an incredible voice (as I pointed out by elaborating on FAR MORE than "thrills" (I'm assuming you mean trills?) and melismas. I don't believe I gave those more than a sentence between the both of them.
ReplyDeleteHer voice is an incredible instrument, as people who are far more informed and experienced than either you or I can acclaim.
I find it amusing that you always draw back to that she lipsynched one massive performance, when she has had countless other huge memorable performances that she has done 100% live. Cool, she's not perfect. She's still a better vocalist than anyone you have suggested, and she releases music that helped shape her genre. She challenges stereotypical genre compositions (that is literally what she is famous for, in a critical response to album sense), and I don't think you've given her music proper attention before you label her "forgettable".
Just because it isn't in your niche, Opie, doesn't mean that many others (and may i dare say, a MAJORITY) disagree and find her music anything other than forgettable.
And if you could please explain what you mean in "the voice in itself is far from special" when, if we break it down, a voice is just the byproduct of air travelling through the membranous vocal folds and resonated in different cavities throughout the skull and throat, of which any person, particularly singers, have varying levels of control. She has incredible control, so therefore she has an incredible voice? I think that argument is flawed.
ReplyDeleteYou are focussing entirely on tone and, like her music, you aren't exactly speaking for the majority when you say it is nothing special/forgettable.
Rihanna always had power so the potential was always there. Add that unusual low register and you have something to work with. The problem was her range, control, and either her choice or her writers who tried to make her do things she frankly just wasn't good at. She has massively improved! I was drop-jawed listening to Stay the first time.
ReplyDeleteYou might be right. Taylor's base isn't broad and her potential isn't as high. Her songwriting will write her career.
I feel you Opie. xD
ReplyDeleteYes, I mean the tone or timbre or whatever you want to call that very individual effect of any voice. Aside from technical ability or control.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I do think I represent as universal an opinion on that as her fans share on the opposite.
Again...this is why even her fans defending her rarely speak of her ''amazing voice'' but instead of her ''amazing technique''.
Perhaps you fled the threads criticizing Beyonce but there are actually more than just me thinking this about her acttual voice.
My downvote btw was towards your pick of Beyonce. Not your well written explanation for thhat choice.
I'm pretty confused about the Whitney comment, too. Whitney was never much of an RnB singer, which is what Beyonce is, and Beyonce uses completely different placement, vocal styling and phrasing to Whitney. They don't even sing in similar keys... there aren't similarities there. Like literally... none.
ReplyDeleteI agree, nicely articulated. I love Rihanna's low notes to death, I think they're the best in the biz. Velvety and smooth.
ReplyDeleteA majority amongst who actually? In this thread there are already many not agreeing with you. If really the majority of humanity agreed with you, surely she would outsell any and every record? Lol I am just speaking indeed...for my taste.
ReplyDeleteBut as everybody knows...I have for instance loads of criticism on Houston yet not the once has anybody heard me state her voice in itself wasn't of a rare quality.
I think I am quite capable of rationally regarding Beyonce. That is also why you never heard me deny that excellent technique for instance.
I have given her all the attention needed to judge her music for what it is imo.
The only one I have suggested is Kelly Clarkson and if you think the tendency to display melisma and thrills over conveying a song is preferable,.good for you but to me that doesn't make for a beter vocalist. It only makes for a one dimensional vocalist.
They are both singers choosing to show they are 'the best technicians'' over emoting.
ReplyDeleteWow, you guys. You asked for an explanation and you got one. Only to get all defensive. Look, everybody has their right to their own opinion. Some people don't like melisma, rather looking for clean, pure sound. Sometimes there's such a thing as too much vibrato. Everybody has their own tastes. I, for one, don't like "oversinging" (too much melisma, vibrato etc.). I happen to like B, but I think she "oversings" at times. That can turn some people off.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand... Whitney-wannabee? Come on, Opie, that is harsh!
Lol there you go again arthur with the quoting of famous people. Bono has said a lot and a lot of it is nonsense. Such quotes don'tequal argument .
ReplyDeleteLol joel...that was in reference to her oversinging which imo in both cases goes to the samemotivation...to show off.
ReplyDeleteI also lean toward Christina for the reasons you state. You also touched on something I mentioned in the "your thoughts" section - having a unique voice. I answered the #1 thing in a singer's arsenal is her signature, or color of her voice. When you can immediately recognize who's singing, that's when you are special. Jessie J got some pipes but I think she can work a bit on her signature and so can Demi Lovato. As far as power and abilities are concerned, those two are ones I really want to see develop because they can be really special.
ReplyDeleteI think it says a lot when it comes from a person such as Bono. But you're right it's not an argument. However, my other points were arguments, which you seem to concede.
ReplyDeleteAnd okay, I disagree with it. Just note, that while it is an opinion and you are entitled to it, I am basing my opinion on much more than her Glatonsbury performance.
You watched it live by the way? :o
She was considered an R&B singer on her last album, which wasn't exactly a success or indicative of her vocal stylings, as it was after her voice had been destroyed. She was a pop, soul, gospel and dance singer before then.
ReplyDeleteAnd many people consider Whitney an extremely emotive singer, myself among them. She wasn't the most technical of singers..
Hang on...are you joel or arthur or one and the same???
ReplyDeleteNo, I watched the video.
And personally, I don't think which singer Bono praises means more than which singer Yo Yo Ma, Paul mcCartney, Dave Stewart, Bobby mc Ferrin, James Taylor, Robert Plant, Brad Paisley, Adele, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless etc etc etc. In fact the combined votes of the members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences praise.
Just now your comment was headed with ''joel''...now wiith ''arthur'' ??? I fond that very curious to say the least.
ReplyDeleteAnd no...ignoring an argument already replied to in another response does not equal ''conceding'' ( the diffeence between pure voice/tone and technical ability)
The Glastonbury remark was my reply to your argument I hadn't heard enough to judge. So no...I didn't concede to that either.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_R%26B#section_1
ReplyDeleteI can't reply to your opinion that Whitney was ''extremely'' emotive really. That is your opinion. I personally feel all she did was belt. Often at inappropriate moments.
Hmmmmm? It was headed as "arthur". Joel who said Beyonce oversings.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh, I didn't see those responses.
And I think watching one show does not qualify you to say that her musical is one dimensional. That's like me calling Allison Krauss one dimensional after watching a concert.
It's arthur.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh, I figured since you live in Europe, you know :b lol
And Opie, that was just an example! lol
Thanks, and I agree. I love Jessie's signature tho.
ReplyDeleteI would think her concert would cover songs from several albums.
ReplyDeleteAnd you'd be perfectly right in such a statement reggarding Krauss as her concerts are pretty much one dimensional. That is because she is confining herself to pretty much one particular style and doesn't cover other stuff she did recording wise.
But then again...like I said...I didn't nominate Krauss for that title under discussion.
Her choice of mainly singing in one, quite specific, style being a reason I wouldn't nominate her even IF she had mass appeal with that style amongst ''this generation''.
I nominated Kelly because she has more than pne muical dimension to her and I believe because of that is not dependent on that ''relevance''' you guys like to bandy around. Her appeal is therefor widerband I believe because of that will be remembered longer because her career will probably last longer.
Lol it may be all Europe but Holland and Britain are two different countries. And asidefrom the fact that I cannot stand pushing crowds, I wouldn't spend a huge ampunt of money and effort on a festifal mostof it's headliners are notmy taste.
ReplyDeleteBut the question was a fair pne Arthur.
Now that it'isbarthur replying. Lol
You missed my point, I meant that a concert is not a good indicator of the dimensions of a singer. And by one-dimensional, do you mean she can only sing one genre? Cause if so, I can link you some performances?
ReplyDeleteAnd I think you seriously underestimate Beyonce and her impact if you think Kelly's career will last longer.
And I think you over estimate the range of Beyonce's appeal.
ReplyDeleteAnd no, I didn't miss the point...read my reply again.
I'm sure Beyonce COULD sing in other styles. But I don't think she actually does so enough to be noticed by any but her most avid fans.
Anyway...your vote goes to Beyonce. Mine to Kelly. Neither pf us say so willy nilly. But like I said, I think this title can only really be bestowed retrospectively so we will just have to let time tell. :-)
I was about to say that, haha. Team Kelly all the way!
ReplyDeleteIt's nearly impossible to find knowledgeable people for this subject, but you sound like you know what you're talking about!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Feel free to visit my website kitchen in northern virginia
Agreed re Jessie J - She's got the talent, but it's still unclear what direction she's gonna take. I didn't like the last couple of things she's done, heading towards smut and its a damn shame cause she's got insane Big Star potential.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I'm still amazed by the Bette Midler's performance you gave me once upon a time. THAT, my friend; is something memorable. I do really agree that Beyonce's voice and techniques are impeccable etc etc, her voice is just average. What's she's famous for is actually her techniques and ability to perform live.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I do agree with Serendipity's comments about there being a "voice of the current generation". While some have biased opinions on a -certain singer-, I believed none of them truly speak for or represent their generation like previous generations of singers have; just like Serendipity's comments. But if I were asked for my biased opinion, it would have been Christina (minus her horrendous techniques) and Kelly Clarkson (yes, she does have a weaker low voice but other than that you don't have anything to argue)
ReplyDeleteIt all boils down to the person itself's opinion. You can't go around slamming people for liking one artist more than another just because their favorite artist is different than yours. It's their choice for christ's sake.
Also Serendipity.- I love your whole comment!
SIA or CHRISTINA AGUILERA
ReplyDeleteChristina Aguilera deservers to be called the voice of this
ReplyDeletegeneration just purely on her voice. When we look at her work and the way she
has driven herself to her craft it
speaks volumes. She pushes herself vocally and when you associate the word “belt”
people think of Christina Aguilera. She embodies the word the “the voice.” Her
voice cuts right through your soul and she moves you. Not only with that her
empowerment songs such as “Beautiful” have saved so many lives especially mine.
Her voice is that of an old soul just like Adele.
Oh yes Ricky, once you have seen , just the one concert, of Bette Midler, you will not ever forget it.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's not for thrills and whistle notes and such but....because she:-) hits you where it ''hurts''
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc1oznH5bNE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Yoo can't beat raw emotion like thatt imo. Or any singer able to deliver a performance like that.
Or say like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVxHMMgh1MU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I think it's hard to argue as it all depends on how you define the term.... and unless you look at it statistically, it's entirely subjective.
ReplyDeleteBased purely on vocals, Beyonce (technique, runs, vibrato, breath control etc) or Christina (Power and of wow factor ). Kelly has a great voice but i have never been a big fan so I haven't herd much of it so can't really comment. I love Florence's voice, but I'm not sure its really the "voice of a generation". Adele, the voice of 2012 certainly, but not much else as yet.
Based on success, iconicness, and a voice that represents a generation... for my generation (I'm 19 by the way) I vote Beyonce! She ruled the 00's and had lots of success and sung a lot of songs that a lot of people loved. For example you virtually never hear any older/classic (or at least not currently in the charts) Christina (short of the occasional play of Dirty), Kelly or Gaga, but two songs which are played a regularly and what everybody enjoys- crazy in love and single ladies. You don't even hear that much old Rihanna songs, just which ever club anthem she happens to be singing over which is in the charts. Maybe that example rules out slow songs etc, but if this generation is about anything, it isn't ballads.
But I don't think any one can embody the term like Whitney, there might have to be multiple voices of this generation, there isn't a revolutionary standout like Whitney.
I've watched another tour DVD of hers on youtube. Can't remember which but she was just as graceful and heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteDid you forgetting Lana and Marina or have you taken their low notes into consideration? :o Just wondering. I think both of their low notes are pretty stable, but Lana having a richer taste on her low notes.
ReplyDeleteSia. Now there's a great voice! However, I think she's too old for this criteria (under 30 as set by DD). I suspect Pink is as well?
ReplyDeleteLol I know! That ''one concert'' was refering to Arthur's claim I can't judge Beyonce on the one concert.
ReplyDeleteNicki Minaj.
ReplyDeleteOkay, this might be polarizing, but I'm going to have to go with Beyonce. I am a HUGE Kelly fan and I did like Christina before she ruined her voice. But Beyonce's live vocals and performance are the deciding factor. It's incredible how she has so much energy every night and puts on one heck of a show. Glastonbury sealed the deal.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't think Demi Lovato should be included. I was a fan when she first came out, rocker chic and all. I genuinely liked her. However, her live performances are not up to snuff. She has been very heavy on backing track recently and her backup singers tend to make her sound better than she really is. The lower register is terrible and has not improved, and she needs more control. I severely disliked her on X Factor, it turned me off.
Now for the polarizing part: Miley Cyrus. She is one of the most polarizing people in this industry, but I think the girl is really talented. I like how her voice is full and has this charismatic quality. I've noticed her since she first came on Hannah Montana (although she can't act), I loved her singing and performing. She's been getting better technique especially with her chest voice and her unique tone is something that sets herself apart from the others. I wasn't a fan of her last album at all, but now that she left Hollywood Records, I think
she's going to use her voice much better. When she comes back with the new music, I think she might surprise people.
I would like to say that the following two singers can be the only two IMO who justify being called "The Voice of This Generation" : Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce Knowles. None of these younger singers - like Demi o_0 - have been in the industry and the mainstream public spotlight long enough to be given a title like "The Voice of THIS Generation" whereas Kelly and Beyonce have been in the mainstream eye for over a decade.
ReplyDeleteI personally would give it to Kelly, but I could live with it being given to Beyonce. Christina lost the title when she self-sabotaged her voice; her voice has aged poorly whereas Kelly and
Indeed...I have expressed the deepest disdain for AI and similar shows as well as for most pop music, yet I became a Kelly fan after hearing just one or two of her live performances. The first one being her singing Don't Rush with Vince Gill. Another being that performance at the inauguration.
ReplyDeleteOverall talent and vocals: Beyoncé for her incredible technique.
ReplyDeleteStyle, beauty of tone and cultural impact: Britney Spears for her quirky and sassy vocal style and unique tone.
I saw a video of Miley singing Jolene together with Dolly at her themepark...live. She was surprisingly good.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Miley might surprise loads of people in the near future.
TBH, there is no one with a tone that just really captivates me as a whole so....I settled for my suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a question for all of you who say Beyonce's has a common voice (which by that I believe you mean a common tone, cause obviously the things she can do with her voice is not common at all). Who do you get her confused with? You say her tone isn't distinctive, but when do you get it confused with someone else?
ReplyDeleteJust because her voice is distinctive doesn't change the fact that the noise that comes out of it is unpleasant and out of tune!
ReplyDelete....Whitney wasn't a technical singer? have you ever heard her voice?
ReplyDeleteIt's not that I get ''confused''...it just doesn't grab my attention nor does it's tone stick in my memory. It just goes into one ear, out of the other...as the saying goes.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you are going to ask people what they meant with their words...it would behoove you to use the words they actually used. Not make up words which to you may mean the same but not necessarily so to the writer.
Arthur: Don't waste your time with Opie... He is clearly a hater no matter how hard he tries to hide it or deny it.
ReplyDeleteI think there are many!
ReplyDeleteTechnical singer would have to be Jessie J!
Power would be Christina or Kelly Clarkson!
Success would be Britney!
Best songs would be Pink!
Versatility would be Nicole Scherzinger(pop, dance, opera) or Taylor Swift(county or pop)!
Best Dancer would be Shakira or Nicole or Beyonce!
Best Group is Destiny Child!
I'm illiterate? too*
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I'm laughing at you thinking I'm trying to change your opinion. You're right, I don't have to agree with you, and that's exactly what I was doing. If you post an opinion, be prepared for people to disagree with it. "Deal with it."? You're acting like it's my life's mission to convince you, calm down.
The reason I only commented on that aspect of your post was because I thought the argument was invalid.
Okay, I can understand that.
ReplyDeleteAnd sheesh Opie. Always making a big deal about the smallest things.
Lol you seem to have ''special'' insight into my motivation......''guest''.
ReplyDeleteI find that impressive given you know me so well....you don't even know I am not a he. ;-)
You sure are a brave soul guesting that trolling remark. :-)
Small to you but I personally take great care in picking my words. Please, respect that Arthur. :-)
ReplyDeleteFor me, Beyonce's tone is decent. Its thick at times, nice, and brassy throughout. She lacks any type of nasal quality what so ever (she has one but her tone hides it) which is IMHO the thing that make people not enjoy her tone so much especially in the lower register because it sounds as if she is talking rather than singing. Her belting range is extremely brassy which is a trait I love to hear when someone is belting. My issue though is that she can't carry that bright brassy belting tone down to her lower register if that makes sense. Lol in fact, I find her lower register lacking in thickness compared to her upper extremities. Her head voice is something else too. All notes above a5 have this characterful bugal like quality to my ears. I only like her head voice in these heights though... Overall she has a tone that is hit or miss for people....
ReplyDeleteBut I thought the point of this article was to focus on the voice of this generation.....and by that, I mean who has the most captivating tone and is able to weild their tone in a way that can emote? I've already said the people who I think can possibly be labeled a new voice of this generation in a previous post and it was mostly based off of tone. I just want to k ow because I see people focussing on a bit more than tone in these posts.
Under 30 or around that age. Christina, Kelly and Beyoncé are a little bit over 30... Sia is 37, so she's above that criteria. I think she's a good singer and an amazing songwriter but she's not very known and influencial to be consider "The Voice of a Generation" (regardless the age).
ReplyDeleteYou should do one of these about the vocal trinity, I would say that the voice of the generation in my opinion is auto-tune because it is the voice I hear everywhere.
ReplyDeleteVersatility Taylor? Her songs are a mix of pop and country, but they all sound the same...
ReplyDeletemust they be living ? i would say amy Winehouse . her voice and lyrical content always carried great emotion, she was different from everyone in the charts by being acoustic when everyone else was pushing drum and base. her vocal technique was never brilliant but her actual voice and capability was rare and beautiful with sole and feeling. her life was public and her rise and fall was viewed by the world so she seems in my head to be the martyr/icon of my generation . thats just my personal opinion.
ReplyDeleteI would defiantly say martyr of our generation but not necessarily voice because she had such a short time span but that of course is my personal opinion
ReplyDelete'her voice is just average' I don't know about you but I haven't come across many people who have a voice as amazing as beyonces. Would you classify yourself as having an average? or do you consider yourself better than beyonce? Saying her voice is 'average' is just dumb, as it is definitely not run of the mill. lol try a better argument next time :)
ReplyDeleteOf course it's decent. But having heard great, decent isn't very memorable to me personally.
ReplyDelete''Decent'' certainly doesn't warrant that ''voice of a generation'' by my criteria.
But it is clear we all are reasoning from different views on the criteria.
I don't think Amy's appeal was big enough teen wise. I also think she transcended such a silly title. Amy's work, too little as we ended up with, transcended time. She clearly was amongst the all time, any genre, Greatest vocalists.
ReplyDeleteThat is why I agree with you on that notion. Voice of a generation should be tone centric not so much about the technicality behind the voice. There are a lot of interesting people out there with interesting tones and beyonce's tone only gets interesting when she belts or is in the extremes of her head voice imho. She doesn't really use her voice in any interesting ways as far as I'm concerned. There is one song I absolutely love from her and it is called countdown.
ReplyDeleteLol, I'm getting off subject. As for a candidate, I'd nominate lee hi. Well, maybe just for the voice of Korea. But in my other post, I should have listed Adele. She has a "nice tone" but by definition, lacks "range" so idk.... Lol
Rofl That is the best pick yet! I think you totally nailed '' this generation's voice''
ReplyDeleteLol maybe that says more about who you have heard than Ricky has?
ReplyDeletehaha I try :). I don't think we have a 'voice' of this generation we have a growl Christina, if I had to chose it would be Mariah because she is eternally 12 ;)
ReplyDeleteSeeing as I doubt many have heard of that Korean singer outside of Korea and a group of Americans into Korean pop...I don't think one could call her representative of a generation. Adele one could but I think more of people in their twenties and not so much teens.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really don't know which generation DD meant with ''this''.
Seems there is not only confusion on the criteria for the voice itself but also regarding whether ''this generation'' refers to the audience or the singers.
I took it to refer to the audience. Sounds like you took it to refer to the singers?
This! Amy didn't leave behind a great deal, but she managed to deliver a career defining album (Back to Black), which is more than most manage over the course of their long lived careers.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give it to Adele because she has the most unique tone in this generation. Technique isn't important that much with this one cause you just have to have a great voice that's all
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Good point Mel...few manage to do that much. But as a vocalist..anybody who saw her do even one tune,even that Dinah cover she did on jools...anybody who doesn't see what a rare and awesome talent she was, ...I will go as far as to state, doesn't know squat about music and singing. I'm not even going to add ''imo''. Because I think that is actually an absolute truth. ;-D
ReplyDeleteLol or maybe it says more about people on this site judging world renowned acts when they have nothing to back it up?
ReplyDeleteAs I have CLEARLY stated, this is MY opinion. Whether or not I choose to back it up with pointless evidence for stans is also MY problem. Oh wow, why was I even in your comment about my voice? Are you mentally-disabled? Apparently you also didn't
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHHAHA omg. What an amazingly entertaining response! Seriously thank you, I never imagined such a hilarious response. My favourite bit was you disrespecting those with mental disabilities lol and then calling me ignorant. Keep it classy :) x
ReplyDeleteI know! I would classify myself as having a slightly better than common or average voice, does that mean I'm better than beyonce? such a poorly thought out argument from the beyonce detractors.
ReplyDeleteYes, that was kinda what I was implying there riri...that you were judging Ricki AND Beyonce with nothing to back it up.
ReplyDeleteOther than Beyonce being a ''world renowned act''. Like that automatically means her ''voice'' is ''amazing''.
''People on this site'' are all only giving their opinion. Taste is not a matter of fact.
Dude...I think your response is way funnier than Ricky's was. Seeing as it seems his every point flew right over your head.
ReplyDeleteEpecially funny is the bit where you complain of lack of respect. When you just came here to post a completely personal attack based on a self proclaimed ignorance and because you don't share Rickie's OPINION.
Rofl your own assessment of your voice nobody else here has heard, in comparison to Beyonce's voice, you think is a well thought out argument?
ReplyDeleteFor everybody having to share your ignorant taste?
*rolls eyes* Beep beep beep...Major Stan Alert!!!
I consider the "Voice of a Generation", at least in the terms hailed by media outlets and critics, to be an exceptionally popular artist that is known almost exclusively for their voice. Mariah Carey was named the voice of a generation like, 10 years ago I believe, and that made sense. She was a very popular artist known for her singing ability. However, in this current generation... I'm not so sure there is one. It's not like people know Beyonce for her gravity defying vocal runs, and Christina seems to attract more singing controversy than actual praise ("she strains! she shouts! she screeches!"). As singers like Shakira I don't even know why are applicable. The Voice of a Generation is for singing. Shakira is a nice singer, but she's pretty average when compared to even a singer like Beyonce.
ReplyDeleteI'm not disrespecting those with natural mental disabilities. Just those who choose to be mentally retarded, like you.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Kelly has quite the lead' followed not so closely by Beyonce. Last is Christina who...I guess people are tired of her lol. It is something about Kelly's tone though. Its has a spicy flavour in the powers end but has the brassiness I crave in the upper belts.
ReplyDeleteAt this rate, I hapilly nominate my grandmother. A very warm, thick, smoky, and cavernous voice that can carry itself down to e2 with a bit of effort. She can maintain her weight up to c#6 in very elastic and explosive belts, and sing every note in the 6th octave in a tone thicker than whistle. She has a tremendous volume capacity and can tear holes in the sky with her resonance. Amazing right? She beats every one of you alls suggestions and that is why she gets my vote. Lol jk.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of her and I don't really think that she's all that talented, but it's her title, so it's her. How the hell y'all just gonna throw titles around that these artist worked so hard to get, so that they could be looked at as an actual artist and not some wannabe karaoke singer? That's like trying to call someone else besides brandy, the vocal bible even though the first person to call her that was on footage in the studio with her when she was recording "I don't care". Or calling someone else, queen bey.
ReplyDeleteOr probably major narcissist, too!
ReplyDeleteAmy Winehouse...
ReplyDeleteJenifer Hudson/ Christina (somtimes) - Strength wise
ReplyDeleteBeyonce/ Brittany - Success wise
Rihanna/ Lady Gaga/ Taylor Swift - Following Wise
Guess there's at least one hiding here lol
ReplyDeletei honestly feel that none of todays singers hold a candle to the voices of past generations
ReplyDeletefor me personally beyonce, kelly, and gaga are some of the best singers in mainstream
gaga is so underrated its not funny
and so is kelly
I asked myself the same question because of Amy. I think I'll include her.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say thanks for the amazing reaction to this. Even the boxes above have lots of great and thoughtful comments. You guys are great!
ReplyDeletehttp://24.media.tumblr.com/4ccce3f4adf6ccec7a5071c323426d53/tumblr_mj82r6ptAu1rl2vb6o1_400.gif
Totally! Great idea- about the vocal trinity..lol
ReplyDelete_/ for you and your suggestion! lol
ReplyDeleteOh I think i didn't make that clear. That was going to be the title in the past. But now, since quite a few of the bigger singers have passed that milestone, I've scrapped that title.
ReplyDeleteChristina Aguilera IS this generation voice.
ReplyDeleteWhy?:I think deserves this title. She has proven to have a unique voice that can't be compare to anyone else. Her voice is so deep and powerful that whenever you hear someone singing one of her song you just think and realize that no one in this world can compare with her. She is not in the top of the league, she IS a league, just like Withney, Mariah, Barbra and Celine. She has so much emotion in her that you can put her in a dark room with only a chair and she will mount a show you will never forget. Besides that the previous "Voice" Ms Huston said that she was the only one that can give a song the power it need like her (BET Awards 2001 - Christina aguilera - Run To You) and if THE VOICE said that to someone it mean something. And I know that there are a lot of good singers in this generation like Beyonce, Florence, Demi, Lea Michele and many others, but no one is like Christina.
Why not: Christina it's not the singer with best technic. She is not the best dancer. She is just an emotional singer that will give her best in every performance.
Love from Venezuela.
I bet you it was Riri who down voted this LOL. Agreed, her ability to emote was superb, and her lyrics were raw and well written.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! On ALL of that. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things i would like to say. First off I completely agree with Serendipity. I say we don't need a voice. Can't we just appreciate all these singers instead of putting them against each other? If I had to choose I would put my money of beyonce or Mariah. My favorite singer of all time though is Judy Garland.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say she is that emotional, more so theatrical
ReplyDeleteActually my "Voice Of Generation" should have :
ReplyDelete1. Range (Modal, Belting, Headvoice / falsetto, whistle)
2. Technique (Live Performance)
3. Timbre (memorable) ...
Ms. Aguilera, when in her era, had it all. But, now, I have 3 candidates, to be the next "Voice Of Generation" :
1. Kelly Clarkson,
2. Demi Lovato,
3. Kat DeLuna (maybe everyone has forgotten her) ...^_^
Really? You would rate Demi's live performances equal to Kelly's?
ReplyDeleteI can't say I would agree.
I never even heard of this Kat DeLuna. Guess I'll have to look that one up. :-)
Why would they have to pay dues to be the 'voice of the generation'?
ReplyDeleteIMO it should be about the voice, and an objective evaluation of said voice.
Definitely beyonce if it's technique. Resonant voice, open throat, great control and melismas, supported range. Range wise, christina's is the widest, but it's pretty shitty lol Lady Gaga is pretty good, Demi can be pretty good, now anyone else is just alright...nobody else can sing like that, they r either nasal, out of key, inconsistent, throaty, strainers, all over the place or smth of that short. they're just bad. I guess even judging by success and fame Beyonce tops, she is the best vocalist, has the longest career, most world fame, a stable family situation and is on her ...lol Idunno you but to me it's her just as a fact not biasedly...
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's Christina Aguilera! Her impact to many of us especially in Stripped album
ReplyDeleteMany people can ever relate to it. She puts so much passion and soul to what she is doing and maybe her technique is horrible but she can outsing Beyonce and others..
Are you kidding me? How has no one mentioned Pink in the 130 comments so far? In my opinion she is far and away the Voice of this Generation due to a combination of the three attributes you're all claiming is needed: a phenomenal voice, a massive impact on music, and complete uniqueness. No one in this generation, not Beyonce, Not Christina, Not Demi, can match the impact Pink has had on modern music: she was the pioneer of the modern 'go all out crazy while having emotional roots' that's being seen so much now in Katy, Rihanna, Gaga etc. She also has one of the most amazing voices of the generation: an earthy, instantly recognizable tone with great technique and ability throughout and the wide variety of music to support it.
ReplyDeletePink is probably the only singer who has managed to not sell out, flitting from genre to genre like Christina and Beyonce. However, this does not mean that her music is monotonous or repetitive, but she manages to capture the essence of her style and sound while adapting to different genres, a trait seen in none of the modern generation (look at her going in indie in Just Give Me a Reason or all Killers in Try.) Pink is also easily one of the most unique of the generation, as her voice is easily one of the most recognizable and characteristic of the generation: you could never confuse anyone for her. However, I do admit that Kelly also has an amazing voice, but a true 'Voice of a Generation', the Whitneys, Mariahs and Celines, have to be the one that best capture that particular generation, and no one can do that better than Pink, for her massive impact and pervading style.
huff.to/14F5MLk new music between her and snoop lion.
ReplyDeleteIt was I who voted it down I didn't care for it
ReplyDeleteYou didn't care for the performance?
ReplyDeleteUhm Pink just doesn't attract the kind of attention the others do. That is the sole factor that keeps her out of the running for voice of a generation. Though she is also one of the top sellers, I think her audience, much like Adele's, is way broader than one particular generation. She isn't in the minds eye of the greater public tied to any particular generation.
ReplyDeleteBut if the subject was best singers today. I personally would put her up there.:-)
I saw it, but I do not consider her own. I'll wait for her new single to make judgments.
ReplyDeleteNo most of the time she seemed fidgety and I never cared for that song. But I think she is one of the contenders for voice of generation.
ReplyDeleteThere has never been one voice of a generation
ReplyDeleteOkay, got it now. Thanks for clarifying. :-)
ReplyDeleteIn regard's for traits a female singers should possess, here are the first that came to mind for me :)
ReplyDeleteAppear effortless in one's vocal delivery, no matter how simple or complex the vocal line.
Knowing when to ornament and when to not, showing off the song rather than the voice itself.
Don't karaoke someone else's vocal styling, be yourself.
Build the voice from the bottom up. Without a solid foundation it doesn't matter how high the building is, it needs something to stand on. High notes won't last forever, the voice needs other aspects to fall on.
At the least respect the limits of your voice.
Even if you don't believe what you're singing, sing it like you do. You don't have to have a broken heart to sing about it, just sound like it.
It's not enough to "feel it", if the audience can't "hear it" they won't believe it. Emoting is more than feeling the emotions of a song, it's about conveying them in your vocal delivery. How you form the vowels, how you articulate each phrase matters. Make it count.
(I found it easier to list by writing it as if addressing a singer in particular, sorry if that confuses anyone.)
I couldn't agree more. There are a lot of people that meet that criterion but they lack a strong enough following. I find it funny that Mrs. Aguilera only meets about 1 of the 5 criterion you listed.
ReplyDeleteChristina was given this title, I think, bc people were so surprised by such a big voice, and she was one of the only people singing about self acceptance before it was a cool thing to do (I'm sure we all remember in the last year or so, everyone released a "beautiful just the way you are" song). I think the title should be given to someone with amazing vocals who understands whats going on in peoples lives, people who don't just sing about love, or only sing about being true to yourself bc it's on the news. It should not be based of success and how many tours, it should be based off of who people can identify with the most, who ALSO has talent and has an ability to at least write most of their songs (Christina, Florence, Pink, Adele, Amy, Gaga, Marina)
ReplyDeleteMuch as, like you know, I utterly, wholeheartedly agree with those being te requirements for a great vocalist, for the title under discussion I really think mass appeal is also a requirement.
ReplyDeleteBecause I know plenty of singers active today who meet that list but most here won't even have heard of. ;-)
I agree with the last part, mass appeal is certainly needed to be the voice of a generation. Maybe I misread Diva's second question, I thought he was just asking what qualities a female singer should possess in general. Looking back though he most likely meant qualities for them to be the voice of a generation. :P
ReplyDeleteI appreciate those efforts to shine a light on other talents, it's always nice to discover a new musical artist :)
You guys should check out Karise Eden. She's got a similar tone to Amy's but has a much more powerful voice, like Janis Joplin power with Amy's soul
ReplyDeleteI don't think the voice of the generation should be defined in one person. There are so many great voices, and so many talented women. You can't measure it by how successful a singer is. I, personally, think that one of the best voices of our generation is Aria Grande's. She has great technique, range and emotion on her voice. But i don't think we can say anyone is THE VOICE OF THE GENERATION in a generation with so many different styles ans tastes. Sorry for my bad english :)
ReplyDeleteI guess you just saw a , vague, opportunity to shine a light on a singer you like? Or you don't quite hear in Amy what other's hear.
ReplyDeleteThe similarity in tone is strenuous and I find this singer's voice hard to bare tbh. Tried several songs but had to stop them not much more than a minute in. I'd go so far as to say her voice sounds positively ugly to my ears. On par with say...the sound of Afrikaans.
Just my taste of course. I understand some people even call Afrikaans a pleasant sound. :-)
Did you see this I turned off my computer and ran http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buEDOkkEZBo
ReplyDeleteLOL how long before you stopped running?
ReplyDeleteActually on that song she doesn't even sound worst. Check out that rendition of Hallelujah.
But be sure to be properly hydrated first...you are going to run fast and far.;-)
Haha at 38 seconds i wanted to run but at 1:32 I had too. I don't understand what people love about her she is like Amy with nails in her throat. I like raspy voices like Amy and Tina Turner but this is like cat scratches on the vocals.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too am ....mystified.
ReplyDeleteSarcasm - still an unexplored art.
ReplyDeletecouldn't agree with you more opie, im a die hard amy fan and to hear people compare someone else's cover to an amy Winehouse standard is beyond me. only amy could flawlessly perform those songs, it's like getting Rihanna to sing a mariah song.....she tries her best but in the end its stale....like her career.
ReplyDeleteWell, I wouldn't go as far as to claim nobody but Amy could sing her songs.
ReplyDeleteIt's more that I hear only the tiniest similarity in tone and just a whole lot of ugly tone from this particular singer.( Karise Eden)
I think a good vocalist with a love of Amy's work might do a good cover. Provided they'd make it their own instead of trying to do it like Amy. Because the latter ...I would agree in that nobody is going to do Amy better than Amy. But trying to ...shows up a severe lack of musical judgment. :-)
Don't be silly...sarcasm is a highly explored art. NEXT!
ReplyDeleteYeah I know what you mean, and this is gonna sound trite but I do understand your view, I'm not implying that everyone will like her, I initially found her voice waaaay too overbearing and scratchy, but I think that once she learns to control her tone a little more she could be amazing - some of her music after the voice has been incredible compared to when she was on that show
ReplyDeleteEasy: T-Boz
ReplyDeleteLeona Lewis IF the criteria is specifically the well-roundedness of the voice. Think about it: vocally she's the hybrid of the two "Voices" of the last generation, Mariah and Whitney. Sure, she lacks Mariah's range and Whitney's agility, but he tone is distinctive yet versatile, her technique is improving, and she has proven herself to be an A-1 singer both in the studio and live.
ReplyDeleteCannot gauge your opinion of Miley based on this comment. Likey or no likey?
ReplyDeletePerhaps but for now...I have so much music I love right now and hardly get to...I'm not going to wade through stuff I find hideous.
ReplyDeleteMaybe in a few years I will hear her and think she's great. Who knows?
And I certainly don't mean to knock you liking her.
I was of course only stating how it sounds to me. Just because her voice sounds ugly to my ears, doesn't mean it IS. :-)
Right now, I like what I've seen and heard of her as a person but musically...I think I heard one other tune beside the aforementioned. It's not my kind of music. I just thought from that performance with Dolly that the girl does show talent. And seeing as she is surrounded by real artists and seems to have a good attitude...I figure the signs are positive for the future.:-)
ReplyDeleteI mean, I expected a Taylor Swift kinda thing but this girl can sing and I like her tone. And you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6H4r1kWqSM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
For smart people - yes!
ReplyDeleteI've been stanning for Miley ever since I was in the fifth grade, lol.
ReplyDeleteHave you heard her cover of "You're Gonna Make me Lonesome When You Go"? What do you think? LMAO... the stan within me yearns to know,
I always think of Miley as a pretty good singer but what's makes me dismiss her, contrary to your opinion, is her nasal tone of her voice.
ReplyDeleteSo, do you also dismiss Celine Dion? Mariah Carey? Barbra Streisand? Lea Michele?
ReplyDeleteShe does sound a tad nasal but not enough for me to be an outright turn off. But I was saying she might surprise ''in future''. I think that nasal quality might lessen with improved control...in future.
ReplyDeleteBut like I say, after listning to a bit more, I don't find it nasal enough to be putting me off.
Disagree with nearly some of the points stated (Lee Hi, Demi, ) but simply had to upvote this for what you said about Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI don't know the original and therefor can't comment on that aspect but...stan away! I am thoroughly impressed. Enough so to one minute in add that to my favorites and two minutes in decide to download it.
ReplyDeleteI might stan a little myself next time I hear anybody utter the names Swift and Cyres in one breath.
She has more even more talent than I thought after seeing that Jolene performance.
It seems that we are in the minority then. Very few are even considering Xtina,
ReplyDeleteI say Beyonce has a common voice because her voice is indeed common. It doesn't matter what she can do with her voice- that's nearly all technique. Her voice's range and tone are all very average.
ReplyDeleteTo have a common voice means that many people have a voice like hers. Are you saying that many people can do her runs, her crescendos and her grunts?
ReplyDeleteThe tone may not be memorable, but it is beautiful. I understand why it doesn't stand out though.
And I disagree about the range, few people have well-connected 3 and a half octave range. She has great control over it, which is rare to find. Anyways, is more than 3 octaves really necessary?
And that's just one bizarre example.
Her runs, crescendos, and grunts are actually irrelevant to this conversation. Like I said... that is purely technique, which has no place in this discussion.
ReplyDeleteThe tone is indeed not memorable. Also, beauty is subjective.
The average person has between 2.5 to 3 octaves. Statistically... her range is indeed common. Her control over her range is, like your aforementioned points, technique.
Yes, it's one bizarre example. However... while she has a tonal duplicate, most of her contemporaries don't. As such, it can be said that her tone is common in comparison.
Lol, why do you disagree? Just curious.
ReplyDeleteMy opinions simply differ. I find Lee Hi mediocre, and unless Demi adds a creaky effect to her voice, her belting is very 'meh'.
ReplyDeleteAre you saying the only aspect of the voice to be considered is the tone?
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be saying all Beyonce's voice is technique, but so is everyone's voice. Christina Aguilera has a technique to her runs, to her belts, to her everything. It just isn't as good as Beyonce's.
Just because there are two of the same tones, doesn't mean it's common.
There's also agility, power, volume, resonance, etc.
ReplyDeleteNo, no one's voice is technique, technique is completely unrelated to the voice itself and should be judged separately.
It's common in comparison to her contemporaries I believe I made that very clear in my post.
Beyonce's voice is incredibly agile. It has a decent amount of power. She has extraordinary volume capacity. And her voice is extremely resonant. So I don't get what you're saying when you say she's common.
ReplyDeleteWell I don't.
You did, but I disagree. It's just one freakish occurrence.
If you don't judge the voice and technique separately than any conversation with you about technical singers is a lost cause.
ReplyDeleteThe voice revolves around technique. Sound is created by air passing through vocal folds. A singers technique determines how that air gets by. Essentially, there is no voice without some technique.
ReplyDeleteShe has the most agile voice among her contemporaries. Probably one of the most agile voices of the last 20 or so years. (My knowledge of pop music history really ends there, so I can't go any further). Show me one other pop girl whose runs are fast as the ones in her "Amazing Grace" rendition.
And here, search up her singing "Halo" acoustic. It's the best version as far as I'm concerned. As her singing "1+1" backstage. Both are extraordinary examples.
What i mean by 'technique' is not the simple act of vocalizing, but the bells and whistles that come to singers after training. These include melisma and crescendos and the like.
ReplyDeleteHer agility is probably matched by Carey, Dion, Aguilera, and a plethora of others. All have done fantastic runs. I would say Jessie J probably does runs better than most of those I mentioned.
//supposed to be doing HW so cannot search it up atm.
That's ridiculous. I have not a clue about singing technique but I have a voice alright. Nobody ever had to learn technique in order to pass air through their vocal chords.
ReplyDeleteSo you're saying runs and crescendos don't matter when considering a singers voice?
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe Mariah, but not Celine or Xtina. But if we're talking about who does the best runs, the title is Beyonce's. No one can scructure their runs the way she can.
And that's fine... but those are examples of her volume capacity without a microphone.
But even then they are using a technique.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly don't in my eyes. Not every singer sings in that style. Sttreisand didn't indulge in such unnecessary technicalities. Please don't even try to claim Beyonce therefor has a better voice.
ReplyDeleteA baby crying or prattling nobody in his right mind would describe as ''using technique''. That expression is usually referring to a conscious skill
ReplyDeleteWhere talking about singers here.
ReplyDeleteWhen a singer sings, he/she uses technique whether he/she is aware of it or not,
we're*
ReplyDeleteMore sophistry.
ReplyDeleteTasteful use does not go to necessity.
ReplyDeleteThe point of my remark was that if a singer never uses it, we do not have sufficient info to judge by your standard. It's therefor a failing standard to compare singers by.
I used unnecessary in that statement about Steisand.
And her name is Barbra.
No actually.
ReplyDeleteWhen you sing, you are using technique. Yes you can sing without knowing technique, but it is still being used.
Yes actually...sophistry.
ReplyDeleteI consider the best and worst qualities of each singer. A broad term of course. Beyonce's best qualities happen to be the ones you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteOnly problem is my argument is valid. My point stands, you've failed to refute it.
ReplyDeletePffff Reiko made the point judging a singer goes to more than technique. You replied with a sophism. I said you made a ridiculous statement. You repeated your sophism. I pointed out, 11 hours ago, that it is a sophism because when discussing technique in a discussion such as this...the word by anybody rational is used to refer to technique as in it's meaning of a conscuous skill.
ReplyDeleteNope Beyonce's best quality happens to be technique and you therefor tried to argue it is all there is about any voice.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I love Don't Rush. She's just so laid-back and fun. It's really truly fun to listen to her sing. She's just the kind of "I'm comfortable with this and I like it, so I'mma do it"
ReplyDeleteDid you see her on last nights CMA's? I just posted the vid on my facebook.
ReplyDeleteI don't recal seeing that ...how a lot of the female singers in the audience were actually singing along with that chorus. :-)
I think she missed him too. The song works better when she sang it as a duet, emotionally speaking. Singing it at him.
ReplyDeleteI said everything a voice does is because of the technique it uses, get your facts straight.
ReplyDeleteAnd no, Beyonce's best quality is not technique. Technique is not something you can hear.
If you don't use a technique, you will not make noise. When you talk you use a technique.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's simply not true. You can be conscious or unconscious of your technique. Why wouldn't it apply to this discussion?
I say again, how about you reading and doing some thinking on the answer you already got before asking the same question again.
ReplyDeleteZoooooom look there's a little plane. Mouth open so it can land. *rolls eyes*