I have always thought of Kurt's voice basically being just like a cranked tube amp, the way it breaks up so musically when he digs in, into that warm but raspy overdrive
Kurt’s vocal delivery is so unique, I don’t think anyone could duplicate it, but you do such a good job at pointing out the nuances in his singing and technique . Great job!
His vocal fry on Lake Of Fire in the unplugged set is outrageously awesome. If anyone knows of a live version of ANY song he did that matches or surpasses the that one, please let me know!
4:15 This is why Kurt's voice is so underrated. Vast majority of people who know how to sing can't imitate it at all without sounding extremely awkward. It's a good example of why someone who teaches singing can't imitate this. Thats really what makes singing such a unique thing over say playing guitar its that we are limited genetically whereas with guitar you can always buy the same equipment or similar to the original artist and come relatively close with enough practice. For example if you handed any guitar teach Kurt Cobain exact guitar/amp...etc they would sound pretty similar to him playing. It's really why singers are so sought after and rare.....it's all human.
like Michael Jackson's voice...in albums people ( few, hoping) thinks he used some artifact but he's not because, by other, at times they have not stuff like pitch correctors etc__pls xcuse my eng
@Marc R.Fisher Thats not true. You can mimic it pretty well since his playing was extremely basic. It's not like we are talking about attempting to mimic Trey from Phish or Hendrix. Even then my point still stands. When it comes to instruments you can duplicate the sound but then it comes down to the technique. Whereas in voice you cannot duplicate the sound of someone else's voice unless you are born with it and even then you still need to have the technique.
@@vlcheish extremely basic? Lol. Ok bud. Yea, the power chords Kurt utilized were fairly simple but watch someone try to cover Nirvana on guitar and it’s always super cringe. People always say “come as you are is so simple , anyone could’ve written this ” …well then why didn’t they? It’s surprisingly hard to pull off a proper nirvana cover. Guaranteed you couldn’t do it. Just sayin.
When you mentioned “best sounding doubles” it reminded me of John Lennon’s doubles and how much Lennon and Fogerty were an important influence on Kurt.
I’ve recently been drawn to Nirvana I think because in today’s world I’ve been craving something authentic. Kurt Cobain was authentic to a fault and I can’t get enough.
I felt this comment so much!!! I’ve recently been drawn to Nirvana as well. His voice just effects me in a way I can’t describe. The grit and the raw realness. It’s everything we need right now.
"If you try to control it to much, you're gonna sound like a control freak and not like a rock star" daaamn, that hits me hard lol one of the best advices I received, since I'm a very "squared"person. Cobain is the best antidote to people like me, for just let it go and trust in your body. Thanks for this, Chris!
The amount of passion and emotion delivered in every line is astounding. Not only is Kurt’s voice expressive, but it sounds completely honest and true to him. So cool to hear your breakdown of this, man! Very insightful.
Chris Cornell too, his "Nothing compares to you" cover is REALLY country-esque. Those grunge dudes grew up in the 70s with lots of country music in the background
Kurt: a unique mix of raw emotions, strange inspirations and self taught technique. Not my favorite singer but definitely an enjoyable classic if you're in the mood.
Whoa what, I can do this! Ive tried to do Kurt for the longest time, oh my goodness, you literally just taught me how to do this, it actually sounds good recorded, mind blown rn
The vocal delivery on this song is somehow even more of a masterclass than the actual lyrics and song itself. Kurt's NOT telling us how feelings, his emotions, like the lyrics of a song typically do. He's spitting out pretty much random words. But he's conveying his whirlwind and progression of emotion through his vocal delivery. It's genius and something I rarely if ever see done, or at least done so brilliantly, sincerely, and organically. But it's like a novel too. It's beautiful, like incredible-storytelling beautiful in terms of emotion. Check out the progression in the chorus from after "here we are now, entertain us!". It's angry and demanding, and then the very next line, "a mulatto!" is almost desperate, like a plea for help. This is ALL through just vocal delivery -- has absolutely nothing to do with a mulatto. It's genius, and, IMO, why I place Kurt in a class of his own as a songwriter with pretty much only the Beatles, perhaps with Kurt as a singular songwriter surpassing them.
Kurt's vocal tone really went hand in hand with his guitar sound. Very similar in tone and feeling. I often wonder if he meant for that to happen. Most singers can't pull that off. It's also amazing how he could correctly double take his scream. Most can't pull that off either. Kurt sounded like cat being strangled. Wow
Love this video, and I have a few tips to share as well from things I’ve learned about his voice and trying to mimic Kurt a bit. For his raspy sounds, think James Hetfield (Metallica) but yelling quietly. Yell and then picture someone telling you “quiet down!”. Another thing that helps with a lot of that grunge sound, is blocking nasal airflow entirely. When you hear him say “here we are now”, there is an undertone that happens (almost like throat singing)…this is most likely the result of forward yell and completely/nearly completely closed off nasal passage. If you listen to his talking voice, he’s always had this kind of sickly sound to his talking. Almost like he has a cold…but it’s just how he naturally talks. Practice compressed yelling type of sounds and purposely reduce air as much as possible. At some point, it becomes almost more of a fry than a yell, but there is a definite balance point. Very similar technique to Layne Staleys raspy stuff. If you learn a James Hetfield/Macho Man voice, Layne and Kurt both used a mixture of compression yell type voice, but incorporated fry and forward placement into the sound. Cornell, is always more of a mixed voice type of sound which is what made him stand out from the others. One last thing to note, the Hetfield yell is hard to mix with vibrato and you nearly never hear it with that type of compression. Laynes compression voice however has the least amount of airflow, which enables coordination for vibrato which made for his signature belting sounds. Kurt is kinda the in between of the 2, with no vibrato but little enough airflow that he gets some of those yodel/flip type of sounds in his compression. I’m no expert singer…but I love grunge and have practiced all day in my car for years to grunge songs. These are some things I’ve noticed from my practice in sounding similar to these artists. Hope it helps =]
Chris, the first thing I ever noticed when listening to the choruses isolated vocals is how Kurt sings with a bit of a swing. It’s imprecise, and hard to replicate, but there. It really adds to the groove and shows he had a great rhythmic sense.
Late to the show, as someone who experiments alot with EQ's/AutoTune/Filters you've gave me a lot of what is essentially fundamentals that I wing when it comes to natural ability of the vocals, hate off to you sir, Im subbed. Keep up the good fight.
3:03 you start to sound like Rick from Rick Morty for a moment Also I love you're voice lessons! Watched your lessons on deftones and loved those videos
This is really eye opening as someone who's only just started to think about singing outside of the choir setting, which is all I've known in HS and college. I've always known Kurt was extremely talented but now I have a newfound respect for him on a completely different level than before. Thank you for this vocal breakdown!!!!!
It always sounded a little drunk/high and dejected to me. He was getting high to avoid his own misery and it came across that way, a little slurred and sloppy, but angry, and frustrated.
I never noticed that til now but yes he sounds angry and frustrated. It’s like he’s saying that someone needs to take down the machine but his little group is too small to do the job.
I always wonder if your family is having guests next room during your recording and all they hear is your occasional shouting crumbling through the walls. Great work, I always learn a lot from you.
I love that lazy pitch... In Song 2 of Blur, Suede, Soundgarden, Oasis,... It's like "I don't give a shit about the world"... 😂 I love it! And the pure rage... It makes me feel shivers down my spine. Like Chris Cornell.
One of my favourite things to note is that Butch Vig doesn't often solo parts when mixing, so a lot of those sublte EQ changes were done while the rest of the song was built around it. Doesn't it make sense that the vocals should get brighter and less muddy as the instrumentals build in volume and intensity towards the chorus? It's easy to get a great sounding vocal track when you solo it, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will sound in touch with the composition as a whole. Simple but genius.
your analysis is always on point. You have shed so much light on what kurt did. thank you. It’s been driving me crazy cause I could hear it, but couldn't spell out why before
Hey Chris, I just came back from doing a vocal recording and i have to say that implementing a lotta of your insights on vocal texture and warmups have helped me greatly... Here as well your breakdown of the opening "Load up your guns" section and the way kurt really feels up that section and how he sounds as though in a daze.... brilliant ... You are doing the lords work my friend... showing ppl like me how to better myself... Thanks man....If i make something outta this paaion for screaming/growling/singing it would be mostly because of your lessons
Fun fact.: You know why Kurt's vocals had "imprecision" as you say? Producer Butch Vig kept asking Kurt to double them, but Kurt was of the punk ethos where single takes for a performance tend to be the norm. However, Butch would occasionally trick Kurt by saying they didn't get a take and Kurt would do it again, or Butch would convince Kurt to do another vocal take by reminding him that his hero John Lennon did it. So, the doubled vocals aren't originally intended by Kurt to be doubled here. The fact that they still sounded so great doubled is a testament to how consistent Kurt was.
Finally someone who analyzes this well. I hear so many people say Kurt couldn't really sing, but when you analyze it you realize why he was a spokesman for an entire generation.
Love the way you really point out or put a name to what we subconsciously loved about Kurt without ever really specifically naming it if that makes sense.. you nailed it! Giving away Kurt’s secrets LOL
I’ve just started teaching vocal lessons and these videos help me IMMENSELY! With explaining technique and especially with contemporary, rock, and pop vocals. Thank you!! 🙏🏻
The entirety of Nevermind was Rock Band 2 DLC. (Except Lithium and Come As You Are, those are both live versions.) You should check more out. Or. preferably, check out Herra Hevisaurus from the Finnish children's metal band Hevisaurus. He's able to combine actual singing with sounding goofy to entertain the kids without sounding bad.
This was really cool to hear the isolated vocals and get an explanation how he sings. Not sure how you feel about Falling in Reverse, but hearing isolated vocals to some parts of "Losing My Life" would be cool! Rock on 🤟
Another killer breakdown, Chris!! That eq trick on hello is amazing! So special hearing such a well known track with isolated vocals. Do Coma by GNR 😁 please!
Always loved this song... Always sang it wrong... without any doubt a tough one. Your analysis captured the real feeling that involved this recording you showed us the real meaning
One reason I the MOMENT I heard the remasters I ran right back to the original was exactly when he says the "TAY" in "contagious". If you like the remasters, I am about to ruin them for you, sorry.. you won't un-hear this. In the original master it is so powerful and incredible, and in the remaster it is buried and doesn't hit. And it's the amalgamation of little tiny moments of magical mid-range for me that absolutely destroys. Really pay attention to the "tay" in "contagious". It is so tasty. The dude was more calculated than he came across. 100 percent. Try hitting that "tay" like he does. It is fucking crazy.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, no need to analyze so deep each "Hey" or "Yeah" and every second of Kurt Cobain voice...this just grunge 90s which sound real good in Cerwin Vega XLS speakers 🎸🤘👍
I actually don't think there's a way to replicate Kurt's vocals in a healthy way lol. When I watched, you seemed to be doing a lot of mixed voice/belting to mimic Kurt, but Kurt would literally just raise his larynx aka strain to get the notes and rasp he wanted. (Smoking also probably helped with the rasp.) He sounded hella good doing it but there's a noticeable change in his voice between the Nevermind album and In Utero bc the guy developed severe laryngitis
Great rock vocalist. I really can't think of a better one in the genre. He was really in the sweet spot between character singers( where personality is in the fore like Axle Rose or Neil Young) and the tons of prettier singers with more range and perfect pitch and all that but Kurt has that Spirit unique but formal at same time.
And then there is his guitar playing which is highly underrated because it was so unschooled. Could really write a hook but mostly it's the total package of songwriting that he was a master at. I particular love his lyrics which remind me a bit of an edgier Michael Stipe of rem very abstract poetic and minimal.
Really cool tutorial! you also have a damn good voice, and u came pretty close at times. His song "negative creep" is one of my favorites. Its so dirty, raw and awesome. I can hear the lazy pitch in that one as well.
Kurt was a grunting mumbling yodeler. Brilliant. On top of his choice of what words he emphasized and the break up of a phrase into such a non traditional way of speaking. This is not even mentioning the brilliance of the lyrics. Double entendres. Synonyms homonyms poet love it hell-o how low.
Great analysis, I think some purely technical elements are missing: Kurt was a kind of a natural singer (like Vladimir Vysotsky/Vissotski for example) using a great great breath support, with a relaxed spine, stomach and breast, allowing a low larynx position that give profund resonances and a personal and unique timbre. 2:55, 10:04, etc... Lack of depth, because the larynx is too high and the breath support incorrect (incorrect muscular tensions in the body).
Hey Chris, I probably will be the only person asking for this, but could you make a vocal analysis on Damiano David from Maneskin? Many rock singers sing with no concern for their vocal health, like Kurt, even tho it sounded amazing it seems like it's not sustainable. Damiano in the other hand, seems more "controlled" (I can be wrong about it, that's why I'm asking an analysis), I think he can explore his voice really well in this grit aspect and I just wanted to understand more how he can do compression in so many ways.
At 15:02 when he fades out on that "libido", is he changing his placement as he fades off, and maybe yodelling too? He had such amazing texture in his voice.
One thing not mentioned, and of course you couldn't cover EVERYTHING within such short time, but something that occured to me just a few months ago after 30 years of analysing it for 30 years on and off: the verses where he "lazily" sings - which by the way, the tone of those verses always gave me chills, they sound so haunting - is that you can sound lazy yet still give equal importance to each word. What he does on most parts, is each passing syllable between words is given this "ghost note" marking (if it were written on sheet music) with no emphasis. It's like reading the lyrics this way: Bring _ Friends _ Fun (to) Lose _ To... (and here each other word temporarily becomes more intelligible until it comes back here & there). Then you start resinging them and replacing the underscores with a "shy" word.
It´s very interesting, and I can really get your point, because you have a much more educated voice and you naturally tend to do it "the right way" to somehow name it. Great video as always Chris!!!
Hey Chris, is there any chance you could review the isolated vocals of "Tuna In The Brine" from Silverchair, it's an amazing song and it would be interesting to see your analysis on this one
I appreciate this analysis so much. I've always absolutely loved Kurt's lack of perfection in both the singing and the guitar playing. Hell, the performance as a whole never really seems to be "perfected", intentionally.
Can you PLEASE do an Isolated Vocal Analysis of "Planet Caravan" cover by Pantera? I would love to listen to you break it down. Your videos are great, I always practice along when i cant get a part down for a cover! thanks!
Love the fact Kurt hated doing double voices but was told John Lennon did it so agreed
That's not true. In Bleach he does a lot of double vocals
@@theobenammor8136 just read my comment again. Don't see anywhere where I said he never used double vocals ever?
@@TheDeadlyTikka i don't know how to read im very ape
I have always thought of Kurt's voice basically being just like a cranked tube amp, the way it breaks up so musically when he digs in, into that warm but raspy overdrive
Kurt’s vocal delivery is so unique, I don’t think anyone could duplicate it, but you do such a good job at pointing out the nuances in his singing and technique . Great job!
maybe u should hear seether cover nirvana ahah
@@brownambar384 I hope you’re joking hahah
Shaun Morgan of Seether is the only one that can do him justice.......
@@Kinseliplier check out some of his covers like , you know your right, heart shape box, something in the way , they are amazing.
His vocal fry on Lake Of Fire in the unplugged set is outrageously awesome. If anyone knows of a live version of ANY song he did that matches or surpasses the that one, please let me know!
Kurt had a great natural raw raspy voice and also a great sense of melody.
4:15 This is why Kurt's voice is so underrated. Vast majority of people who know how to sing can't imitate it at all without sounding extremely awkward. It's a good example of why someone who teaches singing can't imitate this. Thats really what makes singing such a unique thing over say playing guitar its that we are limited genetically whereas with guitar you can always buy the same equipment or similar to the original artist and come relatively close with enough practice. For example if you handed any guitar teach Kurt Cobain exact guitar/amp...etc they would sound pretty similar to him playing. It's really why singers are so sought after and rare.....it's all human.
like Michael Jackson's voice...in albums people ( few, hoping) thinks he used some artifact but he's not because, by other, at times they have not stuff like pitch correctors etc__pls xcuse my eng
It’s all human I like that!
@Marc R.Fisher Thats not true. You can mimic it pretty well since his playing was extremely basic. It's not like we are talking about attempting to mimic Trey from Phish or Hendrix. Even then my point still stands. When it comes to instruments you can duplicate the sound but then it comes down to the technique. Whereas in voice you cannot duplicate the sound of someone else's voice unless you are born with it and even then you still need to have the technique.
@@vlcheish extremely basic? Lol. Ok bud. Yea, the power chords Kurt utilized were fairly simple but watch someone try to cover Nirvana on guitar and it’s always super cringe. People always say “come as you are is so simple , anyone could’ve written this ” …well then why didn’t they? It’s surprisingly hard to pull off a proper nirvana cover. Guaranteed you couldn’t do it. Just sayin.
I should be worth MILLIONS then…
When you mentioned “best sounding doubles” it reminded me of John Lennon’s doubles and how much Lennon and Fogerty were an important influence on Kurt.
Indeed! I remember Kurts Producer talking through that with him on some documentary or article somewhere! :)
@@chrisliepe Yeah, I think the John Lennon reference (and maybe Bowie?) was how Butch Vig convinced Kurt to use doubling.
man, i’ve never realized how much emotion he truly has in his voice on this song until listening to this. thanks for the analyzation dude!
I’ve recently been drawn to Nirvana I think because in today’s world I’ve been craving something authentic. Kurt Cobain was authentic to a fault and I can’t get enough.
This right here!
True.I am 23 yrs old..and I wasn't even born when Nirvana was active but I'm in love with them
Listen to the Melvins or sonic youth way more authentic bands from the same area/time
I felt this comment so much!!! I’ve recently been drawn to Nirvana as well. His voice just effects me in a way I can’t describe. The grit and the raw realness. It’s everything we need right now.
Listen to Balance and Composure, strong 90s alt vibe with lots of angst.
Kurt was a musical god and don't you forget it.
KURT COBAIN'S VOICE IS PRICELESS
"If you try to control it to much, you're gonna sound like a control freak and not like a rock star" daaamn, that hits me hard lol one of the best advices I received, since I'm a very "squared"person. Cobain is the best antidote to people like me, for just let it go and trust in your body. Thanks for this, Chris!
The amount of passion and emotion delivered in every line is astounding. Not only is Kurt’s voice expressive, but it sounds completely honest and true to him. So cool to hear your breakdown of this, man! Very insightful.
He does it sincerely. no matter how apathetic or sarcastic….what made him great.
my student is obsessed with kurt, this really pairs well with the guitar lessons i'm giving
I've always thought Kurt almost had a country twang to his voice at points. You can hear it in lines like "I found it hard."
The howling type of singing and the quick yodel-ee parts also make him seem like a country type of singer
I've thought this too! If you listen to "Dumb" it's really prominent. Especially in the lines "the *day* is done"
Chris Cornell too, his "Nothing compares to you" cover is REALLY country-esque. Those grunge dudes grew up in the 70s with lots of country music in the background
Correct :) Please listen to "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" from MTV Unplugged - it can be so well and clearly heard in that rendition.
@@LordStompyHarpLoonyTunes Neil Young is the father of Grunge, that's reasons country-esque sound...
The vocals on this track are just otherwordly. It took me years to really notice because of how effortless it sounds.
Kurt: a unique mix of raw emotions, strange inspirations and self taught technique. Not my favorite singer but definitely an enjoyable classic if you're in the mood.
Whoa what, I can do this! Ive tried to do Kurt for the longest time, oh my goodness, you literally just taught me how to do this, it actually sounds good recorded, mind blown rn
The vocal delivery on this song is somehow even more of a masterclass than the actual lyrics and song itself. Kurt's NOT telling us how feelings, his emotions, like the lyrics of a song typically do. He's spitting out pretty much random words. But he's conveying his whirlwind and progression of emotion through his vocal delivery. It's genius and something I rarely if ever see done, or at least done so brilliantly, sincerely, and organically. But it's like a novel too. It's beautiful, like incredible-storytelling beautiful in terms of emotion.
Check out the progression in the chorus from after "here we are now, entertain us!". It's angry and demanding, and then the very next line, "a mulatto!" is almost desperate, like a plea for help. This is ALL through just vocal delivery -- has absolutely nothing to do with a mulatto. It's genius, and, IMO, why I place Kurt in a class of his own as a songwriter with pretty much only the Beatles, perhaps with Kurt as a singular songwriter surpassing them.
I think what you’ve stated is what subconsciously attracted the fans to Kurt…
it almost sounds like he's yodeling a bit in the verse. he must be paying homage to his Irish heritage
I think Kurt's vocals came a lot from his personality. He just did his thing, and songs like this happened.
Kurt's vocal tone really went hand in hand with his guitar sound. Very similar in tone and feeling. I often wonder if he meant for that to happen. Most singers can't pull that off. It's also amazing how he could correctly double take his scream. Most can't pull that off either. Kurt sounded like cat being strangled. Wow
3:05 When Rick is trying to give vocal lessons to Morty
Bro I was literally thinking the same thing lol
Lmaooo
This gives me chills. He sounds amazing without the actual music.
Love this video, and I have a few tips to share as well from things I’ve learned about his voice and trying to mimic Kurt a bit.
For his raspy sounds, think James Hetfield (Metallica) but yelling quietly. Yell and then picture someone telling you “quiet down!”. Another thing that helps with a lot of that grunge sound, is blocking nasal airflow entirely. When you hear him say “here we are now”, there is an undertone that happens (almost like throat singing)…this is most likely the result of forward yell and completely/nearly completely closed off nasal passage. If you listen to his talking voice, he’s always had this kind of sickly sound to his talking. Almost like he has a cold…but it’s just how he naturally talks.
Practice compressed yelling type of sounds and purposely reduce air as much as possible. At some point, it becomes almost more of a fry than a yell, but there is a definite balance point.
Very similar technique to Layne Staleys raspy stuff. If you learn a James Hetfield/Macho Man voice, Layne and Kurt both used a mixture of compression yell type voice, but incorporated fry and forward placement into the sound. Cornell, is always more of a mixed voice type of sound which is what made him stand out from the others.
One last thing to note, the Hetfield yell is hard to mix with vibrato and you nearly never hear it with that type of compression. Laynes compression voice however has the least amount of airflow, which enables coordination for vibrato which made for his signature belting sounds. Kurt is kinda the in between of the 2, with no vibrato but little enough airflow that he gets some of those yodel/flip type of sounds in his compression.
I’m no expert singer…but I love grunge and have practiced all day in my car for years to grunge songs. These are some things I’ve noticed from my practice in sounding similar to these artists. Hope it helps =]
Thank you for this valuable and in depth addition!
@@chrisliepe And thank you for being the most amazing channel for vocal lessons on CZcams! Your videos have helped me immensely! =]
Man I swear to god you’ve been changing my life ever since I started getting into your channel and learning appreciate your guidance Chris man!
Kurt's voice is unmatched. So raw and powerful. I really enjoy hearing you analyze isolated vocals! You got yourself a new sub 👍
3:03 sounds like Rick from Rick and Morty possessed you for a second there hahaha. Excellent content and technique, thank you for the videos!
I went down the comments just to see if someone else thought the same thing
This was fantastic! I’d love to see you do any live version of “Grace” by Jeff Buckley.
Yees pleeesse
+1
The BBC live
Live at Gleneagles would be good too
Yup. This!
Chris, the first thing I ever noticed when listening to the choruses isolated vocals is how Kurt sings with a bit of a swing. It’s imprecise, and hard to replicate, but there. It really adds to the groove and shows he had a great rhythmic sense.
Late to the show, as someone who experiments alot with EQ's/AutoTune/Filters you've gave me a lot of what is essentially fundamentals that I wing when it comes to natural ability of the vocals, hate off to you sir, Im subbed.
Keep up the good fight.
3:03 you start to sound like Rick from Rick Morty for a moment
Also I love you're voice lessons! Watched your lessons on deftones and loved those videos
And it sounds so perfect
100%ricks voice
Rick singing smells like teen spirit would be so funny though
This is really eye opening as someone who's only just started to think about singing outside of the choir setting, which is all I've known in HS and college. I've always known Kurt was extremely talented but now I have a newfound respect for him on a completely different level than before. Thank you for this vocal breakdown!!!!!
It always sounded a little drunk/high and dejected to me. He was getting high to avoid his own misery and it came across that way, a little slurred and sloppy, but angry, and frustrated.
I never noticed that til now but yes he sounds angry and frustrated. It’s like he’s saying that someone needs to take down the machine but his little group is too small to do the job.
I always wonder if your family is having guests next room during your recording and all they hear is your occasional shouting crumbling through the walls.
Great work, I always learn a lot from you.
My family has to put up with a lot of weirdness coming from my music space. But in fairness, they make a lot of noise too :)
I love that lazy pitch... In Song 2 of Blur, Suede, Soundgarden, Oasis,...
It's like "I don't give a shit about the world"... 😂
I love it!
And the pure rage... It makes me feel shivers down my spine. Like Chris Cornell.
One of my favourite things to note is that Butch Vig doesn't often solo parts when mixing, so a lot of those sublte EQ changes were done while the rest of the song was built around it. Doesn't it make sense that the vocals should get brighter and less muddy as the instrumentals build in volume and intensity towards the chorus? It's easy to get a great sounding vocal track when you solo it, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will sound in touch with the composition as a whole. Simple but genius.
Indeed!! That’s so cool. Pure genius!!!
your analysis is always on point. You have shed so much light on what kurt did. thank you. It’s been driving me crazy cause I could hear it, but couldn't spell out why before
Hey Chris,
I just came back from doing a vocal recording and i have to say that implementing a lotta of your insights on vocal texture and warmups have helped me greatly... Here as well your breakdown of the opening "Load up your guns" section and the way kurt really feels up that section and how he sounds as though in a daze.... brilliant ... You are doing the lords work my friend... showing ppl like me how to better myself... Thanks man....If i make something outta this paaion for screaming/growling/singing it would be mostly because of your lessons
Fun fact.: You know why Kurt's vocals had "imprecision" as you say? Producer Butch Vig kept asking Kurt to double them, but Kurt was of the punk ethos where single takes for a performance tend to be the norm. However, Butch would occasionally trick Kurt by saying they didn't get a take and Kurt would do it again, or Butch would convince Kurt to do another vocal take by reminding him that his hero John Lennon did it. So, the doubled vocals aren't originally intended by Kurt to be doubled here. The fact that they still sounded so great doubled is a testament to how consistent Kurt was.
Thank you for this!
That rinds me of the guitar pulloffs on Love Buzz, it is extremely sloppy, but is extremely consistent to the point of sounding copy/pasted.
Finally someone who analyzes this well.
I hear so many people say Kurt couldn't really sing, but when you analyze it you realize why he was a spokesman for an entire generation.
Love your Rick and Morty impression at 3:03
Never thought I’d hear Rick song Nirvana 😂 awesome stuff as always man!
It's just such a raw pained scream, it's like a wounded animal, just crazy.
I never liked a video faster than this one! Awesome breakdown! 👍🏼🔥🔥🔥
Glad you liked it!
@@chrisliepe 😁👍🏼
Underrated channel, amazing content, talented Chris!
Would love to see "You know you're right" - NIrvana
and
Jesus Christ Pose - Cornell
Love the way you really point out or put a name to what we subconsciously loved about Kurt without ever really specifically naming it if that makes sense.. you nailed it! Giving away Kurt’s secrets LOL
I would describe his voice as a howling angelic voice boiling nails inside 😆
What a great way to describe it! haha! Thanks for listening!
I’ve just started teaching vocal lessons and these videos help me IMMENSELY! With explaining technique and especially with contemporary, rock, and pop vocals. Thank you!! 🙏🏻
The entirety of Nevermind was Rock Band 2 DLC. (Except Lithium and Come As You Are, those are both live versions.) You should check more out.
Or. preferably, check out Herra Hevisaurus from the Finnish children's metal band Hevisaurus. He's able to combine actual singing with sounding goofy to entertain the kids without sounding bad.
3:03 the Rick Sanchez impression is spot on dude!
thanks a lot for accepting our request...it helped a lot:)
Chris is gonna help create a bunch of new great singers.
This was really cool to hear the isolated vocals and get an explanation how he sings. Not sure how you feel about Falling in Reverse, but hearing isolated vocals to some parts of "Losing My Life" would be cool! Rock on 🤟
Great video and vocal analysts! Some great dynamics and inflections, and inspiring uniqueness that you have pulled out of Kurt's voice.
You're a wonderful teacher. God my vocal coach used to just roll his eyes when we'd discuss my influences. You're sweet for being so encouraging.
His voice was very unique ughhh
Another killer breakdown, Chris!! That eq trick on hello is amazing! So special hearing such a well known track with isolated vocals. Do Coma by GNR 😁 please!
13:30 WOW amazing and quite short notice!
I love how you pick apart everything! I learned a lot from this reaction actually🤗
Always loved this song... Always sang it wrong... without any doubt a tough one.
Your analysis captured the real feeling that involved this recording you showed us the real meaning
I really like how you capture the most difficult quirky parts !
One reason I the MOMENT I heard the remasters I ran right back to the original was exactly when he says the "TAY" in "contagious". If you like the remasters, I am about to ruin them for you, sorry.. you won't un-hear this. In the original master it is so powerful and incredible, and in the remaster it is buried and doesn't hit. And it's the amalgamation of little tiny moments of magical mid-range for me that absolutely destroys. Really pay attention to the "tay" in "contagious". It is so tasty. The dude was more calculated than he came across. 100 percent. Try hitting that "tay" like he does. It is fucking crazy.
Best scream in the business!
Also great job on this, fantastic.
Thank you!
Great analysis !!
Just listen "Lake of fire" from the Unplugged. I never understood how it was possible to do it like he did...
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, no need to analyze so deep each "Hey" or "Yeah" and every second of Kurt Cobain voice...this just grunge 90s which sound real good in Cerwin Vega XLS speakers 🎸🤘👍
I actually don't think there's a way to replicate Kurt's vocals in a healthy way lol. When I watched, you seemed to be doing a lot of mixed voice/belting to mimic Kurt, but Kurt would literally just raise his larynx aka strain to get the notes and rasp he wanted. (Smoking also probably helped with the rasp.) He sounded hella good doing it but there's a noticeable change in his voice between the Nevermind album and In Utero bc the guy developed severe laryngitis
Kurt Cobain had The Most incredible vocals Ive ver Heard in my life
I really enjoyed listening to you explain Kurt's voice and singing style brilliant video.
Perfect Timing, I literally learned to play this on the guitar yesterday
Great rock vocalist. I really can't think of a better one in the genre. He was really in the sweet spot between character singers( where personality is in the fore like Axle Rose or Neil Young) and the tons of prettier singers with more range and perfect pitch and all that but Kurt has that Spirit unique but formal at same time.
And then there is his guitar playing which is highly underrated because it was so unschooled. Could really write a hook but mostly it's the total package of songwriting that he was a master at. I particular love his lyrics which remind me a bit of an edgier Michael Stipe of rem very abstract poetic and minimal.
@@user-bx2xl7ex7r his lyricism is amazing i think his variety of vocabulary helped him a lot something I haven’t heard anyone touch on
Kurt's singing us all feel like a vocal couch
Really cool tutorial! you also have a damn good voice, and u came pretty close at times. His song "negative creep" is one of my favorites. Its so dirty, raw and awesome. I can hear the lazy pitch in that one as well.
Kurt was a grunting mumbling yodeler. Brilliant. On top of his choice of what words he emphasized and the break up of a phrase into such a non traditional way of speaking. This is not even mentioning the brilliance of the lyrics. Double entendres. Synonyms homonyms poet love it hell-o how low.
And yet another fantastic video! Thanks Chris.
I feel like I have to point out that Chris sounds just like Rick at 3:00 lmao
i like this method acting reaction. Its very precise about the approach kurt did to his songs. Always about himself
There was a dvd put out forever ago where Butch Vig broke down the entire album session and how he got the takes, and mix the way he did.
His voice was amazing.. so much anger
Great analysis, I think some purely technical elements are missing: Kurt was a kind of a natural singer (like Vladimir Vysotsky/Vissotski for example) using a great great breath support, with a relaxed spine, stomach and breast, allowing a low larynx position that give profund resonances and a personal and unique timbre.
2:55, 10:04, etc... Lack of depth, because the larynx is too high and the breath support incorrect (incorrect muscular tensions in the body).
sorry, but that scream at 8:27 got me laughing so hard xD
But very informative video, i will surely dig into a few more!
Kurt is my favorite musician of all time. He had a lot more to offer to the music industry
Hey Chris, I probably will be the only person asking for this, but could you make a vocal analysis on Damiano David from Maneskin? Many rock singers sing with no concern for their vocal health, like Kurt, even tho it sounded amazing it seems like it's not sustainable. Damiano in the other hand, seems more "controlled" (I can be wrong about it, that's why I'm asking an analysis), I think he can explore his voice really well in this grit aspect and I just wanted to understand more how he can do compression in so many ways.
I think it's a very good idea, with clickbaity title it can attract quite a lot views. Chris should try to get more publicity!
@@dawidekczerwinski yeah, also this. Maneskin is really popular now
I think this video shows a great didactical performance from you - Chris- as well!
Butch Vig said Cobain blew out his voice recording this. Great interview on Rick Beato's channel recently.
I just discovered you a couple weeks ago and have to say,...👍YES! I am enjoying your videos! Keep them coming😁
Man, this room looks so amazing
At 15:02 when he fades out on that "libido", is he changing his placement as he fades off, and maybe yodelling too? He had such amazing texture in his voice.
One thing not mentioned, and of course you couldn't cover EVERYTHING within such short time, but something that occured to me just a few months ago after 30 years of analysing it for 30 years on and off: the verses where he "lazily" sings - which by the way, the tone of those verses always gave me chills, they sound so haunting - is that you can sound lazy yet still give equal importance to each word. What he does on most parts, is each passing syllable between words is given this "ghost note" marking (if it were written on sheet music) with no emphasis. It's like reading the lyrics this way: Bring _ Friends _ Fun (to) Lose _ To... (and here each other word temporarily becomes more intelligible until it comes back here & there). Then you start resinging them and replacing the underscores with a "shy" word.
Thank you for these additions!
3:04 he goes full on rick sanchez lol
Thank you for this video! It’s so detailed!
Butch Vig : John Lenno-
Kurt : You son of a bitch I'm in
Awesome analysis! Loved it!
Great Video! RIP Kurt! You are forever missed...
It´s very interesting, and I can really get your point, because you have a much more educated voice and you naturally tend to do it "the right way" to somehow name it. Great video as always Chris!!!
Hey Chris, is there any chance you could review the isolated vocals of "Tuna In The Brine" from Silverchair, it's an amazing song and it would be interesting to see your analysis on this one
3:05 MORTY! WE NEED TO MAKE THE FOURTH NIRVANA ALBUM MORTY!
I appreciate this analysis so much. I've always absolutely loved Kurt's lack of perfection in both the singing and the guitar playing. Hell, the performance as a whole never really seems to be "perfected", intentionally.
Very good analysis! Thanks! I've enjoyed it very much.
Greetings!
Can you PLEASE do an Isolated Vocal Analysis of "Planet Caravan" cover by Pantera? I would love to listen to you break it down. Your videos are great, I always practice along when i cant get a part down for a cover! thanks!