Is there a specific term for this type of vocals?

graysnk2 wrote: Hey all, There's this certain type of vocals in certain progressive songs that I really like, but have trouble concisely putting into words, and can best be explained with examples. Wondering if there is a term for this style or at least some more specific adjectives to describe it than I can think of! Frank Zappa - The Adventures of Gregory Peccary ~8:12 National Health -Brujo ~2:40 Throughout Hatfield and the North's Debut(ex Son of Theres No Place Like Homerton, ~5:05) A Formal Horse's vocals as well I guess. The angelic, high to low to high notes, usually female, almost chanting, almost operatic... I lack the musical knowledge to describe it. Anyone know if this is a 'thing'? Or can describe what is happening musically/melodically/harmonically that these examples have in common? Any song recs for me based on these?

In "Brujo" what Amanda Parsons is singing sounds like it was written out as opposed to her improvising off the cuff. Various sections of her singing accommodate Dave Stewart's signature lines. The chord progression which sounds off at the beginning of the song are a grouping of chords that are melodic yet create dissonance simultaneously. The written idea transforms into visionary possibilities because it is creative.

It's no different than how a painting can make one feel. It's a dreamy piece even though it sounds a bit gymnastic towards the end. The style of singing projects Jazz and Classical combined..which is a style more commonly found in musicals , plays, and certain aspects to National Health music does in fact contain the essence of theater composition.

Zappa as well on many of his albums. 200 Motels was written for a play...a film..yet several of his albums which are not intended to be have the same style. It's a fun style to experiment with.

It has a certain characteristic to it. It's surfaced through Pop Music with artists like Laura Nyro and 10CC. The Beach Boys Smile contains some odd vocal phrasing using tri tone interval and coming across like dark chanting and having remarkable similarities to The Residents.

This style of singing has the essence of Broadway which at times can be corny..."Brujo" has the essence of Broadway style singing, but it's being turned into something else. Something more progressive. I do not know if there is a term for the style.

Edited by Sean Trane - April 09 2023 at 03:25

How do you describe Robert Plant? Winey? Weeny? Or John Fogerty and Lynyrd Sknyrd Free Bird. That's good music right? I mean...that's the kind of vocal style that dominates South Jersey so it must be good right? I mean has there ever been anyone else that good? Did we all pass the test of a redneck mentality in New Jersey social environment? Ok...moving rapidly right ✅️ along

I'm not that knowledgeable on vocal terms (even though I used to be a singer, albeit amateur), yet falsetto and head voice are not the same thing. Head voice is a more powerful or richer vocal thing than falsetto. I can differentiate them while listening.

As I hear, the parts that the OP mentions are, or are closer to falsetto, at least some of them. I said some of them, as both these modes normally refer to the upper registers and some of these parts are sung in the mid registers.

There are so many singing terms. So, I'm not exactly sure about this. There could be some other specific terms for these.

Hi! I think there's no particular term for that. You might just like high pitch vocals. Check this out: