Saturday, November 3, 2012

Vocal Range and Profile: Rihanna


Range: B2 - G5 - E6 (G7)
Longest Note: 11 seconds
Vocal Type: Light Lyric Soprano / Mezzo - Soprano (3 Octaves, 2 notes and a semitone)
Vocal Rating: C-
Recommended Listenings: Stay, Where Have You Been, What Now

Positives:
Her lower notes are where the voice finds it home, being dark, and velvety (See Love the Way You Lie Part 2 and Take Care). Her chest voice has over the years, has moved from a nasal tone to one that is brighter (but is placed in the throat). Her belts have also improved massively since Music of the Sun (See the last chorus of Diamonds). They are now more resonant and less shrill. Her head voice is full and sharp (See Fool in Love).

She can now hold notes for extended periods of time without wavering in pitch (See Where Have You Been). Her vibrato has become very well developed and rolling.

Negatives:
Her voice, especially live, becomes nasal. She also can miss notes pitch-wise, and in earlier recordings be off key. Her live vocal performances are always hit or miss. Her voice has also become incredibly raspy and suggests poor mixing. Overall, her voice has been a constant work in progress, but she has moved miles vocally from 2005 to present.


C#3 - C#6



B2 - Eb5 - E6