First visit to this thread - prompted by the question of "overdrive." I watched AI when Adam was on and was totally enthralled by his singing - all aspects. But the first time I really went Whoa!! was with Queen. The exact moment that to me embodies overdrive - Kris Allen sings the first lines, then Adam comes in with the "and bad mistakes" - that was my whoa moment - the sound was full out, resonated like crazy, and just blew me away. I play that whole first sequence over and over - lol. So, my question, is that an overdrive moment?
No good at embedding or I would here.
As I said earlier, I am not familiar with the term in singing. But, I would think, from the explanation given and the demonstration, that it is a good example. My confusion is that Meatloaf said he only could think of three singers who had that ability: Whitney, Aretha, and Adam. I love how Adam sings that phrase, but, I don't think the ability is that rare. Perhaps the level of execution and excellence is. Perhaps others sing in overdrive, but not as perfectly as those three?
What say you?
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. - Gandhi
First visit to this thread - prompted by the question of "overdrive." I watched AI when Adam was on and was totally enthralled by his singing - all aspects. But the first time I really went Whoa!! was with Queen. The exact moment that to me embodies overdrive - Kris Allen sings the first lines, then Adam comes in with the "and bad mistakes" - that was my whoa moment - the sound was full out, resonated like crazy, and just blew me away. I play that whole first sequence over and over - lol. So, my question, is that an overdrive moment?
No good at embedding or I would here.
As I said earlier, I am not familiar with the term in singing. But, I would think, from the explanation given and the demonstration, that it is a good example. My confusion is that Meatloaf said he only could think of three singers who had that ability: Whitney, Aretha, and Adam. I love how Adam sings that phrase, but, I don't think the ability is that rare. Perhaps the level of execution and excellence is. Perhaps others sing in overdrive, but not as perfectly as those three?
What say you?
I think it may be the quality of the sound - there is a depth in all three voices when they project. The sound builds without sounding strained - hard to explain, but I respond to that kind of singing.
First visit to this thread - prompted by the question of "overdrive." I watched AI when Adam was on and was totally enthralled by his singing - all aspects. But the first time I really went Whoa!! was with Queen. The exact moment that to me embodies overdrive - Kris Allen sings the first lines, then Adam comes in with the "and bad mistakes" - that was my whoa moment - the sound was full out, resonated like crazy, and just blew me away. I play that whole first sequence over and over - lol. So, my question, is that an overdrive moment?
No good at embedding or I would here.
As I said earlier, I am not familiar with the term in singing. But, I would think, from the explanation given and the demonstration, that it is a good example. My confusion is that Meatloaf said he only could think of three singers who had that ability: Whitney, Aretha, and Adam. I love how Adam sings that phrase, but, I don't think the ability is that rare. Perhaps the level of execution and excellence is. Perhaps others sing in overdrive, but not as perfectly as those three?
What say you?
Well, to be quite honest we don't even know if Meatloaf's use of the term overdrive is in any way related to this vocal method stuff. I mean where did this originate and how widespread is it. Someone pointed out that they used European notation for the notes which was different from what we are used to? Something about a C2 actually being the C5 that we are familiar with? One of the print interviews actually quotes Meatloaf saying that he knows nothing about music as he was and is first and foremost an actor so his "overdrive" could be something completely made up in his own head and not an actual industry term. I think people are getting hung up on latching on to this term that he used and trying to make sense of it while missing the real point he was making which was that those three singers have exceedingly rare talent. I don't care a fig for the term he used but I am thrilled that he ranks Adam right up there with Aretha and Whitney! That's a big fucking endorsement. Way back when he first was berting over Adam he also said that he hadn't been so totally blown away by a singer since Joplin. So he has to this point equated Adam with Joplin, Aretha and Whitney AND this was a situation where the conversation was about his music and Whitney's death so bringing Adam into the conversation AT ALL was totally fanboying.
Cassie here is an interesting link to the pure vocal track for "The Show Must Go On". What's funny is I here vibrato in many of the same places Adam used vibrato but Freddie didn't have the power or sustain at this point so it doesn't come through as noticeably as in Adam's rendition. I can picture though how if Freddie had sung this in his prime there would have been plenty of vibrato in it.
Cassie here is an interesting link to the pure vocal track for "The Show Must Go On". What's funny is I here vibrato in many of the same places Adam used vibrato but Freddie didn't have the power or sustain at this point so it doesn't come through as noticeably as in Adam's rendition. I can picture though how if Freddie had sung this in his prime there would have been plenty of vibrato in it.
I would consider this album Freddie's prime vocally, actually. Your comment about him "not having the power or sustain" confuses me though, his power here is unreal and he never sustained high notes like that in the 70's or most of the 80's.
Back to Adam though, he hit his lowest live note in the Houston acoustic Fever yesterday!
At the end. I think it is a low B flat. Doesn't add to his range but it's a better note than those in Light Falls Away
Cassie here is an interesting link to the pure vocal track for "The Show Must Go On". What's funny is I here vibrato in many of the same places Adam used vibrato but Freddie didn't have the power or sustain at this point so it doesn't come through as noticeably as in Adam's rendition. I can picture though how if Freddie had sung this in his prime there would have been plenty of vibrato in it.
I would consider this album Freddie's prime vocally, actually. Your comment about him "not having the power or sustain" confuses me though, his power here is unreal and he never sustained high notes like that in the 70's or most of the 80's.
Back to Adam though, he hit his lowest live note in the Houston acoustic Fever yesterday!
At the end. I think it is a low B flat. Doesn't add to his range but it's a better note than those in Light Falls Away
What sustain? I don't hear more than 2 or 3 seconds on any notes and that's being generous. This is sung in VERY short phrases, most of the end notes are chopped pretty short. The high parts are shouty and to me sound as if they are taking everything he's got to get them out, which is understandable given he was very ill when it was recorded. I don't hear power just intensity and you have to remember this is a dry vocal feed so it sounds almost echo-y like singing in the shower. I hear the the vibrato on some notes but he doesn't hold them long enough for it to be that noticeable. Don't get me wrong I think Freddie's vocal is incredible especially in the shape he was in but he didn't have power to spare to embellish notes and to hold the notes at the ends of the phrases. My point was specifically related to people criticizing Adam's use of vibrato in the song. I can hear some vibrato in Freddie's vocal but since he is note holding the notes long enough it is not noticeable unless you are paying attention to it. In his prime I think Freddie would have been sustaining those notes a lot longer and the vibrato would have been present. THAT was my main point.
I finally have an internet connection fast enough to play the YTs of Adam's performance of Cukoo, Chokehold and Trespassing in Atlanta. My impressions:
I don't know what to say about this boy. He is doing something totally new in pop music. First off, he is smoldering hot in those videos. Gorgeous, classy, Cary Grant suave, and simultaneously moving like a sensuous animal. What other male pop artist today is doing that??? Sophisticated funk.
Chokehold: A paradox. Down, dirty, funky music sung with a clear, pure, refined tone. It shouldn't work..... but it does. No one in pop music today could sing like that. NO. ONE. We just got a taste of what the final track will sound like. I can't wait to hear the finished version, and the live version with full backing track and time to let Adam find the perfect fit and interpretation.
Cukoo: In a just world, this would be a mega hit. The chorus is designed for a sing-along. Very catchy. And words that anyone trying to find their place could relate to and belt out with Adam. An anthem to embrace the craziness we all feel at times. I can just picture audiences shouting out "Cukoo."
Trespassing: Wickedly difficult to sing. A two octave range from top to bottom. Fast. Lyrics go by a mile a minute. Enunciation of the words is crucial --- and Adam nails them. Keeping the momentum, the rhythm, and the funk while basically singing a cappella with just a drum and claps, a master class. For a young audience who feels that they are also outsiders being told what they can and cannot do or be, this is another anthem of freedom. As a child of the 60's and 70's, I would have been all over this declaration of independence.
Having said all this, I don't know that any of these will be break-out hits on top 40 radio. Basically, they are too good. They are at once, deep, and also totally fun. They don't sound like anything else out there today.
I admit that I DO NOT UNDERSTAND why or how songs get to be mega hits on top 40 radio. Musically, most of the songs are very basic, simple. Vocally, they have limited range, and are generally sung with little sophistication or tone and technique. Thematically, they are often firmly in the shallow end. Adam's songs are none of the above. Still, Adele has had mega hits with songs that do not fit the pattern at all. There are always exceptions to the rule.
I have total confidence that Adam's new album will get stellar reviews from serious musicians and singers. Adam has said that he made this album for his fans, and we will appreciate the songs and the interpretations and the incredible vocals. Whether the album will be a number one hit and produce multiple singles that are constantly played on top 40 radio.... I have no idea. Given the state of today's pop music, I have my doubts. But, in a fair and just world where people appreciate art and exceptional vocals and interpretation, it should.
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. - Gandhi
cassie - you echoed my thoughts! but at least one of these tracks needs to become a single...and not the NCOE...
"How could anyone not be a fan of the greatest singer to ever walk the Earth?" - former friend,3:33 AM Feb 10th 2011 "Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift: that's why it's called the present." - Alice Morse Earle
Post by myspencer50 on Mar 11, 2012 23:51:16 GMT -5
Cassie, Cuckoo has the exact kind of hook and repetitiveness to be HUGE on Top 40! I don't usually frequent this thread but have been dying for you to get back to ask you if he is using falsetto in Chokehold. I'm afraid to ask Adam!
"Nature and nurturing collided to create this amazing artist who will change the world by being who he is with no apologies or regret, with a note or a word at a time."~ mmadamimadamm
Cassie, Cuckoo has the exact kind of hook and repetitiveness to be HUGE on Top 40! I don't usually frequent this thread but have been dying for you to get back to ask you if he is using falsetto in Chokehold. I'm afraid to ask Adam!
Haha. Yes, I understand not wanting to ask Adam. He was rather adamant about the falsetto topic. On the light high notes I hear a clear, floating head voice. Falsetto would sound thinner and whispier. Angelina, when she talked to Adam about his comments about falsetto, said that he has little need for it when he can float his head voice so well. He did not disagree. So, the high D5s are either light head voice, or, in other parts, powered full voice, IMO.
Thanks for stopping in.
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. - Gandhi
Cassie.. Adam usually has great enunciation so that you can understand the words he's singing, but for some of Chokehold, I can't make out what he's singing. Can you please explain what might be the reason for that?
Also, some days back, someone posted a critique of Adam's singing by a vocal coach.. of course, I can't recall who posted it or when, but the vocal coach mentioned that Adam was doing something, I think she referred to it as a bad habit, which could affect his vocal chords later on.. or something like that. Anyway, I just remember it being not a good thing.. Did you get a chance to read that? Any thoughts?
Cassie, I don't think I have posted here more than once or twice, but I have this thread bookmarked, so I read every post. I just wanted to let you know that your Master Class thread is one of my favorite things about Adamtopia. I am fascinated by the technical aspects of Adam's vocals, and you make the information very accessible to those of us with no experience or background in that area. I'm so looking forward to meeting you in Atlanta.
interested in your opinion. A few weeks ago Rolling Stone posted something about singer Nate Ruess who is lead singer for new indie band Fun. They have a breakout hit here in Oz with song that Glee covered called "we are young" – in their article they made comparison of Nate to Adam particularly with relation to high notes. Was curious what your take on Nate is. I find his voice pleasant and the song is certainly catchy, but when I listen to others you tubes of his singing it feels a bit flat and "shouty" something Adam mostly manages to avoid even when belting.
Here is him singing the "we are young" song:
Anyone else feel free to chime in also. This guy seems to be getting quite a bit of buzz and with dearth of good male vocalists out there is interesting to see differences and reactions to them.
You do not have to shout but if you want to chat....
crazylady: login" again and then I will get the "redirecting" message at the top. Weird, huh
May 14, 2013 12:58:36 GMT -5
butterfly: I also have to login twice, such as crazylady.
May 14, 2013 13:43:48 GMT -5
crazylady: Sorry you are having the same login problem, butterfly, but at least I am in good company! At least we can log in! I'd panic if I couldn't! LOL
May 14, 2013 16:50:29 GMT -5
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maitospf: crazyladym...happening to me too!
May 15, 2013 19:42:49 GMT -5
ayleim: Just checking - so there were NO Adam-sightings in the performance show right? Then I don't have to worry about being near the TV later tonight, I can just listen from the kitchen. :D
May 15, 2013 22:25:54 GMT -5
Q3: The second log-in is part of the security system to protect the site from hackers. If you want to avoid it, select the option to keep me logged in.
May 16, 2013 11:18:07 GMT -5
vivlite: Good to know about the log-in option..I kept wondering if I was imagining things when I had to log on twice..whew..
May 16, 2013 13:59:55 GMT -5
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vivlite: Gotta stop down here more often..
May 16, 2013 14:01:03 GMT -5
crazylady: Q3, thanks for the update on the login process! Really appreciate it!
May 16, 2013 18:20:10 GMT -5
maitospf: Yes thank you Q3. Thought I was jinked there for a minute
May 16, 2013 21:11:10 GMT -5
maitospf: Woops - sorry! jinxed (the ghosts of my english teachers would haunt me for not proofreading, so there you you go) ... 8-|
May 16, 2013 21:13:49 GMT -5
minnie12: this is great, Sauli deserves the support. There's no negativity here and that's nice.
May 17, 2013 23:57:11 GMT -5
daffywak: http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/49986864befe11e29d7122000a1f97c6_7.jpg
May 18, 2013 0:48:25 GMT -5
minnie12: Nice to see all the pics of Sauli and his friends. Has a lot of female friends. Goes out a lot with Ade?
May 18, 2013 23:48:39 GMT -5
blueberry: A tech question. When I post, I'm stuck in BB Code, can't get back to Preview. Any ideas? I have Preview as default in my profile, but that doesn't help.
May 18, 2013 23:56:59 GMT -5
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Q3: blueberry. there should be a two labels on tabs at the bottom of the REPLY box -- one labeled Preview and one labeled BBCode. Can you see these or are they gone?
May 19, 2013 2:08:40 GMT -5
blueberry: Q3, I can still see the labels, but when I click on the Preview label, nothing happens. And every time I start a new post, it automatically takes me to BB Code. Otherwise it doesn't matter, but posting pictures would be easier in Preview (copy+paste).
May 19, 2013 2:14:12 GMT -5
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JazzRocks: Q3 - I forgot where I click to make a contribution to Atop.
May 19, 2013 10:30:45 GMT -5
Q3: Oh in the site conversion the link to support ATop went away. I will restore it.
May 20, 2013 9:30:25 GMT -5
JazzRocks: Thanks Q3.
May 20, 2013 16:09:32 GMT -5
but thought you more technically minded might . ;D
