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Originally Posted by digiman  Alicia Keys, like Mary J. Blige are two artists who are marginal/adequate vocalists who are able to just somehow "make it work". Mary's pitchiness is a big part of who she is as an artist. She has fashioned herself as the girl next door and towards that end, she truly IS the girl next door, including her voice. That's what makes it work for her. Alicia on the other hand has been marketed as this virtuoso performer/musician so expectations are a little higher for her because of her classical training. From her pitchiness to vocal straining to try to sing beyond her very narrow natural vocal range, you can tell her vocal skills are still lagging behind her skills as a pianist/performer. She's making it work as evidenced by her record sales, but she could never be considered in the same breath as Aretha. |
Wow, this is the bad pitch forum! Mary J ends almost every phrase sharp and even starts them that way many times. That style is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I would much rather hear a bit of flatness, as opposed to what seems to be a newer R&B trend in pushing yourself sharp all the time! I have worked with Alicia live, she was ok, not great. None of these singers can be compared to Aretha, very few in history could be. Etta James is one of the few that come to mind, she was not as popular, but similarly pioneering in her talent and unique style. Luc, it is good to hear someone question a singers pitch issues. I will have to give a nod of respect to Alicia for not letting someone auto-tune her to death!
