You must be a bomb teacher. Identifying the point is impressive enough, but being able to express it thoroughly and clearly while remaining concise isn’t easy but it’s such an amazing and useful skill.

@joshjohnson259

Ай бұрын

Yes

I love your honesty. It's great to participate in your genuine confusion on how to evaluate this unique singer.

"the way he hears harmony" I tried to comprehend it for like .4 seconds and felt my brain start to melt.

I really love the way you mix discussion of techniques while really examining personal style, an singer’s instrument and their intent. Thank you for such a great video.

Imo he seems to sing in this way to get a really warm dark timbre. He always seems to "play" his voice rather than "use" his voice.

@erlczarfantilaga7033

3 жыл бұрын

Sheesh you described it perfectly

@stahllandon

3 жыл бұрын

@@JA-xx7vw bro, did you read the comment? He is referring to how all of the sounds Jacob uses, whether they come from his voice or the instruments he plays have the same timbre. Criticizing art is fine, and explaining why you support art is fine, but ignoring half of a comment just to build a straw man is pretty sad.

@jaxorgate

3 жыл бұрын

@@JA-xx7vw So you know that you act like a sheep, but still use it to insult people that like an artist. That makes no sense at all. Plus Jacob knows more than you. A lot more.

@jaxorgate

3 жыл бұрын

@@JA-xx7vw yeah you have no problem being one yet use it as an insult... And you call me weird... Plus if you don’t care about his intelligence then why are you commenting about him at all. Like you clearly care if you are criticizing him. Maybe you’re just trolling because none of things you say make any sense. 🤨

@thekeyboardking2928

3 жыл бұрын

@@JA-xx7vw you cant be a sheep coz you are jesus. You are the Lamb of God

As a short angry wise man once said, he's "built differently."

@dellasx

2 жыл бұрын

I thought it was a frog..

I love this, 15 minutes of confused Sam

"Gosh, he's so weird." Yeah, yeah that's our boy Jacob...

I agree with the human below who says he “plays”his voice rather than “sings”. I feel like his aesthetic is one of every element is an accompaniment to everything else as the piece evolves and just hits record lol

Love how you respect the artist but give your own expertise that people are able to work with!

Only Jacob can make an incredibly experienced vocal technician say “What is the value of vocal technique?” 😂😂 love it

I've been waiting for this! Looking forward to watching ...

“What he has... I don’t think that’s teachable” that made me actually laugh out loud. It’s just how much of a non-human Jacob actually is 😂.

To see his out of this world musical brilliance...watch the video "Jacob Collier plays the same song is 18 increasingly complex emotions". You will definitely see he isn't normal.

@ANTFofficial

2 жыл бұрын

I just finished watching that video before coming to this one! Man Jacob's relationship with music is just insane! I wish I could articulate myself the way he does through music, it's just mind-blowing to me lol.

@bazingacurta2567

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, he is an undisputable genius. The guy's ability is insane, it almost seems impossible, it almost seems superhuman. There must be something different in his genes for sure, it is not normal to be so talented, not even if you work at it 14h a day for 30 years. One may not like his music, but its brilliance can't be disputed. It's funny, because his critics always say his music doesn't communicate on an emotional level, he can't write a simple, beautiful song, etc. That's complete bullshit. Jacob already has some very simple, gorgeous songs in his repertoire, and at 26 I'm pretty sure he can do whatever the hell he wants throughout the rest of his life.

I mean, Collier does jazz, R+B, folk even. He isn’t necessarily a vocalist, he’s a composer/arranger and treats the voice as one melodic/harmonic line within the composition/arrangement. The clarity of the voice itself is probably just not as important as its musical relation to everything else that’s going on. Guy is a harmonic genius though, like a post-jazz Bach.

@klop123rt

3 жыл бұрын

Just say he a musician

@magicfooler

3 жыл бұрын

Dood is main instrument is the Voice wtf ahahaha was what he studied

@PitboyHarmony1

3 жыл бұрын

You might want to KZread search and spend some real time listening to his a Capella multi-track stuff. He is first and foremost a vocalist, and he also plays a crap load of instruments. There are videos there that literally have hundreds of 'one melodic/harmony lines' going at the same time, so not only is he a genius at arranging harmonies ... he can actually perform them. Now if you define 'not necessarily a vocalist' only on the scale of operatic or serious vocal heavyweights like Elle Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Bowie, Pastry Cline or Freddy Mercury ... then fine, but one wonders if they would be able to actually perform his arrangements if dropped into todays multitrack tech. Yes, he's a Bach ... but he can also perform it. Thats no lightweight skill.

@chopin4525

3 жыл бұрын

"Post Jazz Bach"? TF?

@JacobawSnow

3 жыл бұрын

@@klop123rt nah-he was right. Dude is genius level. Musician doesn’t really capture that.

I've been looking forward to Sam doing Jacob Collier for a while and was not disappointed. Excellent entertaining educating breakdown, really made my day watching this.

I love how everyone here is defending Collier as if not every single thing on the Internet piles nothing but praise for Collier. Like, literally, go anywhere where someone says something about Jacob Collier and 100% of it is praise. Sam is clearly analyzing his sound through the lens of vocal coach. Collier clearly has landed on this sound on purpose. But it has some challenges to it, and Sam is just drawing our eyes to it. It’s kinda like Bon Iver. You can be a brilliant person but still have some stylistic choices that have challenges associated with them.

@MeTakingAStand

3 жыл бұрын

I think this is important to point out. There are valid critiques (by which I mean thought out, informed critiques) of his style, and I think Jacob's fans (myself included) tend to get defensive because of how his music hits our brains. Generally speaking, most of the internet/music world has nothing but admiration for him, and I think that's 100% justified. Sam's critique is 100% valid, and I felt like I came away from this video understanding more about what it means to improve as a vocalist, which I believe is the reason for videos like these. I can think of no artwork that someone cannot meaningfully critique and find an area with which they disagree, and that's alright.

@lapetitecuillereetlepaindo3005

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that comment because I feel like Jacob himself is actually aware of his limitations as a musician. He has crazy ears and is a theory wizard, but traditional piano "chops" or great singing voice aren't what makes him a great musician.

@Superdelphinus

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, he definitely appeals to the sort of people that get extremely obsessed and culty about things. Personally, I really thing is voice sounds a bit daft. Tremendous from a technical perspective, but it sounds a bit like a frog singing to me.

@Stryder157

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed except for you dragging Justin Vernon into this. Thats silly. They're not comparable.

@chronicmango

3 жыл бұрын

@@Stryder157 oh. Oh I love me some Bon Iver. One of my favorite bands. Justin and crew are some of the most brilliant people to ever make music. Just has some challenges from time to time.

For an example of someone who typically is considered to have limited vocal technique yet is able to deliver stunningly brilliant musical performances, Billie Holiday comes to mind. There is a live video recording of her singing "Strange Fruit" on KZread, titled "Billie Holiday - "Strange Fruit" Live 1959 [Reelin' In The Years Archives]". For those who are not familiar with it, it's pretty heavy stuff: both the power of the performance, and the lyrics.

@Bigandrewm

3 жыл бұрын

To rebut myself: the only thing about Billie Holiday that is technically limited is her vocal range, which is a bit narrow. She is one of the best ever with achieving vocal coloring and exuding the emotions of lyrics.

@crosita1

3 жыл бұрын

Ahh haha thanks for that self-rebuttal. I don't think range has necessarily all that much to do with technical skill level. I would say Collier, despite his pitch range, has nothing near the overall technical range Holliday has. Really interesting contrast. Will be checking out that video for sure

@ma.storysinging

3 жыл бұрын

Difficult comparison here...I do see how you’re putting them in the same page but I mean how to even put in the same sentence a guy is musically educated ever since he was in a womb and Billie Holiday who just kind of figured out a way to sing by herself

@samuellee7585

2 жыл бұрын

@@Bigandrewm Billy holiday also lived a rough life, that emotion comes through in her sound. I dont get any of that from Jacob's music

This is what I sound like if I’m singing and yawn in the middle of it, but like, he makes it sound way cooler

"He also might just be really skinny" 6:46

I'm not a singer, but I have to say that this was such a fantastic reaction video. I LOVE how you are able to clearly draw attention to vocal concepts that are all completely new to me. Great video!

I just love how Sam listens for like 3 seconds and then perfectly mimics the sound 😂😂 pure comedy 😄🙌

@irminasawinska34

3 жыл бұрын

I am completely amazed by that and when I can see how Sam can copy perfectly all the sounds of all different kinds of artists I feel like I want to marry him on spot to simply check what else he can do Lol😜🙊

@NagoyaHouseHead

3 жыл бұрын

@@irminasawinska34 I dont think he's into women actually ...

@bharp4390

3 жыл бұрын

@@NagoyaHouseHead He has a girlfriend. Go watch his Leontyne Price video. Nice assumption based off of nothing, btw.

@LetsRaZe

3 жыл бұрын

@@bharp4390 What's wrong with having assumptions? It's not like being gay is a bad thing? Would you be amazed if someone thinks you are rich because you have an Iphone in your hand? Assumptions are ok imo. Sam has feminine traits (i have too) which might make someone feel like he is gay (as i have been told too).

@nezkeys79

3 жыл бұрын

@@LetsRaZe being told your gay just because youre not an alpha male is annoying tho

ive been waitin for this one!

what an amazing experience to listen to jacob singing and sam's explanations. love it!

I have nothing but respect for Jacob. He is amazing at his craft. Cannot stand the back of the throat singing, it's just a personal preference, nothing to do with his talent.

@gilliandoplemore9357

3 жыл бұрын

agree

@PerniciousPecker

3 жыл бұрын

I would say that's the right frame of mind. Jacob himself has stated multiple times that the way he uses his voice is about personal emotional choices that are informed by his musical education and exploration. But that does not mean that everyone will agree with that choice, it's simply what sounds right to him. Edit: I should mention, by the way, that I am a huge fan of Jacob and adore his singing. However, as I am not the supreme authority on aesthetics in music, I guess I should concede that, on occasion, people have differing opinions.

@123Ir0nman

3 жыл бұрын

Same here

@PerniciousPecker

3 жыл бұрын

@@SonusCosmos Possibly, but I'd rather not jump to that assumption anytime I hear Jacob being criticized. With recognition and success come hate and jealousy, for sure, but that doesn't mean that any opposition has to be mean-spirited.

@KEVBOYMUSIC

3 жыл бұрын

@@SonusCosmos Yeah, and I enjoy many aspects of the music he makes. I still don't like how his voice sounds, though. I'm sure there are plenty of extremely talented musicians/artists etc that you don't like because what they do just doesn't appeal to you. What if someone told you "you should just relax and enjoy it instead of getting hung up on your personal taste"? That's just silly.

I don't know if you have a video about how you became a voice teacher. But I would like to know that.

@rmaloy2794

3 жыл бұрын

He explained it at one point, but I can't remember if it was part of another video or one unto itself. Maybe he can point you to it, though.

@claudemadelienemarie

3 жыл бұрын

It might have been in a Q&A video but I’ll double-check! ;)

been waiting so long for you to review Collier! Love it!

Amazing as always Sam! Always been wondering more about his vocal technique and here I got some great answers. Thanks. All love 💙 Always.

It's amazing how his manages his air. That falsettos are so nice. He is so unique...

Just watched Jacob's video separate from your reaction. He talks the same way as he sings in his intro to this performance. Also, I enjoyed his performance much more when I closed my eyes. I think his chord progressions were brilliant, especially in light of this performance being specifically for a group supporting people dealing with cancer. The progression seemed to take me through the shock, heartbreak, acceptance, endurance, and finally overcoming and moving into a new reality that I could imagine happens during one's experience with the disease. This may not be my daily preference for listening, but certainly created some moments of goosebumps. Also, loved your review

@thomasmoerman4115

3 жыл бұрын

I think this is exactly what it is. Jacob also spoke about he finds it wonderful that some people speak the same way they sing (like Stevie Wonder) so I'm sure that's what he is going. Also, I completely agree with the sentiments the whole arrangement you are describing. I believe Jacob would love this interpretation of his work!

@elinemay

3 жыл бұрын

Really well phrased. That's exactly how I felt. Jacob is so connected to the music that the sound doesn't matter, it's about the contrasts he makes which is very interesting and colourful. It has so many feelings in it because of his excellent way of expressing himself.

as always, such a good video ❤️

oooh i loved this! please do more of him if u wanna :)

It sounds like Jacob wants to sound like a bassoon at low notes, a clarinet at mid notes, and a saxophone at high notes. When I was little, I used to practice getting my voice to sound like various woodwind/brass instruments for fun, between singing lessons 🤪. For me personally, I ultimately found it inconvenient to have to switch between “instruments” during a song, so I learned (and am STILL learning) to blend my “instruments” back into my voice for an easier and less jarring experience for myself and my audience. Here, the words seem almost irrelevant - it feels like an auditory tour of color, you know? Fascinating stuff. Thank you for your analysis! So so interesting!

Oh my god, Everytime you change the way you're talking to mimic the sound he makes when he sings it just blows my mind. Like there's another person talking

Really good vidoe, honest reactions which is nice to see

I really loved this video thanks!

You've hit the jackpot. Great objective analysis. Please... more Jacob Collier! You'll have a blast!

I agree with one of your other commenter's remark that he appears to "play" his voice like an instrument rather than utilize it for typical singing tones. I find it quite interesting, and would be fascinated to hear him do a song where he uses his voice to add to the instrumental harmonic than to actually attempt to sing words. The words get lost and in a way lose their meaning as they don't resonate mentally as words. If I listen to him sing, expecting to enjoy a lyrical piece, I would throw my phone out the window. So I choose to enjoy his technique as an instrument that he is manipulating to create a unique sound not commonly heard.

Sam you're so knowledgeable! The respect for Collier is clear but your understanding of what he does and why is refreshing!

Your explanations and breakdowns are very much appreciated.

When I first heard his singing, I thought kind of similar things. I was a bit distracted by his jaw. The more information I got about him, the more I was sure that it was a stylistic choice. He was one of the best classical boy sopranos in Brittain, singing for example in Mozarts Magic Flute, as one of the three boys. He was honoured with one of the highest singing and musical hearing certificate as a child. Therefore I can't imagine, that he doesn't know exactly what he is doing.

@meredithheath5272

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting info!

@Alfredo78666

2 жыл бұрын

So you like him because of what you heard or because what you read?

@cynicreviewer

Жыл бұрын

So your argument for why music is good is basically “this sounds bad to my ears, but this guy is a highly credited musician, so I must be just uncultured if its not having an artistic effect on me”?

@dougseed3500

Жыл бұрын

@@Alfredo78666 Sounds like its both.

The first time I heard Jacob sing I thought exactly the same thing, but then I heard him talk, and it's almost exactly the same texture as how he sings. There's something about the way he's made that makes that texture and colour so comfortable for him. He seems to be able to do other things vocally, but this is his 'go to'. He also seems to prioritise colour and texture over clarity and sibilance. I think that's why so many vocalist struggle with his voice (myself included).

your conclusion is pure gold... I would love to hear it more often.

the way Jacob keeps every moment fresh with non-repetitive tones and sounds and colors is one of my favorite things about him

I think that its important to remember that Jacob thinks of his voice the way that various jazz instrumentalists do. I think the way he plays with phrasing and breath coordination is meant to achieve changes in color the way that arrangers would use ones and trumpets to play melodies at different points of a piece to create changes in texture.

@WilliamArnold

3 жыл бұрын

Okay, but I think part of Sam's point is that he only uses certain colors.

@rodolforuiz663

3 жыл бұрын

@@WilliamArnold you should check out some of Jacobs albums and other performances. He uses a lot of layering to create different textures. His version of Flintstones is otherworldly lol I get where sam comes from but I think it's like comparing a fuel efficient car with a big rig. While Sam sings, he's not a singer the same way someone like Beyonce or Pavarotti are singers. They all do different things so to speak But I admit, it would be awesome to see Jacob work with a coach and see if he is capable of making different sounds.

@WilliamArnold

3 жыл бұрын

@@rodolforuiz663 I've heard a bunch of his work. My favorite videos were the ones he was making, at one point, where people would send him a melody and he would create something with it. I really appreciate his artistry and personality, I've just never been a big fan of his voice. I think Sam did a good job of pinpointing the problem, if you can call it that.

@tijl.c7393

2 жыл бұрын

Too bad his voice is like a out of tune contrabass.

I cannot stand Jacob Collier, but if I look to my right I have a little pile of pens and some paperwork and he has a shelf with a row of Grammies on, so I don't suppose he's losing any sleep over what I think.

@AngelaSealana

3 жыл бұрын

🤭

@btat16

3 жыл бұрын

He’ll be the first to tell you, I’m sure, that tastes vary from person to person. There’s no right way to like music or no right music to like. His style has become more to my taste recently because I think he’s a lot more conservative and tasteful with his chord choices now. But I can see how his style of music still can be a bit much for some others. And that’s completely ok! There’s no bad music or bad tastes.

@Sicram

3 жыл бұрын

@ok zoomer He seems like a nice enough guy. A bit loopy, but I guess that comes with the territory of musical genius. His music does my head in though.

@tyler-xo3rb

3 жыл бұрын

@ok zoomer ah, yes the classic "you have to like everyone" take. THAT'S yikes

@lokidecat

3 жыл бұрын

But seriously, LOL @ a "Flintstones" Grammy... still counts tho!

Love your channel, Sam. You’re great.

I love this video, jacob is great and this is very educational.

Okay, I must admit that the level of vocal pedagogy here is phenomenal. It's one thing to analyze and explain why someone's voice is doing what it does - but to be able to duplicate their vocal posture and sound based solely off of a video is masterful!

I find his music really interesting, I think part of the problem is that there may not be an instrument that has been invented yet for the sound and blend of harmonies he is trying to mimic from what is in his head. His voice is the closest thing he has to what he truly wants perhaps. I bet if we all had a brain link to him we would do nothing but weep, elate, float, etc. He seems really far ahead of his time.

@AngelaSealana

3 жыл бұрын

I feel blessed to be alive at the same time and for the Internet so I can hear his music 🎶

@LyndseyMacPherson

3 жыл бұрын

I believe you've nailed it, perfectly.

@AMTunLimited

3 жыл бұрын

Holy hell I think you're right. I think it's really interesting that he hasn't gone down a microtonal rabbit hole even though he absolutely has the capacity for it

@Plafintarr

3 жыл бұрын

There is such an instrument in my opinion. Just search for "Jacob Collier harmonizer". It's like he has 10 Colliers at his fingertips. The instrument was custom made for him.

@josephmooney7515

3 жыл бұрын

@@Plafintarr 100%. He’s a whole new thing on the harmonizer. I’ve watched his MIT performance soo many times - it’s the best thing to ever come through my ears. I keep coming back to it.

Its great to hear an explanation as to why his voice sounds the way it does. I have always wondered!

probably the best video of the channel love him talking about jacob

I'm in my fourth year of studying music in university, and I commonly refer to Jacob Collier as a more jazzy Bach. His techniques and ability to utilize micro-tonality is nothing short of brilliant. The choices he makes are conscious. He is sure of what he is doing and making the choices to make the music he wants to make. He is a once in a lifetime musician that will go down (among musicologists) in the study of 21st-century music.

@Superdelphinus

3 жыл бұрын

I think being conscious and precise about everything he’s doing is actually one of his downfalls too. Before the cult of Jacob descends on me, I like some of his stuff but too much of it is overly fussy and lacks emotional resonance for me.

@Relflow

3 жыл бұрын

​@@Superdelphinus A cultist of Jacob Collier here, I have something for your, "lacks of emotional resonance" retort for you. kzread.info/dash/bejne/d4t80samdKvYnps.html Or if you prefer a song instead, have a search at, "In The Real Early Morning - Jacob Collier." I prefer this version, kzread.info/dash/bejne/gIeW2st_mqSXirQ.html as it's more intimate with just a voice and a piano, over the Orchestral version of this musical piece. Everything he does is actually in service of provoking those unknowable strings of emotion. How else could anyone write truly human music? Even in his more bombastic and grandiose songs. In the end, it's alright if you don't like his music.

@brianmi40

2 жыл бұрын

They could teach an entire course on Moon River: 8 key centers, microtonal harmony, and purposeful change of reference pitch to maximize the punch of key changes....

@scottmasson3039

2 жыл бұрын

I think he’s a virtuoso for other virtuoso musicians. None of my friends know who he is. All my friends know who Bach is. I think he’s amazing, but I don’t see him being studied 100 years from now. Not to mention, our species isn’t even going to be here. Lol

@JustinLe

2 жыл бұрын

@@scottmasson3039 I'm not a huge fan of Bach or Jacob, but it's interesting to note that Bach wasn't very well known as a composer in his time either outside of a small group of fanboys. it wasn't until the late 19th/early 20th cent that his works were rediscovered by nerds and is now widely popular.

I'd love your thoughts on Kimbra, she has some quirks herself with her voice. There's plenty of live studio performances to choose from... Too many

@achenarmyst2156

2 жыл бұрын

Listen to her “Come into my Head”. And of course her cooperation with Jacob “In My Bones”.

Love hearing the objectivite analysis Sam. It's the best kind to learn from!

I love your description and reaction to him almost as much as I love listening to and discovering what makes Jacob Collier unique, perhaps once in a generation.

I mean, Sigur Rós sing like that as well, Björk also, it sounds very Icelandic to me 🤷

@SnowLilies

3 жыл бұрын

Immediately thought of Sigur Ros, very interesting sound.

@tonimaunde

3 жыл бұрын

But Sigur produces a richer sound, even on falsettos.

I love this analysis of his vocal technique of shaping the colour and style of his voice in one of my favorite songs of him. I appreciate it a lot. But sometimes I think for a more holistic analysis or appreciation of what Jacob is doing we should notice and mention his improvisational ability (which is only possible due to his extensive technical training) including the tonal and harmonic qualities he is engaging in, such as how hard it is to navigate changing keys, sing chord extensions right on the spot (which is obviously an area of expertise for him) while also controling the shapes of those sounds - which is analysed in detail here.

Love the honesty

Loved your honest breakdown and struggle with his sounds.

Thanks so much for reacting to him, like many, I've been so fascinated by his musicianship, but nobody ever talks about his voice. It isn't for everybody but it still ends up being absolutely fascinating. Also, can I recommend you react to his song Make Me Cry (Mahogany Session)? Thanks :)

Great reaction to his unique singing voice. He actually comes from a classical singing background. He took lessons and performed as a boy soprano including performing in several professional productions of the opera Turn of the Screw. When his voice broke, he started to experiment with his voice as more of an instrument and it evolved into how he sings today.

@lorenzomercuriali2891

3 жыл бұрын

Broke? What does that mean?

@hawleyolsen170

3 жыл бұрын

@@lorenzomercuriali2891 I think it refers to puberty and the way the voice box changes, especially in men. You know the awkward, squeaky voice cracking stage when it's in between? I think that's the break.

@DSteinman

3 жыл бұрын

He seems to draw a lot from the classical countertenor sound. You often find that sort of vocal nimbleness in someone who was a boy soprano and kept singing as their voice changed - being in good vocal shape helps them keep their high notes

@anitap3164

3 жыл бұрын

@@lorenzomercuriali2891 Sorry, voice "broke" is slang for when an adolescent voice (usually in reference to males) changes as their larynx finish growing. That's when men get their deeper voices. For boy sopranos, their voice and singing undergo a major change. Boy sopranos very very rarely sound similar to when they become adults.

@Superdelphinus

3 жыл бұрын

I’m sure there’s an element of this, but it is also not a million miles away from just being a standard classical way of singing though. I think he got to grade 8 singing didn’t he?

Sam Johnson - this video is very fascinating! (from someone who knows nothing!) Thank you for these videos!

Sam, I love hearing you sing! Please do a cover or sing something for us. 🥰

Little does he know that Jacob can crush all styles.

@GrungeyMr

3 жыл бұрын

its a common critique of the tamber of his voice, which comes from the rased pallet in his accent from where in england he comes from. probably too hard for even him to unlearn to rase his pallet and sing with a natural sound.

@jennaroark

3 жыл бұрын

Lolol “little does he know”.... he knows.

@markanthony5897

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, little do we all know all things.

@upsidedownpyramid7617

3 жыл бұрын

And all instruments

@KEVBOYMUSIC

3 жыл бұрын

@@GrungeyMr There are plenty of singers that have the same accent that don't sing like that. It's definitely a choice he's making.

Jacob is such an audiophile that he's recorded from his bathroom simply because he liked the way it sounded more than elsewhere, so I'm gonna say that every single note he singes--and the manner in which he sings those notes--is 100% intentional. He's probably the most cerebral musician I can think of right now, and I think Jacob knows exactly the sound he wants to have. I'm quite certain he's aware of his limitations and his style grew from a knowledge of them rather than his style fitting a mold. His music isn't for everyone, and not all of his songs are even for all of those who like his music; however, even the songs I don't like as much, I see nothing but complete mastery and pure genius. Cool to see people who aren't as familiar with him engage with his music.

Tremendously insightful analysis! I'm not a singer, and have never stopped to think about what makes Jacob's singing effective or ineffective, but to see such a well-articulated breakdown and critique of his technique from a vocal coach's perspective is a pleasure.

i'm a fan of jacob collier.... and i loved your analize and the things you said, i learned alot.

To me, Jacob is the epitome of a choir nerd. Amazing musicality, indefinite harmonies, the ability to change his pitch and tone at will.... and maybe not the most optimal vocal techniques.

@brianmi40

2 жыл бұрын

And yet the person with the highest grade in opera singing from the Royal College of Music in London

@thealaskapicker8628

2 жыл бұрын

I would say his vocal technique is pretty okay... hahaha

@jreal3072

2 жыл бұрын

You can know everything about singing and not have a nice voice. Example is Jacob. His style is limited and not sustainable. It’s not what they are taught and says a lot.

@brianmi40

2 жыл бұрын

@@jreal3072 "and not have a nice voice." And yet, somehow, the highest score in opera singing ever granted by the Royal Academy, and staring in an opera at a young age. " It’s not what they are taught" So much for your "learned opinion". do tell: how long have you TAUGHT AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY????

@simplykiki9411

2 жыл бұрын

@@brianmi40, what does that have to do with the fact that his voice is a little unpleasant?

Some of his singing technique reminds me of Patrick Watson. You may have heard the song "To build a home" by The Cinematic Orchestra. He is the one singing on there. I also recommend checking out and reacting to the live version of "Broken" filmed for CBC.

Finally, a video reaction which is worth it to watch. The man's analyzing Jacob's technique.

Please do more Jacob Collier! Loved the vid!

I don't enjoy Collier but I do find him interesting. There are choices being made that he commits to way more than most ppl ever would intentionally, and because he leans into it and chooses it and isn't just accidentally dropping his larynx randomly, I can respect it as an artistic choice even though I don't necessarily find it to be a good choice. So it's like, okay, I get it, he's sound painting, not singing. Fair enough.

"He is so weird..." Yeah he pretty much is

I like your take on Jacob´s voice. First time I watch your channel, I like your professionalism.

BTW, Sam. I have watched for years and really enjoy and appreciate your expertise.

I'm a visual artist and I'm of the opinion that talent doesn't exist. At least not in the "you were born this way", it just happens to you kind of way. I see talent as a product of loving what you do so much is doesn't matter if you're good or bad. You keep doing it over and over and over until you develop skills that other people see as some god given gift. Jacob adores music, you can see it when he plays and talks about it. He lives for music and has for his whole life it seems and was given the opportunities and space to develop that love. He's very much a product of self-exploration and study. He sings like himself and that's why it can't be taught.

@jeworthy

3 жыл бұрын

You nailed it.

@juliarichter6987

3 жыл бұрын

I get protective when people try to narrow this space. Especially of young people. And Jacob Collier, he loves so much what he is doing, it makes me happy!

@SludgeMan90

8 ай бұрын

Then you are completely delusional about the realities of talent

@mobilesoundexperiments3719

6 ай бұрын

Absolutely, I'm someone who, while Music is one of the things I love doing most, I have way too many interests and I was never able to develop all of them to a high level, like Jacob did with his music. Although much like him, I'm also not able to focus on a single instrument, which makes me think, how good Jacob he could be at a single instrument if he had only practiced that his whole life.

@toastzombie18

6 ай бұрын

@mobilesoundexperiments3719 Yeah, I wish I had the patience to sit down and really work at learning an instrument, but I just don't have the drive. If you read up on Jacob's life, he was home schooled and given free reign on what he wanted to focus on. He also grew up with musicians. Given that background and the years of study he put in at a young age, it's no wonder he can do what he does. A lot of talent is fostered because of extreme privilege and accessibility.

I like Rainbow Connection so I have no issues with his voice

"There are no 'rules' in music just guidelines" taken to the max.

this was the first video i watched of yours and i just cracked everytime you were demonstrating his sound and sounded like patrickk but the video was awesome!

This is seriously the best analysis on Jacob’s voice and talent. Absolutely spot on. Subbed 👍🏼

I'm so pleased to hear someone point out all the things that I find offputting about Jacob's singing. I enjoy listening to his music, but find his vocal tone is a major distraction.

I couldn't agree more with you!

love your t shirt!

I really don't like Jacob's voice, although I recognize his genius and I guess now I know the reasons for it a little better! thank you Sam ❤ he's so young, I think he could benefit from constructive criticism like this and not just automatic praisings.

@jas_bataille

3 жыл бұрын

I totally get it, but Jacob got the highest grade from the Royal London college of music ever, in 2008, and received a medal for this achievement. I can tell you he can sing absolutely anything in any which way he wants. He can sing harmonics and probably have around 6 octaves range. I understand why you're not liking his voice, but I can assure you that he can sing in any styles he wants to. I mean listen to this for instance : kzread.info/dash/bejne/laioqMOnhpPVZ8Y.html HIs lead is almost a perfect copy of Stevie's Wonder voice with exceptional clarity. It's not that, you know, he couldn't benefit from criticism... It's just that I don't know anyone who could teach him anything, our favorite teacher here, included. He is one in 100 million.

@brianmi40

2 жыл бұрын

As the person with the highest grade in opera singing from the Royal College of Music in London, and the first Brit to have a Grammy awarded for EACH of his first 4 albums, I think he'll "get by".

@stinglikeabeee

2 жыл бұрын

@@jas_bataille that's why music is subjective

I love his music. But I had to learn what he was doing with his vocal harmonies for me to appreciate his vocal style. Took a while, but now his voice can bring me to tears. Dude is a trip's trip.

Omg ok, we heard your outro... dude, you have the knowledge and all, but understand the difference between a genius and a teacher. Much respect for real, but Jacob is at another level.

The way you're going through an inner debate, vocalized by you, is amazing. It's basically the biggest juxtaposition in music in general. Does the simplicity mean it's bad, does it have to be advanced to be good? Or vice versa or whatever. It's fun and interesting listening to you comment on what one can learn and what one can't learn. And I guess that's also one of the comments you had: You can learn to imitate, but you can't learn to do what he does, because what he does is basically him being him. Great episode. Great dialogue. Lovely food for thought! :clapclapclap:

He rearrenges songs in a way that's real pretty.

The way he sings here is definitely a matter of choice and not ability. He explores many different styles of singing in his albums. He also did a masterclass in Paris where at the 18 minute mark in the 26 minute clip, he demonstrates many different formants essentially like he is EQing himself live. But as someone who absolutely loves Jacob, I think one thing that everyone including Jacob can happily agree on is that he's WEIRD. I just happen to love his weird and many people understandably don't.

@OliveOliFera

3 жыл бұрын

I would love to see that video 🤩

@helenstrand2409

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe it's this one kzread.info/dash/bejne/n4B-uNijobDQktI.html

@OliveOliFera

3 жыл бұрын

@@helenstrand2409 thank you so much!!

@anshmehta5752

3 жыл бұрын

I really really like this comment because it explains "weird" as a compliment in that he doesn't have to even implicitly justify or explain his choices. And yes, for a lot of people commenting here (not necessarily in this thread), these are choices - not a question of his ability. He does not have to explain choices in an attempt for them to be palatable. As he says often, a lot of his music is experimentation - he is playing. The nebulous nature of his music is at the heart of it - and not because he's being edgy or because he's immature, but because he is very happy to be himself unapologetically.

@1ifemare

3 жыл бұрын

That's my problem. I recognize his immense talent and originality. But to me, his compositions sound like those charity covers where 30 singers are asked to sing a line each. Too much variation in each voice. His music has the same schizophrenic feeling for me.

Very very interesting criticism. Love it! Jacob is brilliant

Now subscribed. Really impressed with the acuity of the presenter.

I wonder how he’d react to Collier’s “Moon River” arrangement. Comparing how he reacted in this video with how he may react in that video would be fascinating, I think.

Diana Ankudinova is a young performer who shocks us with her pleasant voice and takes us into the abyss of events!!! Diana Ankudinova is unique and inimitable, goosebumps from her voice!=)))) Diana sings as if she lives in the song! The soul freezes or opens with Diana's voice.=))))))) I am a musician who has been with music for years, and believe me, I have not heard such a tone in all these past years. 1000000%!!!🔥🔥🔥🎤🎤🎤🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶......Amazing Amazing Amazing---Beauty in every minute!!!

@7Taric

3 жыл бұрын

I join in the request to pay attention to *Diana* *Ankudinova* ! Maybe you are not interested in it at all? Then I will not disturb you with my requests!

@sergeykot8753

3 жыл бұрын

Diana Ankudinova 😊👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💫💫💫🎉🎉🎉💯💯💯

Loved the 'A/B testing' analogy, damn that's so true haha

Good video, I don't know how much of me agreeing with you is how your videos have shaped my expectation of vocalist, or how much of it is me developing an ear for vocals. I wish I were more active on your Discord.

Sam: "His technique doesn't seem as versatile to me, but he's so good at this specialty that the question is does it matter? For this channel, the purpose is to learn how to make the sounds we want by analyzing other singers. It's an interesting question because he's just SO SURE OF HIMSELF and his instrument, and NOT TRYING TO BE ANYONE ELSE... 🙁🤔(*Existential pause)... He's a really interesting singer." I'm sure Jacob would concur.

I couldn't agree more with your assessment Sam. The first time I heard him, I was bowled over by his composition in "Hideaway". But he plays for a minute before his vocals come in, and then when he started singing, I was not... blown away by his voice the way I am by his everything else. I guess it's good he's only got a "really good" vocal instrument instead of a legendary one like he does with his understanding of harmony. Otherwise I'd think he wasn't mortal.

@amynickell7487

2 жыл бұрын

Regardless, he's stunning. I still think he isn't mortal :)

FINALLY! Thanks to Sam, I understand now how Sigur Ros create their unique, otherworldly vocal sounds. Love how you dissect a single tone - scientist style!

listening to him sing puts me on edge a little. like my jaw is hurting as i imagine the way he's producing those sounds