Wednesday 23 September 2015

[Album Discussion] Lana Del Rey- "Honeymoon" / Leona Lewis- "I Am"


Two of our Divas have released new albums in quick succession. When it rains it pours!

First we had Leona Lewis' I Am, which was released on the 11th of September. It didn't exactly make a big splash, charting not so great in the UK(#12) or the US (#38)- though she smartly remains pragmatic about this. Now this week sees Lana Del Rey's Honeymoon drop, with predicted sales of 100k and a Billboard album chart position of #2. Not bad!

[Vocal Profile] Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis


Vocal Type: Light-Lyric Soprano
Vocal Range: C3 - A5 - Gb6 (3 octaves and a diminished fifth)
Whistle Register: Yes
Vocal Pluses:A light, dexterous and versatile voice, Leona Lewis is capable of fluid and effortless register transitions, holding notes for extensive amounts of time and utilising complicated melisma. As Leona has grown, her voice has increased in musicality, ultimately becoming more distinguishable. Although a thinness is present in the voice, this is balanced by a (signature) heavy, slow and hefty vibrato [Bleeding Love].

Leona has a quiet, feminine lower range that is surprisingly confident. It carries a striking, sombre tone and is often used as the lead register [Hurt], implying an easiness here. Although the voice lacks projection and support at its lowest, it has become easier for the Diva to traverse as she has aged. [The Best and The Worst].

The middle voice is significantly brighter, fulsome and cleaner in colour than the lower range, possessing a lyrical edge that she aptly uses to emphasize emotion [Fireflies]. It has become more rounded in sound over time, and with its solid connection to the rest of the voice, Leona often uses it during multi-octave runs and vocal slides. Ultimately, the mid-range is well developed and a solid part of the voice, known for its power and vulnerability [Better In Time].

Friday 18 September 2015

[New Music] Beyonce - ‘Runnin (Lose It All)’


The beehive have been a buzzing since news broke yesterday that Naughty Dog would be releasing a new song featuring their Queen, Beyonce. If that wasn't a big deal enough, he also told the world that the track, Runnin' (Lose It All), would be coming the following day at the exact time of * insert whatever it is* (I sure as hell ain't looking it up).

Thursday 17 September 2015

[Vocal Profile] Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams

Vocal Type: Lyric Mezzo-Soprano
Vocal Range: G#2 - Bb5, 3 Octaves 1 Note and a Semitone
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Strengths:Williams is in possession of a distinct vocal tone clean of grit and impurities, as well as solid musicality which she demonstrates with superb intonation and vocal phrasing. These intrinsic skills have served her well not only in the studio but during live performances (which include time on Broadway).

Wednesday 16 September 2015

[Watch] Ariana Grande Impersonates Christina Aguilera and Celine Dion On The Tonight Show


Ariana Grande rocked up to The Tonight Show where she gave an interview that I did not watch. What she also did was play the Wheel Of Musical Impressions with host Jimmy Fallon. Now that I did watch!

Monday 14 September 2015

[OMG] Warrior Queen Mariah Carey Comes To The Rescue in "Game Of War" Commercial


I'd heard the rumours that Mariah Carey was replacing Kate Upton in the new Game of War commercial. I just didn't quite believe it was going to happen. Oh, me of little faith. The resulting advert is out and is a perfectly pitched, tongue-in-cheek extravaganza that riffs off of her hit, Hero.

Leona Lewis Performs "Bleeding Love" for Radio 2's Live In Hyde Park 2015


Leona Lewis' new album I Am was released on the 11th of this month. So, it's no surprise that the Islington Diva is back out in the wild, promoting.