What, Beyonce Can't Sing?!??!

[tripod]

Mariah Carey. Erykah Badu. Gladys Knight. Diana Ross. Olivia Newton-John. Aretha Franklin. Chaka Khan. Great singers. Great songwriters.

Beyonce has a good ability to hold a note. Her vibrato and melisma are notable and her "scat" style of singing was interesting and quite musical. She is a good singer. She has no rasp or edge to her voice though... I absolutely LOVE singers who have that quality to their singing style. Christina Aquillera has a better sounding voice to me personally. She seems to have a greater ability to exert some real pressure on a microphone's diaphragm and has that elusive edge or rasp. Beyonce has been getting serious with her vocal training though... good for her, it really shows in these clips.

Invisibleman made a good point... Beyonce doesn't write her music and will never be another "Aretha, Patti Labelle, or Chaka Khan" simply because she is a TECHNICIAN, not an artist in the true sense. She is a recording "artist" and a member of the musical community, but not a creative artist like Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye.

I soooo wish that she would do porn though...

 

[marleyisalegend]

Beyonce has a good ability to hold a note. Her vibrato and melisma are notable and her "scat" style of singing was interesting and quite musical. She is a good singer. She has no rasp or edge to her voice though... I absolutely LOVE singers who have that quality to their singing style. Christina Aquillera has a better sounding voice to me personally. She seems to have a greater ability to exert some real pressure on a microphone's diaphragm and has that elusive edge or rasp. Beyonce has been getting serious with her vocal training though... good for her, it really shows in these clips.

Invisibleman made a good point... Beyonce doesn't write her music and will never be another "Aretha, Patti Labelle, or Chaka Khan" simply because she is a TECHNICIAN, not an artist in the true sense. She is a recording "artist" and a member of the musical community, but not a creative artist like Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye.

I soooo wish that she would do porn though...

lol about the porn. anyway actually beyonce and her sister do write a good amount of her songs. as far as the rasp you're talking about, i know what you mean, that tone does appeal to me more, a more earthy sound but if your voice doesn't sound like that naturally, it's best not to sing like that. brandy for instance has a raspy speaking voice so it comes through with her singing. beyonce, being a classically trained singer, knows the damaging effects that eomploying such rasp can do. it's a terrible strain on the parts of your anatomy you use to sing and with long-term use can do serious damage to your voice, if you listen to whitney houston 20 years ago and listen to her now you'll hear she's gone from a magnificent soprano to, at best, a strong baritone. whitney may sound better now injecting all of that grit into her voice, but 30 years from now she'll be struggling to sing alto while beyonce will still be able to sing a G6. as far as songwriter, beyonce has been doing so since destiny's child, she wrote a lot of their hits and her and solange write a lot of beyonce's solo music

 

[prince_will]

well, i love Beyonce even though i think she was the prime reason for breaking up Destiny's Child. I agree that some of her songs can be shallow, but i absolutely adored "Listen", which she did for Dreamgirls. now THAT song showed her real talent. with the songs she usually sings, she doesn't really get to show off her voice like Christina Aguilera allows herself to do (with songs like "Hurt")

Beyonce is a tremendous performer though. whenever Beyonce is on TV performing, i always tune in, because she always gives great perfomances.

and i guess i agree that alot of performers don't have style or soul these days, but that is just part of the trend of just "hitting the notes" which most performers do these days.

but i highly disagree with a previous post that black people apparently can't sing. ouch. horribly offensive. Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Aretha, Whitney, and even people like Queen Latifah and more have beautiful voices...

 

[marleyisalegend]

well, i love Beyonce even though i think she was the prime reason for breaking up Destiny's Child. I agree that some of her songs can be shallow, but i absolutely adored "Listen", which she did for Dreamgirls. now THAT song showed her real talent. with the songs she usually sings, she doesn't really get to show off her voice like Christina Aguilera allows herself to do (with songs like "Hurt")

Beyonce is a tremendous performer though. whenever Beyonce is on TV performing, i always tune in, because she always gives great perfomances.

and i guess i agree that alot of performers don't have style or soul these days, but that is just part of the trend of just "hitting the notes" which most performers do these days.

but i highly disagree with a previous post that black people apparently can't sing. ouch. horribly offensive. Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Aretha, Whitney, and even people like Queen Latifah and more have beautiful voices...

good work, and we've barely scratched the surface....
dinah washington, etta james, shirley ceasar, corrine bailey rae, donny hathaway, india arie, d'angelo, al green, sam cooke, the stylistics, the temptations, boys to men, gosh should i keep on going??? robert johnson, bb king, mary j. blige, billie holiday, ella fitzgerald, louis armstrong, ma rainey, odeta, yolanda adams, cece winans, aaliyah, monica, deborah cox, tamia, brian mcknight, lordy my fingers are gettin tired, mahalia jackson, the clark sisters, fantasia, jennifer hudson, johnny gill, mario, jill scott, bobby mcferrin, smokie norful, musiq soulchild, oh you get the point.

anybody have any idea how many grammys these artists have combined?? how many platinum albums?? how many stadiums they've sold out?? how many countries they're known in?? when the people dissing black music accomplish a fraction of that, i'll wear a "black music sucks" t-shirt for a week

i'll give it one more go, this is fun

al jarreau, cissy houston, donny mcclurkin, erykah badu, chrisette michele, kelis, did i already say tamia?? eric benet, james brown, minnie ripperton, roberta flack, otis redding, sade, okay all that talent is clouding up my head i'm done for now

 

[tripod]

beyonce, being a classically trained singer, knows the damaging effects that eomploying such rasp can do. it's a terrible strain on the parts of your anatomy you use to sing and with long-term use can do serious damage to your voice, if you listen to whitney houston 20 years ago and listen to her now you'll hear she's gone from a magnificent soprano to, at best, a strong baritone. whitney may sound better now injecting all of that grit into her voice, but 30 years from now she'll be struggling to sing alto while beyonce will still be able to sing a G6. as far as songwriter, beyonce has been doing so since destiny's child, she wrote a lot of their hits and her and solange write a lot of beyonce's solo music

You are right about the strain that raspiness puts on your vocal chords. There are ways to do that in a healthy matter though. A vocal coach by the name of Melissa Cross teaches heavy metal singers to scream without damaging their vocal chords, her background is in opera and was classically trained.

Beyonce's actual writing credits are in dispute though. the song "Crazy In Love" is one of her best selling songs for which she has claimed writing credit for. The song was actually written by Eugene Record from the Chi-Lites (an AWESOME group). The producer Richard Harrison sampled the song and came up with the everything but the bridge, which was left open foe Beyonce to author so that she could claim a writing credit. That has pretty much been the pattern for most R and B artists of today, although Donna Summer "wrote" her songs in the exact same manner. They all write with a co-writer and or producer, who is actually the one writing the song. It is all an old game in the music industry that has been played for decades. That's why I mentioned Aretha Franklin, who wrote almost everyone of her songs sitting at the piano singing in an empty room... BY HERSELF! That is actual song writing. I have been writing songs since I was 13... it is a rare ability and is somewhat of a gift given to special people. Beyonce was given the gift of beauty and a strong and clear voice.

The music industry does not like these singer/songwriters like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, because the they are by and large... INTELLIGENT people that don't need a team of lawyers and handlers to figure out whether or not the record label is screwing them. Singers like Beyonce are easier to manage and as long as you can control their handlers and lawyers, they are like money in the bank.

I highly disagree with a previous post that black people apparently can't sing. ouch. horribly offensive. Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Aretha, Whitney, and even people like Queen Latifah and more have beautiful voices...

Oh, that shit was just completely LAUGHABLE! LMAO!!!!!

The best singers in the world are all of African descent... my top favorites certainly are...

Jimi Hendrix and Prince are two of the modern age's BEST and most ground breaking guitarists.

I challenge most guitar players to learn and hit the intro guitar licks to "When Doves Cry" note for note, or to tackle the Godzilla-like ending guitar solo to "let's Go Crazy"... 99.9% of them will not be able to play those pieces properly.

The musical tradition in Africa is stronger than in Europe, it means more to them... it's simply more important to their everyday lives. they make absolutely INCREDIBLE musicians... being able to appreciate and enjoy that fact is truly one of the main reasons that I came to this planet.

And all of those lists and we have forgotten the great ANITA BAKER!!!!! Arrggghh!!!!!!

 

[invisibleman]

anybody have any idea how many grammys these artists have combined?? how many platinum albums?? how many stadiums they've sold out?? how many countries they're known in?? when the people dissing black music accomplish a fraction of that, i'll wear a "black music sucks" t-shirt for a week

I wouldn't dis anyone's music. I listen to songs, period...I try not to put them in the designations as far as this is black...this white...I would like to hear some songs that aren't "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME?? WHAT YA GON' DO FOR ME?? You broke and you aren't dressed right. You don't have the ride so don't be talkin' to me" type black music. I don't even listen to the hardcore rap stuff because I don't relate to it.

I was a teen when rap was party music.
Rap was a house party type music. Rap was a part of the breakdance culture.

If it was a hardcore dis in a rap, it was all in fun...not the drive-by shooting and brandishing knuckles rivalry variety. And I don't even remember any rapper in the early eighties that called a woman a bitch or cunt. Women were dubbed either a "plum", "pear" or "peach". I don't ever recall any artist rapping "nikka" in a rap until after NWA. And also some rap artists had live bands backing them or still the usual DJ.

 

[DC_DEEP]

Sorry, but somebody has to raise the alarm about the declining quality of the "music."

And often, "offense," as with "beauty," may be "in the eye of the beholder," not with the person making an honest evaluation.

Well I think I've said about all I can say on this topic for a while, so somebody else have at it. What more can I add?

If they can't seem to play good music, why not just play the old stuff? Speaking of which, what's up with all the stupid TV "reality" shows? Surely they can find some great old reruns?

I wasn't talking about your posts in this thread. I was talking about all your posts.

You are just quite simply offensive. In EVERYTHING you have posted on this site.

 

[B_boynextdoorkpt]

She is not that talented, nothing special.

 

[marleyisalegend]

She is not that talented, nothing special.

really?? no vocal talent whatsoever, how many singers can you name who can hit a G5 in full voice and belt out a C2?? i can wait..... thought of anybody yet??? it's okay, take your time

 

[marleyisalegend]

I wouldn't dis anyone's music. I listen to songs, period...I try not to put them in the designations as far as this is black...this white...I would like to hear some songs that aren't "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME?? WHAT YA GON' DO FOR ME?? You broke and you aren't dressed right. You don't have the ride so don't be talkin' to me" type black music. I don't even listen to the hardcore rap stuff because I don't relate to it.

I was a teen when rap was party music.
Rap was a house party type music. Rap was a part of the breakdance culture.

If it was a hardcore dis in a rap, it was all in fun...not the drive-by shooting and brandishing knuckles rivalry variety. And I don't even remember any rapper in the early eighties that called a woman a bitch or cunt. Women were dubbed either a "plum", "pear" or "peach". I don't ever recall any artist rapping "nikka" in a rap until after NWA. And also some rap artists had live bands backing them or still the usual DJ.

the color comment wasn't directed towards you, it was directed toward someone else who was completely disrespectful in their post about black music. like it or not, some things are best kept said in ur head

 

[invisibleman]

You are right about the strain that raspiness puts on your vocal chords. There are ways to do that in a healthy matter though. A vocal coach by the name of Melissa Cross teaches heavy metal singers to scream without damaging their vocal chords, her background is in opera and was classically trained.

Beyonce's actual writing credits are in dispute though. the song "Crazy In Love" is one of her best selling songs for which she has claimed writing credit for. The song was actually written by Eugene Record from the Chi-Lites (an AWESOME group). The producer Richard Harrison sampled the song and came up with the everything but the bridge, which was left open foe Beyonce to author so that she could claim a writing credit.

I shoulda known...Rich Harrison. His production style is predictable. You listen for a bunch of horn samples and a pots and pans percussion loops. Throw up the kitchen set and sample the noise. You got yourself a Rich Harrison production. Sometimes he'll throw in that whiny sounding Kanye West trill. :smile:

That has pretty much been the pattern for most R and B artists of today, although Donna Summer "wrote" her songs in the exact same manner. They all write with a co-writer and or producer, who is actually the one writing the song. It is all an old game in the music industry that has been played for decades. That's why I mentioned Aretha Franklin, who wrote almost everyone of her songs sitting at the piano singing in an empty room... BY HERSELF! That is actual song writing.

True to the word. Stevie Wonder EVEN plays the drums. Beyonce gets miffed over her broke boyfriend not handling her bills. Writes a song about it. It is a hit. Now that it is a hit. She is rich and now she is an Independent Woman...and don't need nobody taking care of her. That song becomes a hit. And now she doesn't want a fella to feel he is IRREPLACEABLE but now is replaced anyway with her marrying JAY-Z.

I have been writing songs since I was 13... it is a rare ability and is somewhat of a gift given to special people. Writing songs isn't easy. Songwriters should not placate their listening audience. You have to figure out interesting ways of exploring subject matters in a concise manner and in differing ways. You also have to not offend your listening audience. Beyonce was given the gift of beauty and a strong and clear voice...but not a clear considerate mind at times in writing the lyrics or getting writers that don't make her seem "self-serving".

The music industry does not like these singer/songwriters like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, because the they are by and large... INTELLIGENT people that don't need a team of lawyers and handlers to figure out whether or not the record label is screwing them. Singers like Beyonce are easier to manage and as long as you can control their handlers and lawyers, they are like money in the bank.



Oh, that shit was just completely LAUGHABLE! LMAO!!!!!

The best singers in the world are all of African descent... my top favorites certainly are...

Jimi Hendrix and Prince are two of the modern age's BEST and most ground breaking guitarists.

Heaven help us all if Fitty Cent picks up a guitar and is actually a talented guitar player.

I challenge most guitar players to learn and hit the intro guitar licks to "When Doves Cry" note for note, or to tackle the Godzilla-like ending guitar solo to "let's Go Crazy"... 99.9% of them will not be able to play those pieces properly.

EVEN, I will not try and do that. (I don't like to play lead guitar. I am the rhythm guitarist's guitarist. :smile

The musical tradition in Africa is stronger than in Europe, it means more to them... it's simply more important to their everyday lives. they make absolutely INCREDIBLE musicians... being able to appreciate and enjoy that fact is truly one of the main reasons that I came to this planet.

And all of those lists and we have forgotten the great ANITA BAKER!!!!!

And she plays piano.

Arrggghh!!!!!!

I agree with that. Her voice. Her voice. Her voice. ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!! Her piano playing is great. :smile:

 

[invisibleman]

the color comment wasn't directed towards you, it was directed toward someone else who was completely disrespectful in their post about black music. like it or not, some things are best kept said in ur head

Marl--

I understand. No offense was taken. I was answering based on aethestics of music and purely as a music listener. :smile:

 

[marleyisalegend]

Marl--

I understand. No offense was taken. I was answering based on aethestics of music and purely as a music listener. :smile:

understood. but seriously, preference aside, you're not impressed with her strong soprano?? to me singing C2 to G5 all in full voice is a spectacular and dynamic range (like most dramatic sopranos)

 

[tripod]

... you're not impressed with her strong soprano?? to me singing C2 to G5 all in full voice is a spectacular and dynamic range (like most dramatic sopranos)

I was impressed, definitely. She has REALLY grown as a singer... she had to, 'cause she is looking at doing some musicals. You can't fake shit on Broadway and the night after night of singing without microphones is EXTREMELY tasking, I am glad that she has been working her ass off (it's been lookin' a little flat these days! lol!).

 

[D_Prudence_Admonition_Drightits]

Personally I prefer listening to Jill Scott, India Arie, and Sade.

 

[tripod]

Personally I prefer listening to Jill Scott, India Arie, and Sade.

That's 'cause you have GREAT taste!!! (take that how you want to! lol!) :biggrin1:

Sade consistently takes me to another place...

 

[invisibleman]

understood. but seriously, preference aside, you're not impressed with her strong soprano?? to me singing C2 to G5 all in full voice is a spectacular and dynamic range (like most dramatic sopranos)

No. Like I have expressed before is: I don't hate Beyonce's voice. I don't hate her because of her gender. I hate her songs. The ones that are critical and opinionated. This makes me not like her as a person.

You never heard Chaka Khan or Olivia Newton-John...or EVEN Diana Ross sing a song or write a song about "dealing with boyfriends with no money and no means" or " about how women are dressing skanky these days". I like those singers because they chose songs and wrote songs that wasn't offensive to the audience about their status and wasn't cutting people down based on the clothing choices women make.

Beyonce can sing. Beyonce is a striking woman with amazing stage command and presence. But she loses me with her songwriting. That is all.

 

[invisibleman]

That's 'cause you have GREAT taste!!! (take that how you want to! lol!) :biggrin1:

Sade consistently takes me to another place...

Sade's Love Deluxe is a great album. Right up there with her first and sophomore albums. :smile:

 

[D_Prudence_Admonition_Drightits]

Oh, I don't want to hijack the thread with Sade, but yes I have listened to LOVE DELUXE so many times. I saw her in concert as well. It was awesome.
Her music is so sensual and soothing.

Sorry OP. Exit stage right.

 

[invisibleman]

Oh, I don't want to hijack the thread with Sade, but yes I have listened to LOVE DELUXE so many times. I saw her in concert as well. It was awesome.
Her music is so sensual and soothing.

Sorry OP. Exit stage right.

I understand about Sade's Love Deluxe. I was staying the weekend with a boyfriend at a lesbian couple's apartment. My boyfriend and I played that album at night while having sex.

Those lesbians really loved listening to that album so I gave it to them for allowing my boyfriend and I crash the weekend. (I ended up losing the boyfriend after that weekend. I got dumped. )