Lyrical Content vs. Vocal Ability

Vocal Ability or Lyrical Content? Which do you prefer?

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#1
VOLatile

VOLatile

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#1
Which do you prefer? A singer/band that has meaningful lyrics but aren't that great in the way of vocal capability or a band/singer that can wail but their songs are meaningless?

Also, what do you think about the use of "vocalizers" and that sort of thing? (Hellogoodbye is heavy on these.)
 
#2
#2
Ummm. . . .both?

In more subdued or singer/songwriter styles, lyrics are premium, but my favorite musicians have voices that "match" the subject matter. Examples: Damien Rice's dark, unrefined, gritty style. The mystical voice of siren Tori Amos. The laid-back, smooth feel of Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, etc. I think you get the point.

As to the use of Auto-Tune and Vocoders, their use is widespread, especially in live applications. Digital music technology has advanced to the point that I can run myself through a system such as my brother uses and end up with perfect pitch and almost any quality, save pronunciation/accent. Ever heard a singer impromptu or without effects and thought "Wow, he/she sounds terrible! Nothing like the album." Bingo.
 
#3
#3
it depends. I voted lyrics, bu the beat/instrumental part has to fit the song as well. Bob Dylan's voice is horrible, but I could listen to him anytime. Same with Hendrix and his lyrics, while good, aren't exactly amazing. Neither of ACDC's frontmen were gifted vocally, but the way they deliver the music makes it enjoyable to listen to. However, without good lyrics, I could care less about the song.
 
#4
#4
I'm a big Bright Eyes fan that should tell you how I feel. Amazing song writer, flat out cant sing.
 
#6
#6
I prefer lyrics with content. But nowadays, you don't get lrical content from singers or rappers. 25-30 years ago, singers could actually SING AND have LYRICS... it was expected out of the artists.

Not so much anymore. Some of these singers have to electronically enhance their voice to make it sound good (Madonna, T-Pain) and most of these rappers have to rely on hooks and beats...
 
#7
#7
For me it's all about the delivery and approach to the music. Most bands that stand the test of time and history take their own unique approach to music. You have to keep the music fresh and give people a product they haven't heard before. I guess I wouldn't fall into either category.
 
#8
#8
I like both, but I guess I'd have to take content if I had to pick one.
 
#9
#9
VOLatile said:
Which do you prefer? A singer/band that has meaningful lyrics but aren't that great in the way of vocal capability or a band/singer that can wail but their songs are meaningless?

Also, what do you think about the use of "vocalizers" and that sort of thing? (Hellogoodbye is heavy on these.)
Click to expand...

Like C & C?
 
#12
#12
Rasputin_Vol said:
Not so much anymore. Some of these singers have to electronically enhance their voice to make it sound good (Madonna, T-Pain) and most of these rappers have to rely on hooks and beats...
Click to expand...

How many rappers can carry a tune? And do they really need to? Britney Spears, Ashley Simpson and the like wouldn't have careers in the music industry without enhancements to their voices.
 
#13
#13
rather have the vocals, they can sing about skittles or dog poo, but have a good beat and good vocals and i'll enjoy it
 
#16
#16
superdave1984 said:
How many rappers can carry a tune?
Click to expand...

Not many... my point is that with rapping, it isn't about singing. It is about cadence and flow. Not many of the top rappers have an interesting cadence or a flow that just blows you away. And in terms of lyrical content, most of these clowns are ABC/"mad/glad/sad" rappers. Just scribbling down anything that rhymes (Lil Wayne).
 
#17
#17
Rasputin_Vol said:
I prefer lyrics with content. But nowadays, you don't get lrical content from singers or rappers.
Click to expand...

Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen are still cranking out some pretty deep stuff. Ryan Adams has the best of both worlds (lyrics and vocals). There's a bunch of other artists putting good stuff out there, I think it's just not topping the charts like it used to a long time ago.
 
#18
#18
kptvol said:
Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen are still cranking out some pretty deep stuff. Ryan Adams has the best of both worlds (lyrics and vocals). There's a bunch of other artists putting good stuff out there, I think it's just not topping the charts like it used to a long time ago.
Click to expand...

Well, made a general statement, but as we know there are exceptions to the rule. But I think we can agree that the crap that sells nowadays doesn't have the same level of musicianship as it did 25-30 years ago...
 
#20
#20
Rasputin_Vol said:
Well, made a general statement, but as we know there are exceptions to the rule. But I think we can agree that the crap that sells nowadays doesn't have the same level of musicianship as it did 25-30 years ago...
Click to expand...

Yea, most of the crap that sells today doesn't even require a musician amongst the group.
 
#21
#21
kptvol said:
Ryan Adams has the best of both worlds (lyrics and vocals).
Click to expand...

Good call. He's a prick, but a great musician.

As to "lyrics don't matter," I guess it depends on your taste. I write, play, and sing, so I put a little bit more into the "meat" of an artist.
 
#22
#22
If have to choose, as a vocalist, I picked vocal ability, but I look for both as a rule. They are out there, Ben Folds for example, Billy Joel, Dan Fogleburg, James Taylor, and many more. Sometimes, I just want to listen to the instruments as in classical music and not have to even think about lyrics.

As far as electronic enhancement, I guess I'll show my age, I don't like it, particularly when it is used to make a mediocre voice sound acceptable. It is unfair to those who work to have good vocals.
 
#23
#23
VOLatile said:
Which do you prefer? A singer/band that has meaningful lyrics but aren't that great in the way of vocal capability or a band/singer that can wail but their songs are meaningless?

Also, what do you think about the use of "vocalizers" and that sort of thing? (Hellogoodbye is heavy on these.)
Click to expand...


I have to go with meaningful lyrics. Bobby Womack couldn't sing to save his life, but dude has emotion. I think I've worn one his greatest hits cd's out. this guy has a track where he talks through the whole song. that's probably the most gangster ish- i've heard.
 
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