Posted by trike on 01/12/75 11:53

Doc wrote:
>
>
> I'm personally not keen on this "urban warble" style of vocal delivery
> that's become ubiquitous among female singers both black and white.

That's called "melisma."

It's a descendent of religious music, from Gregorian chant through
gospel music. When used sparingly, it is effective, but most of the
current pop versions of it seem directly linked to Mariah Carey's first
single. It has been used before by other pop musicians, of course, but
the pushing it to extremes (and gesturing with one hand fluttering)
seems to stem from Carey.

Another example can be heard in Queen's song "Somebody to Love."

Doug

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