Up and running!

First of all, you all have already expressed so much of what I am hearing and I appreciate all your comments and observations very much. Here are some additional thoughts I had while comparing the two videos above.

I was actually quite impressed with Rihanna's version, she came from a vulnerable place and expressed that in her singing. But I agree with Cassie, that she sings from a different perspective than Adam does. In many ways, I think 'Stay' is Rihanna's  'Chokehold', if you know what I mean. The song about a relationship where you ask somebody to stay, even though it is not good for you. And obviously, she is still in this very torn situation in her real life. When Cassie wrote about her sounding as if her throat was constricted, she obviously meant the style of singing, but I could not help but taking it literally and thinking of actually being in a chokehold.

When Adam was Rihanna's age he says he also was in a relationship he in hindsight perceives as unhealthy. (Even though I don't think we are talking about the same extent of unhealthy, but I do think we can compare it anyways, because the song is about how it feels, it is not about an objective comparison of some relationship facts). Adam has put that time behind him and he had to work through it all and it shows in the maturity of his singing.

The openness of his vocal style gives the perception of being free and floating above the situation. The amazing thing though is, that Adam does not fall into the trap of sounding removed and distant, obviously he sounds very emotional, very there, and as someone above said, he connects to our own feelings and opens us up. What I see in this song, is Adam's ability to be present in a moment. Many who have met him at M&Gs or people like Brian May and others who have worked with him have mentioned this presence Adam has about him. He sings from this place of intensity in this performance.

I further noticed the difference in delivery. Rihanna throughout the song sings to herself, has her eyes closed and takes the performance inside of herself. Adam looks at the audience, he is teaching, telling a story with the brilliant means at his disposal, and he is so good at it that he makes me feel the song inside of myself. Rihanna makes me feel HER vulnerability, Adam makes me feel MY own. Big difference.

Finally, two additional points: 1) I am not sure that I agree with most (including Adam :|) who think that Tokio1 was really better than Seoul. In Seoul he kept the end calm and simple in comparison. This song does not need the 'look what I can do to the melody'-enhancement. And I hope Adam reigns it is again. I also was reminded of Smokey Robinson's comments about the ending of Tracks of my Tears. Somebody has mentioned that earlier, but I cannot find the quote right now. Maybe it was in a different thread. I hope Adam does not do too many vocal gymnastics, just because he gets bored with the simplicity of the song. I personally loved Seoul's version more.

Point 2) I also listened to Anoop's and Vin Diesel's versions and I don't think that either of the two come anywhere close to either Rihanna or Adam. Sorry, not seeing it. And yes, I did like Anoop during the season 8, but realized at multiple times, that while he is good, he just is not good enough for that top level. This is just another example bringing home that point, unfortunately. I do wish him well, but I just don't see that big future for him in this business. And I know nothing about Vin Diesel.

I come from a family of musicians and performers. From banjo virtuosos to Metropolitan Opera finalists; pianists to poets, authors, musical theatre . . . so . . .

I have to laugh at myself! I don't have a clue as to what Adam or Rhianna are really feeling when they perform "Stay". Adam has a way of creating nuance in his voice; with his intensity, with his clarity, his ringing, vulnerable tone; his ability to sing quietly with resonance. His breath support is astounding. You hardly see him inhale, but his very being is filled with the air that will support the sound, roundness, shining crispness, gentleness and quality that is his voice. Thus, his vocal sensitivity and emotion can convey feeling in a way unlike most singers will ever know.

Adam has the greatest vocal gift. He has the breath support that allows him to play with the emotions evoked in music. He can break his own heart with his voice.

Tokio, day 2:

 

And the scat he tweeted (OMG): 



Someone explain to me how he found that video, though. lol I love him.

I'm watching Tokyo #2 right now and I think this is his best night vocally in ages