JOJO - Fuller Soprano or Higher Mezzo-Soprano?

Post by: Montrez Rambo

Jojo is one of those singers that comes along and makes people turn their heads, Not only are untrained ears piqued by her vocals, but those with a vocal background also fawn over her abilities. She has a bright and coppery timbre, robust lower register, sizeable lower middle, bright and sheer upper middle and a rich upper register.

But what is her voice class though? Soprano has been tossed around as many a time as mezzo-soprano has. There's one performance that is tell-tale... Who's Loving you, Smokie Robinson tribute.

[Review] VH1 Divas: Unsilent Night

"Never get your hopes up" is a phrase I mostly abide by. But knowing VH1 Divas was returning after a four year hiatus, I couldn't help but put aside my natural pessimism and be hyped after reading who was taking part. Silly me.

JoJo Shines Bright @ Disney Holiday Special With "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

JoJo singing holiday classics and teaming up with Boyz II Men, all in one evening? Yes please!

Booked by Disney for their Holiday Special, the Diva gave a beautiful, piano-led rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Though full of big notes and fancy vocal tricks, it thankfully wasn't garish or overdone. Instead, it was imbued with the original's nostalgic magic and actually managed to give me that Christmassy feeling for the first time this year.

[New Music] JoJo - "FAB"

JoJo's new album is coming October 14th. Titled Mad Love, it's the Diva's first release over at Atlantic Record- not to mention her first legit record in a decade!

To keep anticipation for the set at a high, the Diva has released another of its cuts. In a similar antagonistic frame of mind to lead single F**k Apologies, FAB has JoJo now coming for those "fake ass B**ches" in her life. Sadly, though the lyrics are entertaining and kinda clever, this is another strikeout.

JoJo Gives Us An Acoustic Taste Of "Apologies"

JoJo shines brightest in an acoustic setting, as far as I'm concerned.

And the live showing of her latest single F%%k Apologies at the Elvis Duran Show proved this once again for me. Not only were the lyrics popping more, but the vocal was infused with an emotion that was lacking in the polished studio version.

Truthfully, not the biggest fan of the song, but the acoustic rendition has made me appreicate it that lickle bit more. Will "Aplolgies" give JoJo her first taste of chart success in ...lets just say... a while. Listen to both versions and decide for yourself.

JoJo Covers Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby"

JoJo is much revered for her voice. In fact, it's often claimed she's slept on, as even though her voice is A* she doesn't get much attention from the mainstream. I'd argue that that's the fault of her material, but that's a different post.

JoJo Gives "Say Love" An Acoustic Makeover

Is JoJo fighting a losing battle with the continued push of material from Tringle? I'm thinking so. But here we are, another video promoting it makes its way onto the vocalist's YouTube channel. As  ungrateful as I sound, the truth is I'm just greedy for stronger material. So the sooner this era finishes, the sooner another can begin.

JoJo Slays Vocally With Acoustic Rendition of "When Love Hurts"

I made no bones about not feeling JoJo's newest release, Tringle. Sheltered under that umbrella title were three singles that had the Diva travelling in the wrong musical direction, IMO.

[NOOOOO!] JoJo Releases Three Generic-y New Singles.

JoJo has released three new singles! Yipee! (Sorta.)

In theory, I'm happy for this moment. It feels like we've been waiting for an official release for yonks, and it is great to know JoJo is back making music that has a chance of topping up that coin purse. But the reality is, only one of the three tracks is anywhere near the standard set by her most recent releases (See #LoveJo/ Far From Heaven/Demonstrate).

[New Music] JoJo - "Far From Heaven"

New music from vocal beast, JoJo.

Far From Heaven is a piano propelled ballad that sees the Diva leaving the RnB pond she's been frolicking in for the longest time for more adult contemporary waters. How did I come to that opinion? Well, I can hear Adele singing a song like this for one, which to me is enough of a reason to put it in that genre. (Scientific, I know!)

JoJo and B.o.B Deliver An Accoustic Rendition of "John Doe"

I just fumbled upon this acoustic performance by JoJo and B.o.B for a song called John Doe. Going through B.o.B's videos to sniff out the studio version, I discovered the album version featured a singer called Priscilla and was actually released way back in January- so you guys have probably already heard the song.

Still, since we're waiting on the newly emancipated  JoJo to release an album, I thought I'd post this tale of substance abuse. Just don't expect any bells and whistles from JoJo's vocals, as she keeps the embellishments in check and refrains from any range-y flights of fancy here.

Yeah, it's not the greatest of songs- and I actually prefer the original's vocal- but it does show those who think JoJo can't help but overdo the singing that she can tone it down when she wants.

[Free Music] JoJo vocally Slays On New Mixtape "#LoveJo"

JoJo is feeling the love today and has decided to spread it around by giving us a very special valentine's day gift: a new mixtape, #LoveJo.

I've had a brief nosy through the four song set- I don't have time right now to give it a proper whirl- but even still, with those little tasters, it is more than apparent that JoJo has stepped up the vocals. I didn't think it was possible for her to bring anything new, vocally, but it sounds to me as if the singer is still growing, and refining, her instrument.

I'll comment again with my thoughts on the mixtape once I've had a proper listen, but I wanted to make sure I shared it with you on the actual day of release- since it ties in with Valentines.

Take a listen to the loved-up set below. You can also download each song FOR FREEEEEEEEEEE!

JoJo Is Finally Freed From Cruddy Contract!

JoJo is finally free from the controlling contract she had with Blackground Records!! Pop that champagne cork, people! But before you glug away, you should also know she's now signed to Atlantic Records. These guys aren't renowned for pushing artists in any big way, so don't expect the moon and the stars from this partnership. You only need to look at their handling of Delilah/ K. Michelle/Marina and the Diamonds/Santigold to notice a trend in artists being basically left to push their own projects.

Still, at least it means we'll be getting new music from the singer! And I'm thinking it'll be sooner rather than later as they'd likely be wanting to capitalise on the media attention and goodwill this news has generated for the singer.

Read more details over at Latimes.com

JoJo Vocal Profile /Range

JoJo

Vocal Type: Mezzo Soprano
Vocal Range: 4 Octaves 1 Note and a semitone (B2-C#7)
Whistle Register: Yes
Vocal Pluses: Light and agile voice that has a nimble dexterity that allows it to accomplish complex vocal runs effortlessly. The voice also has the strength and stamina to hold notes for lengths of time without wavering in pitch.

The low range is the heaviest part of the voice, and is of medium weight. As the voice passes into the midrange the voice begins to lighten and brighten significantly. The chest voice has an elasticity and flexibility that allows it to stretch, without much impact on the tone, up into the fifth octave. The head voice is soft and light, with a warm and breathy timbre, whereas her whistle register is piercing and solid.

Vocal Negatives: The tone, particularly in belting range, is weak and lacking character. The head voice also needs to be improved on to strengthen its tone and connection to the lower range.

Single Review: JoJo "Disaster"

JoJo is back with first single, Disaster, from her third, upcoming 2012 album, Jumping Trains. Originally finding her biggest success as a teenager with début single Leave (Get Out) way back in 2004, the singer- songwriter has returned, out of her teens- though, only barely at 20- readying herself to make the difficult leap from teenage star to it's adult equivalent.

What better way to do this then by adding a rock tinge to the music. Sure, it's clichéd and predicable, but if it works who cares. The question is, does it work for JoJo on Disaster?

Duelling Divas: "Star Spangled Banner" Sing off!!

Today is the fourth of July, a federal holiday in America that commemorates the singing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and thus the creation of the United States of America.(Don't say you never learn anything!)

Our American friends should be out celebrating and enjoying themselves, but we'll mark the day here at DivaDevotee with a tribute to the American National anthem, the Star Spangled Banner- an anthem that is renowned for its difficulty due to the octave and half range it calls for but that's something that shouldn't be no problem for our Divas! Below is a compilation of various Divas putting their own twist on every patriot's favourite song. If you manage to get through them all please vote below as to which was your favourite rendition! Happy Fourth of July!

psst, if you know of any other holiday/s a country celebrates coming up, and can think of a good way for me to honour it via a Diva related post, please email me at divadevotee@gmail.com!