Who was better vocally? Stevie or Christine?

[Mokona]

So I was listening to the Mac tonight in my car and I thought of this. Stevie has that husky vibratto and Christine has that smooth as velvet sound, so as far as vocal abilities go, I kind of think Christine is a bit better.

I favor Stevie in almost every way, but mostly because her music and sound are so unique that I enjoy listening to her much more, but I can't deny that Christine has some seriously smooth pipes.

What're your thoughts?

[GateandGarden]

I would say it depends on the song and era.

Right now I would say Christine is a better singer. In 1973, Stevie was probably better, IMO.

[AliceLover]

Thats a very hard question IMO. I think Stevie uses her range more than Christine, but Christine always seems to be singing in the upper register. And I really can't think of a time where Christine has sounded horrible at a show, whereas if its Stevie I can think of plenty. :p

[Mokona]

I would say it depends on the song and era.

Right now I would say Christine is a better singer. In 1973, Stevie was probably better, IMO. Stevie definitely had some real power back then and she does use a lot more of her range than Christine. That's probably the reason why Christine is easy for me to sing along with, whereas with Stevie, I can't even begin to try. :p

[GateandGarden]

Stevie definitely had some real power back then and she does use a lot more of her range than Christine. That's probably the reason why Christine is easy for me to sing along with, whereas with Stevie, I can't even begin to try. :pWell, I do think it all depends. I don't think it's too easy to navigate through songs like "Prove Your Love" and "You Make Lovin' Fun." And then she seems to be using her lower range a bit more on In the Meantime.

And then with Stevie, I can't even begin to sing some of her most recent songs because they're ridiculously low for me. :laugh: But then songs like the Rumours version of "Silver Springs" and others like "Bella Donna," I find easy enough. Well, Chris has her easy-to-sing tunes, too. "Say You Love Me" and "Believe Me" are relatively easy in my book.

I'm going all over the place. Sorry. :laugh:

[MacMan]

Well, I do think it all depends. I don't think it's too easy to navigate through songs like "Prove Your Love" and "You Make Lovin' Fun." And then she seems to be using her lower range a bit more on In the Meantime.

And then with Stevie, I can't even begin to sing some of her most recent songs because they're ridiculously low for me. :laugh: But then songs like the Rumours version of "Silver Springs" and others like "Bella Donna," I find easy enough. Well, Chris has her easy-to-sing tunes, too. "Say You Love Me" and "Believe Me" are relatively easy in my book.

I'm going all over the place. Sorry. :laugh:


You can be the harmony part now that Stevie is so low... :nod:

[LiquidBlue5000]

Bekka!!!!!!! :nod: :p

[mcboo]

it's like comparing apples to oranges (or melons ;) )

I like Stevies voice better, but I also enjoy listening to Christine. I REALLY like it when they are singing together and Lindsey joins in... :thumbsup:

[Mokona]

All I'm able to sing are the low parts, so we can all harmonize! I have absolutely no upper register, or if I do, it's on vacation somewhere. :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

Apples and oranges. They're both great singers, unique in their own ways.

[dissention]

Thats a very hard question IMO. I think Stevie uses her range more than Christine, but Christine always seems to be singing in the upper register. And I really can't think of a time where Christine has sounded horrible at a show, whereas if its Stevie I can think of plenty. :p

Stevie has a range? :shocked:

Christine has a rich and smooth voice that sounds almost ethereal and otherworldly in it's beauty whenever she opens her mouth to sing. She sings effortlessly, like it's as natural as simply speaking; her vocals never sound labored, they always sound like she just sat down and that's what came out. I also think she has the most poignant voice out of all the Maccers. She can take the most pedestrian of lyrics ("You woo me until the sun comes up" or "I gotta get my feet back on the ground") and make you think, if for only a second, that they're somehow profound.

Stevie will never be accused by me of having a remarkable voice. She's alternately shrill, droning, hushed, strained, sore, and tired, but it works for her. Most of the time, at least. Her imperfect, cracked & battered voice suits the material that she sings because only a true character could write those kinds of songs and if they don't have a voice that's got as much personality as the songs do, they're dead in the water. Imagine Celine Dion singing "No Spoken Word". Think it would work? No. That's why most covers of Stevie's material are so sub-par; because her voice is just as much a part of them as the lyrics are or the music is. She can sing a song and, even if the song itself is putrid swill or the vocal drives you batty, she sounds like she believes what she's singing. You can feel the emotional connection she has to the words that come out of her mouth.

So, I like both of their voices and I like them both for different reasons.

[strandinthewind]

Stevie has a range? :shocked:

Christine has a rich and smooth voice that sounds almost ethereal and otherworldly in it's beauty whenever she opens her mouth to sing. She sings effortlessly, like it's as natural as simply speaking; her vocals never sound labored, they always sound like she just sat down and that's what came out. I also think she has the most poignant voice out of all the Maccers. She can take the most pedestrian of lyrics ("You woo me until the sun comes up" or "I gotta get my feet back on the ground") and make you think, if for only a second, that they're somehow profound.

Stevie will never be accused by me of having a remarkable voice. She's alternately shrill, droning, hushed, strained, sore, and tired, but it works for her. Most of the time, at least. Her imperfect, cracked & battered voice suits the material that she sings because only a true character could write those kinds of songs and if they don't have a voice that's got as much personality as the songs do, they're dead in the water. Imagine Celine Dion singing "No Spoken Word". Think it would work? No. That's why most covers of Stevie's material are so sub-par; because her voice is just as much a part of them as the lyrics are or the music is. She can sing a song and, even if the song itself is putrid swill or the vocal drives you batty, she sounds like she believes what she's singing. You can feel the emotional connection she has to the words that come out of her mouth.

So, I like both of their voices and I like them both for different reasons.

Stevie had range until 1983 :shrug:

Vocally, IMO she has always been superior to CM solely because of the passion in that voice. Academically, CM on Why and Songbird cannot be matched.

[AliceLover]

Stevie has a range? :shocked:

Christine has a rich and smooth voice that sounds almost ethereal and otherworldly in it's beauty whenever she opens her mouth to sing. She sings effortlessly, like it's as natural as simply speaking; her vocals never sound labored, they always sound like she just sat down and that's what came out. I also think she has the most poignant voice out of all the Maccers. She can take the most pedestrian of lyrics ("You woo me until the sun comes up" or "I gotta get my feet back on the ground") and make you think, if for only a second, that they're somehow profound.

Stevie will never be accused by me of having a remarkable voice. She's alternately shrill, droning, hushed, strained, sore, and tired, but it works for her. Most of the time, at least. Her imperfect, cracked & battered voice suits the material that she sings because only a true character could write those kinds of songs and if they don't have a voice that's got as much personality as the songs do, they're dead in the water. Imagine Celine Dion singing "No Spoken Word". Think it would work? No. That's why most covers of Stevie's material are so sub-par; because her voice is just as much a part of them as the lyrics are or the music is. She can sing a song and, even if the song itself is putrid swill or the vocal drives you batty, she sounds like she believes what she's singing. You can feel the emotional connection she has to the words that come out of her mouth.

So, I like both of their voices and I like them both for different reasons.

She did. Talk to me is a nice example.

[GateandGarden]

Stevie has a range? :shocked:

Christine has a rich and smooth voice that sounds almost ethereal and otherworldly in it's beauty whenever she opens her mouth to sing. She sings effortlessly, like it's as natural as simply speaking; her vocals never sound labored, they always sound like she just sat down and that's what came out. I also think she has the most poignant voice out of all the Maccers. She can take the most pedestrian of lyrics ("You woo me until the sun comes up" or "I gotta get my feet back on the ground") and make you think, if for only a second, that they're somehow profound.

Stevie will never be accused by me of having a remarkable voice. She's alternately shrill, droning, hushed, strained, sore, and tired, but it works for her. Most of the time, at least. Her imperfect, cracked & battered voice suits the material that she sings because only a true character could write those kinds of songs and if they don't have a voice that's got as much personality as the songs do, they're dead in the water. Imagine Celine Dion singing "No Spoken Word". Think it would work? No. That's why most covers of Stevie's material are so sub-par; because her voice is just as much a part of them as the lyrics are or the music is. She can sing a song and, even if the song itself is putrid swill or the vocal drives you batty, she sounds like she believes what she's singing. You can feel the emotional connection she has to the words that come out of her mouth.

So, I like both of their voices and I like them both for different reasons.
I thought the original poster was referring to technical qualities, not what you're talking about. Technically, I think Stevie was right on during the seventies and early to mid eighties. Whatever the case, I think what you've said is right, except for the thing about Stevie not having a range. She seemed to have an impressive enough range until she got older and I'm assuming she has lost it. Also, the whole "shrill, droning, etc." thing doesn't apply to her earlier years, IMO.

[dissention]

I thought the original poster was referring to technical qualities, not what you're talking about. Technically, I think Stevie was right on during the seventies and early to mid eighties.

Well, then in that case, my vote goes to Christine. She's always been a great singer. She knows her range and doesn't try to sing out of it like Stevie; a very skilled vocalist, that Christine.

[GateandGarden]

She did. Talk to me is a nice example.Yes, and "The Tower" and "Nomad," too, I think.

[amber]

Well, then in that case, my vote goes to Christine. She's always been a great singer. She knows her range and doesn't try to sing out of it like Stevie; a very skilled vocalist, that Christine.
twue. but of course, when stevie started singing, she wasn't singing out of her range. She just blew her voice, with all her superadventurous antics. Thank goodness. Without all that, would she be Stevie? don't think so. I give Stevie extra points for strange harmonies and super adventurousness.
I like both thier voices, but I agree with others, I can't really compare them, too different. I like Stevie's better, because it's so unusual, but I would never objectively say it's better. Chris has a lot going on, there. I wish she would have layered her own voice into more strange harmonies and such, but she still has the most beautiful voice. Talk about Menthol cool stylings.... :nod:

[Mokona]

It is hard to be objective and also to compare them since they're so different. In a technical sense with as much objectivity as I can muster, it's Christine. That voice can do no wrong, except to be a bit bland at times. But if someone was in the car with me and said, "Oh, Stevie's voice isn't nearly as good as Christine's!" I'd be like, "HOW can you say that??" :laugh:

Stevie's the whole package, which makes her the most fun to watch and listen to, but JMO.

[darklinensuit]

IMO Stevie's voice has hit more highs & lows. It soars or it burns, and even when it's in between it tends to be unpredictable. Christine's vocals are pretty but less adventuresome They're steady & easy on the ears but I can't think of a single song by Chris that has what I'd call a power vocal.

- Jake

[ontheEdgeof17]

IMO Stevie's voice has hit more highs & lows. It soars or it burns, and even when it's in between it tends to be unpredictable. Christine's vocals are pretty but less adventuresome They're steady & easy on the ears but I can't think of a single song by Chris that has what I'd call a power vocal.

- Jake


Agreed. Stevie has more emotion in her voice...high or low...That really makes her a better performer than Christine. Chris may have the better, pitch perfect voice, but Stevie can sell a crowd and hold it in the palm of her hands...range or no range.

[desertangel]

So I was listening to the Mac tonight in my car and I thought of this. Stevie has that husky vibratto and Christine has that smooth as velvet sound, so as far as vocal abilities go, I kind of think Christine is a bit better.

I favor Stevie in almost every way, but mostly because her music and sound are so unique that I enjoy listening to her much more, but I can't deny that Christine has some seriously smooth pipes.

What're your thoughts?


vocal abilities... vocal abilities... hmmm... well, from a technical standpoint - probably Chris. From a stylistic standpoint, definitely Stevie. Chris is more Conservative and classical vs. STevie who is more Emotional and unique. I do love them both. However, I could listen to Stevie for 100 years plus just because of her whiskey and honey vocal quality and amazing vibratto... I know some people don't like that, but I LOVE it! :thumbsup:

I can't hardly sing in Stevie's range either... it's sad. I even tried smoking a bunch just to lower my range and it worked until I quit. :shocked: I sound much better doing Chris' stuff. I don't know HOW I'm going to pull off my Gold Dust Project submissions. :lol: :D

Laura

[David]

I can't hardly sing in Stevie's range either... it's sad. I even tried smoking a bunch just to lower my range and it worked until I quit. :shocked: I sound much better doing Chris' stuff. I don't know HOW I'm going to pull off my Gold Dust Project submissions.Just do your best. :nod:

[JazmenFlowers]

Agreed. Stevie has more emotion in her voice...high or low...That really makes her a better performer than Christine. Chris may have the better, pitch perfect voice, but Stevie can sell a crowd and hold it in the palm of her hands...range or no range.

amen.

and I've heard Christine be out of key or off pitch quite a few times. we know stevie's not perfect and god bless her cause her voice is the way it because of all those Rhiannons and Gold Dust Womans that we all love to this day. Christine does have a beautiful voice on albums, but I don't particularly like it live, but she is talented with harmonies and has a lovely voice. like many others are saying, it's too hard to compare, they are both unique and great in their own way.

[dissention]

I have to admit, I find it funny that this question was asked on the Stevie forum. :laugh:

[jbrownsjr]

Chris has a lot going on, there. I wish she would have layered her own voice into more strange harmonies and such, but she still has the most beautiful voice. Talk about Menthol cool stylings.... :nod:

YES YES YES

I knew i liked u amber!

[chiliD]

Bekka!!!!!!! :nod: :p

Just when I was considering ignoring your posts, you come up with something like this. :thumbsup:

[eclipse]

Well, then in that case, my vote goes to Christine. She's always been a great singer. She knows her range and doesn't try to sing out of it like Stevie; a very skilled vocalist, that Christine.
Well Mr. Dissention...unusual but a agree with both your posts :confused:

I really love Stevie and I always have and always will and it's not just her voice-She is just so STEVIE. She has the aura of mystery and sex and magic and visions and all that, oh and she can write a few good tunes too.

However when it comes to the greatest singers out there, vocally speaking, pitch, range, tone, etc. She really isn't even in the race.
I don't want to offend anyone but just listen to her and you should understand.

Great singers sound like there is no effort- They just open their mouths and silky sounds come out of them I can name some, but for the sake of brevity, I will vote for Christine on the better voice of the two. (But remember I love Stevie more :shrug:

the ever opinionated~~
~~eclipse

[jbrownsjr]

I have to admit, I find it funny that this question was asked on the Stevie forum. :laugh:

yeah i almost fell off my chair when i read this

and i'm a little shocked at how good and honest the answers are

chiffon heads do have brains!!! :lol:

[JazmenFlowers]

However when it comes to the greatest singers out there, vocally speaking, pitch, range, tone, etc. She really isn't even in the race.
I don't want to offend anyone but just listen to her and you should understand.

Great singers sound like there is no effort- They just open their mouths and silky sounds come out of them I can name some, but for the sake of brevity, I will vote for Christine on the better voice of the two.

I don't agree with this at all. First off, I don't think we can really compare Stevie and Christine. Sure, compare Stevie and Pat Benatar or Ann Wilson; compare Christine and Phoebe Snow or Kate Bush. At least those comparisons are more realistic. But that's beside the point, how can you say that Stevie wouldn't be in the race? She is not the greatest singer, but she is surely a great singer, as is Christine. Everyone has off days, especially when dealing with something as fragile as the voice, and Stevie's substance abuse never helped, but she has proven time and time again, IMO, that she has chops to stand up to the best.

My 2 cents and hope I didn't offend, I just couldn't NOT respond. :)

and...in my opinion, the greatest singer, if we are calculating that by pitch, tone, etc. is Barbra Streisand. Say what you want, but no one will ever touch that woman's voice.

[Johnny Stew]

chiffon heads do have brains!!! :lol:I've always said, if someone in the Mac fan community is going to be objective or critical of their "fave," it's usually a Stevie fan.

We get a bad rap, while so-called "lemming behaviour" is excused and/or ignored elsewhere.
Ah well... it's a hard knock life. ;) :laugh:

[chiliD]

...while so-called "lemming behaviour" is excused and/or ignored elsewhere.

Like in the "Survivor" threads! :lol:

[dissention]

I don't agree with this at all. First off, I don't think we can really compare Stevie and Christine. Sure, compare Stevie and Pat Benatar or Ann Wilson; compare Christine and Phoebe Snow or Kate Bush. At least those comparisons are more realistic. But that's beside the point, how can you say that Stevie wouldn't be in the race? She is not the greatest singer, but she is surely a great singer, as is Christine. Everyone has off days, especially when dealing with something as fragile as the voice, and Stevie's substance abuse never helped, but she has proven time and time again, IMO, that she has chops to stand up to the best.

I don't think she's proven that. :sorry: I think she's proven herself to be one of the most unique singers in music, but I don't think she's ever proven that she had the vocal chops to even stand next to Ann Wilson or Pat Benatar. Not even in her early Mac days. Those women are two of rock's strongest female vocalists. Stevie did so much damage to her voice that you never knew what you were going to get from one album to the next or one tour to the next. When it came to raw rock and roll, Stevie was ****ing amazing during stuff like the Rock A Little tour; she was a rock star in all her glory. But vocally? Uh...she's unique. Never a *great* singer, imo. I love her voice, even though things have been shaky over the last five years, but I also love Patti Smith's voice and she isn't a *great* singer.

and...in my opinion, the greatest singer, if we are calculating that by pitch, tone, etc. is Barbra Streisand. Say what you want, but no one will ever touch that woman's voice.

I agree. :nod:

[jbrownsjr]

edit .....

[jbrownsjr]

I've always said, if someone in the Mac fan community is going to be objective or critical of their "fave," it's usually a Stevie fan.

We get a bad rap, while so-called "lemming behaviour" is excused and/or ignored elsewhere.
Ah well... it's a hard knock life. ;) :laugh:


no u guys are just special chiffon heads!! especially you my dear! :xoxo:

however, most chiffon heads off this board have tunnel (not crystal) visions

[eclipse]

and...in my opinion, the greatest singer, if we are calculating that by pitch, tone, etc. is Barbra Streisand. Say what you want, but no one will ever touch that woman's voice.

I would agree with the Barbra sentiment. And I also agree that every singer has their own style, but as much as I enjoy listening to Stevie- I can sing along and sound good-I can't do that with singers like:

Kate Bush
Ann Wilson
Sarah MacLaughlin
Lorenna McKinnet
kd lang
Bonnie Raitt
Melissa Manchester
Bette Midler
Annie Lennox

I think Stevie fits in more with:

Debra Harry
Carly Simon
Nancy Wilson
Carole King
Sheryl Crowe
Natalie Merchant
Jonatha Brooke
Bonnie Tyler
Marianne Faithful

Just a few names but I think you get my idea, they are great singers, just not outstanding singers
~~eclipse~~

[jbrownsjr]

I would agree with the Barbra sentiment. And I also agree that every singer has their own style, but as much as I enjoy listening to Stevie- I can sing along and sound good-I can't do that with singers like:

Kate Bush
Ann Wilson
Sarah MacLaughlin
Lorenna McKinnet
kd lang
Bonnie Raitt
Melissa Manchester
Bette Midler
Annie Lennox

I think Stevie fits in more with:

Debra Harry
Carly Simon
Nancy Wilson
Carole King
Sheryl Crowe
Natalie Merchant
Jonatha Brooke
Bonnie Tyler
Marianne Faithful

Just a few names but I think you get my idea, they are great singers, just not outstanding singers
~~eclipse~~


uh oh :eek:

[Johnny Stew]

no u guys are just special chiffon heads!! especially you my dear! :xoxo: I thank you for the compliment. :xoxo:

however, most chiffon heads off this board have tunnel (not crystal) visionsBut take a good look around... most fans do have tunnel vision when it comes to their "fave."
I've never disagreed that Stevie has her share of those types of fans, I've only ever argued that she's most definitely not the only one. :nod:

[amber]

I, but I don't think she's ever proven that she had the vocal chops to even stand next to Ann Wilson or Pat Benatar. Not even in her early Mac days.


I think she can easily stand next to them. In the sense that I think Stevie has a very gifted ear, I think she comes up with unique tunes, and I think her sense of harmony is incredible. And more incredible because she will find an unusual harmony line. Or three or four of them. Also, Stevie's voice holds two or more tones while singing one note, if you know what I mean. Anne and Pat really don't have that. I definitely agree that both of them have more pristine and powerful (well...) voices, and are almost always very spot on. But I think they also lack a bit of something that Stevie has, which is why Stevie could at least stand next to them. :) Yeah, I would say Stevie does, or did, have the vocal chops. :nod:

[DrummerDeanna]

that's a hard question because in the end i think it comes down to preference.

I just prefer Stevie's voice all the way around. There's no contest in my mind. I actually tend to skip lots of Christine songs :sorry: And I just LOVE hearing Stevie's voice.

Now - when I first got into FM though? I was totally into Chris :shrug:

[Johnny Stew]

I think Stevie fits in more with:


Bonnie Tyler
I always love when Bonnie is mentioned, too. :D
She's definitely someone whose material has, unfortunately, often prevented her from living up to her potential.
Her new album is fab though. :nod:

[JazmenFlowers]

I don't think she's proven that. :sorry: I think she's proven herself to be one of the most unique singers in music, but I don't think she's ever proven that she had the vocal chops to even stand next to Ann Wilson or Pat Benatar. Not even in her early Mac days. Those women are two of rock's strongest female vocalists.

I'll have to politely disagree.

Have you heard Ann or Pat lately? I agree that they are very strong vocalists, but the last time I heard Pat, she did the same thing people gripe about Stevie doing, bringing notes lower and singing in a lower range. And I've seen Ann in concert enough times to know that she will always tear the roof off of Alone and Crazy On You, but has lackluster vocals on most other songs live. They've all been through their heyday I suppose and one could make a strong argument for all 3.

[dissention]

uh oh :eek:

:laugh:

I think they're good lists.

What I try to keep in mind when I listen to singers is that hitting operatic notes and having perfect pitch and tone isn't as important as what they actually do with their voice to interpret the material and attempt to make it connect to the listener. Stevie does it well, Deborah Harry does it well, Carole King does it well, and Marianne Faithfull does it well. They are, in my eyes, superb singers for the ways that they use their imperfect voices. Barbra Streisand has one of the most beautiful voices out there, but it's so perfect that it makes her sound unnatural and it creates a cool detachment between herself and the listener. The other singers that were mentioned are more human and more accessible, and that's what, imo, lends them credibility as vocalists; when they sing, their imperfections only enhance their performances.

[dissention]

I'll have to politely disagree.

Have you heard Ann or Pat lately? I agree that they are very strong vocalists, but the last time I heard Pat, she did the same thing people gripe about Stevie doing, bringing notes lower and singing in a lower range. And I've seen Ann in concert enough times to know that she will always tear the roof off of Alone and Crazy On You, but has lackluster vocals on most other songs live. They've all been through their heyday I suppose and one could make a strong argument for all 3.

Last time I saw Pat was in, I believe, 2001. Thought she was ****ing amazing. Haven't seen her since then, so I couldn't say whether or not her voice has changed much (didn't sound like it did on her last album, though). I think Marissa saw her a few weeks ago.

Ann Wilson has lost next to nothing in that voice of hers. She'll always be a powerhouse, imo. Homegirl tears the roof off of everything her voice sings. She blew me away when I saw her last year, and I think Nancy has become a stronger singer, too. Stevie has NEVER kicked out a vocal like Black On Black or Barracuda.

[Johnny Stew]

Ann Wilson has lost next to nothing in that voice of hers. She'll always be a powerhouse, imo. Homegirl tears the roof off of everything her voice sings. She blew me away when I saw her last year, and I think Nancy has become a stronger singer, too.Nancy's voice is infinitely stronger than it used to be... she really impressed me on the 'Soundstage' broadcast and 'Live In Seattle.'

To my ears, Ann's voice seems thinner and less powerful now.
She still sounds out of this world though, and remains one of my all-time favorites. :nod:

[dissention]

Nancy's voice is infinitely stronger than it used to be... she really impressed me on the 'Soundstage' broadcast and 'Live In Seattle.'

Don't forget her vocals on Jupiter's Darling. She's blossomed into a much better singer. Such a lovely voice. :nod:

Alive In Seattle is one of my favorite live albums. Once "Straight On" comes on, I lose it.

To my ears, Ann's voice seems thinner and less powerful now.
She still sounds out of this world though, and remains one of my all-time favorites. :nod:

I don't think so, but that's me. I was in awe of her when she kicked out "Oldest Story In the World" (and everything else, for that matter) when I saw them last year. To me, her voice has become more powerful with age. Everything seems effortless to that woman.

[JazmenFlowers]

those are all fine singers and I don't want to offend anyone who may like them, but Sarah McLachlan is not my idea of an outstanding singer. she sings in head voice more than anyone I know. I appreciate your sentiments, I just disagree. :)

[littlecricket2]

Nancy's voice is infinitely stronger than it used to be... she really impressed me on the 'Soundstage' broadcast and 'Live In Seattle.'

To my ears, Ann's voice seems thinner and less powerful now.
She still sounds out of this world though, and remains one of my all-time favorites. :nod:

Wasn't Ann really sick for the Soundstage taping? I'm on a Stevie mailing list, and a bunch of people on it watched Soundstage and said Ann seemed sick. Someone who was actually at the taping chimed in and said that indeed, Ann was sick during the Soundstage taping--she announced it to the audience at the beginning of the show to sort of "apologize in advance," and she took frequent water breaks and stuff.

[JazmenFlowers]

Stevie has NEVER kicked out a vocal like Black On Black.

this is very true. Black on Black is one of my favs. and I agree that Nancy's voice has gotten stronger, but to me, Ann's has weakened. It seems a lot more fragile than it used to.

[Johnny Stew]

Don't forget her vocals on Jupiter's Darling. She's blossomed into a much better singer. Such a lovely voice. :nod:She's amazing on 'Jupiter's Darling'... in fact, it's the very first album that I actually preferred Nancy's voice to Ann's.
I didn't mention 'J.D.' though, because I was thinking more in terms of how Nancy's voice has improved live.

I was in awe of her when she kicked out "Oldest Story In the World" (and everything else, for that matter) when I saw them last year. To me, her voice has become more powerful with age. Everything seems effortless to that woman.Maybe it comes across better in person. I've just been sort of... underwhelmed (though even that's too strong of a word)... with her voice on the last couple of things I've heard.

She still kicks ass though, no doubt about it.

[Johnny Stew]

Wasn't Ann really sick for the Soundstage taping? I'm on a Stevie mailing list, and a bunch of people on it watched Soundstage and said Ann seemed sick. Someone who was actually at the taping chimed in and said that indeed, Ann was sick during the Soundstage taping--she announced it to the audience at the beginning of the show to sort of "apologize in advance," and she took frequent water breaks and stuff.I hadn't heard anything about her being sick, but that very well could be true!
I thought her voice sounded less powerful on 'Live In Seattle,' too, though (as well as on 'Jupiter's Darling').

Always one of rock's greatest voices regardless, just with a little less "oomph" than I remember.

[Johnny Stew]

Black on Black is one of my favs...."Black On Black" is one of my favorites, too. I love singing along to that song. Although, when I do it, it's probably more like "screeching along." :o

'Desire Walks On' remains my favorite Heart album. "Ring Them Bells" is the only weak moment -- everything else is nothing short of brilliant.

[jadegypsy]

I think one difference that i find b/t Stevie and Christine is that Christine always sounds fairly similar vocally, to me at least. Like if I took the music away and just had the vocal it wouldn't seem intense, sad, positive or moody.

Whereas with Stevie if I took the music away I would still hear angry (SS) intense (SOTM), meloncholy (Storms), and upbeat (Sister Honey/Sweet Girl) and even a bit wistful (Sara, Gypsy).

Emotionally Stevie wins, and for me that's what drives the song, but I still love Christine's voice, it just doesn't usually move me or cause me to be inspired (Songbird is and exception)

On an off note where the heck is Grace Slick under great vocalists with range? (C'mon ppl anyone that can sing Sombody to Love and White Rabbit and Sara (Starship) over 25yrs has some serious chops!

[chiliD]

On an off note where the heck is Grace Slick under great vocalists with range? (C'mon ppl anyone that can sing Sombody to Love and White Rabbit and Sara (Starship) over 25yrs has some serious chops!

I thought Mickey Thomas was the lead vocalist on Starship's "Sara". :shrug:

[sarafield]

I completely agree with everything dissention said upthread. I separate singing, the action, from the voice. There are plenty of people out there who have clear, perfect voices but have no clue how to sing the material like they mean it. Whitney Houston haD a great voice but everything was turned up to 11 every time she opened her mouth.

I love Christine's voice, but her singing doesn't move me often because she's more reserved, also something about her doesn't change from song to song (her phrasing maybe?) Then again, I love Bob Dylan's singing, and people think I'm crazy, so what do I know? :eek:

[jbrownsjr]

I thank you for the compliment. :xoxo:

But take a good look around... most fans do have tunnel vision when it comes to their "fave."
I've never disagreed that Stevie has her share of those types of fans, I've only ever argued that she's most definitely not the only one. :nod:

ur right u never did argue that... :thumbsup:

[jbrownsjr]

Last time I saw Pat was in, I believe, 2001. Thought she was ****ing amazing. Haven't seen her since then, so I couldn't say whether or not her voice has changed much (didn't sound like it did on her last album, though). I think Marissa saw her a few weeks ago.

Ann Wilson has lost next to nothing in that voice of hers. She'll always be a powerhouse, imo. Homegirl tears the roof off of everything her voice sings. She blew me away when I saw her last year, and I think Nancy has become a stronger singer, too. Stevie has NEVER kicked out a vocal like Black On Black or Barracuda.

a co-worker saw Pat in 2004 and said she was amazing as ever

[Serrart]

Range isn't really important to me, it's an added bonus, but the emotional impact is what I mostly care. I love Christine's voice, but I prefer Stevie as a singer because she involves me emotionally much more. Even if there are also some songs performed by Christine that makes me stop whatever I'mn doing and listen, like Brown Eyes, Why, Little Lies, Songbird, Over and Over live.

Romy

[Mokona]

I have to admit, I find it funny that this question was asked on the Stevie forum. LOL, I wasn't sure where to ask it. I considered putting it up in the Christine forum, but it boiled down to this: Christine is technically better, IMO, but in every way I still prefer my Stevie. Her voice may not be perfect, but it has such character and emotion. So considering the way I felt, I figured I'd put it in the Stevie forum (sorry if it belonged in the Christine one!).

Barbara Streisand may be amazing, but nobody can touch the voice of Jessye Norman, the opera singer. That woman can go from opera to singing French cabaret songs and sounds equally amazing in every one. :nod:

[JazmenFlowers]

'Desire Walks On' remains my favorite Heart album. "Ring Them Bells" is the only weak moment -- everything else is nothing short of brilliant.

mine too...woman in me is so gorgeous

[JazmenFlowers]

Barbara Streisand may be amazing, but nobody can touch the voice of Jessye Norman, the opera singer. That woman can go from opera to singing French cabaret songs and sounds equally amazing in every one. :nod:

I like Jessye as well and have a couple of her CDs. My favorite is the duet she does with Kathleen Battle. However, Jessye doesn't have the pipes that Barbra has, not even close, in my opinion. Especially being an opera singer; after that much training and years of singing in head voice, it's hard, if not impossible, to get the chest voice back.

[GateandGarden]

and...in my opinion, the greatest singer, if we are calculating that by pitch, tone, etc. is Barbra Streisand. Say what you want, but no one will ever touch that woman's voice.I don't mean to be argumentative, but from what I've heard, Sarah Brightman seems to be superior to Streisand.

[JazmenFlowers]

I don't mean to be argumentative, but from what I've heard, Sarah Brightman seems to be superior to Streisand.


Oh my - that's my girl. I love me some Ms. Sarah. I have every CD she's put out and every DVD and the woman is amazing, Nessun Dorma is stellar every night. That said, I still would consider Barbra to be top dog. To be able to belt out the way Barbra does, especially in the 60's and 70's, to sing everything from Broadway to rock to pop to French and everything in between, she is unstoppable. She held the record, and still may, for the longest note in recorded film history, her range is undeniable and this is all in full chest voice, with sustained, yet relaxed, vibrato. I could go on, but I think suffice it to say, Sarah is a great operatic singer, but no Streisand. She has a good range, but her lower register is extremely weak. Barbra's range is full and powerful.

[GateandGarden]

Oh my - that's my girl. I love me some Ms. Sarah. I have every CD she's put out and every DVD and the woman is amazing, Nessun Dorma is stellar every night. That said, I still would consider Barbra to be top dog. To be able to belt out the way Barbra does, especially in the 60's and 70's, to sing everything from Broadway to rock to pop to French and everything in between, she is unstoppable. She held the record, and still may, for the longest note in recorded film history, her range is undeniable and this is all in full chest voice, with sustained, yet relaxed, vibrato. I could go on, but I think suffice it to say, Sarah is a great operatic singer, but no Streisand. She has a good range, but her lower register is extremely weak. Barbra's range is full and powerful.Wow. I guess I haven't heard enough Streisand!

[dissention]

Oh my - that's my girl. I love me some Ms. Sarah. I have every CD she's put out and every DVD and the woman is amazing, Nessun Dorma is stellar every night. That said, I still would consider Barbra to be top dog. To be able to belt out the way Barbra does, especially in the 60's and 70's, to sing everything from Broadway to rock to pop to French and everything in between, she is unstoppable. She held the record, and still may, for the longest note in recorded film history, her range is undeniable and this is all in full chest voice, with sustained, yet relaxed, vibrato. I could go on, but I think suffice it to say, Sarah is a great operatic singer, but no Streisand. She has a good range, but her lower register is extremely weak. Barbra's range is full and powerful.

Barbra's voice is, amazingly, still pristine because she never really toured and got a chance to blow it out. I can't say I'm a fan, but there is simply no denying those jaw-dropping pipes that she has. Her voice commands your attention.

[JazmenFlowers]

Wow. I guess I haven't heard enough Streisand!

I would really urge you to get one of her greatest hits compilations. Some songs to look out for are Prisoner, My Heart Belongs To Me, Superman (the control she has on this song is amazing), New York State of Mind and Lost Inside of You (the solo version; my all-time favorite Streisand song).

Her 'Wet' album is simply the best from start to finish. Each song is based on a water theme.

[JazmenFlowers]

Barbra's voice is, amazingly, still pristine because she never really toured and got a chance to blow it out. I can't say I'm a fan, but there is simply no denying those jaw-dropping pipes that she has. Her voice commands your attention.

you're absolutely right. she never toured, with the exception of the 94 and her Millenium tour, she rarely smoked and doesn't drink. there is a lot to be said for treating your vocal chords with respect, but Barbra herself admits she never warms up...but listening to her record "you'll never know" which she made at age 13, I truly believe the girl was blessed from the start. control, pitch perfect and range...wow, gives me goosies.

[Macfanforever]

I love Chris's voice and song writing talents too . I wish Chris produced more solo cd's, then she has now and of corse stayed with FM for littlebit longer.
I missed her and her songs live at the shows.

[desertangel]

;) - I would also like to add this... I think that while not everyone can sing because some people will never be able to carry a tune their whole life, I think there are also those who have an easier time with singing and some that are just flat out gifted. I think Stevie fits in the category of being a singer who has to try a little harder than many.

It really wasn't until she started taking vocal lessons and learning how to sing correctly that she got any control over her chords. Some people are born with superior chords and I don't think Stevie is one of those people. Her chords seem a bit on the fragile side for a singer. I'm not sure what role Robin played, I think she helped Stevie survive a tour, although there were times when it was touch and go. It hasn't been until recently that, whoever she's been working with, it really shows. I'd imagine a lot of it has to do with her commitment to a healthy lifestyle too.

So anyway, in conclusion... I don't think Stevie was blessed with the type of vocal chords that could do acrobatics across a 4 octave range. Therefore, from a technical/genetic standpoint, Chris is better. What Stevie lacks in genetics, she makes up for with heart. And she has a huge heart.


Laura

[SteveMacD]

Bekka!!!!!!!
Big fat ditto, here! :cool:

[amber]

;) - I would also like to add this... I think that while not everyone can sing because some people will never be able to carry a tune their whole life, I think there are also those who have an easier time with singing and some that are just flat out gifted. I think Stevie fits in the category of being a singer who has to try a little harder than many.

It really wasn't until she started taking vocal lessons and learning how to sing correctly that she got any control over her chords. Some people are born with superior chords and I don't think Stevie is one of those people. Her chords seem a bit on the fragile side for a singer. I'm not sure what role Robin played, I think she helped Stevie survive a tour, although there were times when it was touch and go. It hasn't been until recently that, whoever she's been working with, it really shows. I'd imagine a lot of it has to do with her commitment to a healthy lifestyle too.

So anyway, in conclusion... I don't think Stevie was blessed with the type of vocal chords that could do acrobatics across a 4 octave range. Therefore, from a technical/genetic standpoint, Chris is better. What Stevie lacks in genetics, she makes up for with heart. And she has a huge heart.


Laura

I thought I somewhat disagreed, but then I decided I didn't exactly, but I think that what she lacks in range (and I do think she has better pipes than you think she does, I do think she has a natural gift) she makes up for, I wouldn't say with "heart", (although she does, but that's not really vocally related) I would say with "ear".
Again, I think Stevie has an amazing ear. The notes she chooses, the way she sings them, and most of all the strange and beautiful harmonies she makes up. The way her voice has two tones, and the way she wraps it around what the musicians are playing and others are singing.
And, for god sake, and not the least of everything, in fact the most, is what she can do when her vocal range is limited. Good God, if that's not massive skill, I don't know what is. Cripes. It's often astounding to me. I think she has a huge "gift of ear", and an incredible natural musical sensibility. An unusual sensibility. :shrug:

*man, I am such a chiffonhead right now*

[David]

So I was listening to the Mac tonight in my car and I thought of this. Stevie has that husky vibratto and Christine has that smooth as velvet sound, so as far as vocal abilities go, I kind of think Christine is a bit better.Chris may be the more reliable & solid singer, but I just can't compare those two. They're so different, & they both were (are?) so good at specific effects & styles; Stevie couldn't have sung "Spare Me a Little" the way Chris did at the Record Plant in 1974, & Chris couldn't have sung "How Still My Love" the way Stevie did at the Forum in October 1983.

Just both so so so different -- each one a magnificent exemplar of her particular style.

Neither one of them has anything to do with Kate Bush, however. :rolleyes:

[David]

It really wasn't until she started taking vocal lessons and learning how to sing correctly that she got any control over her chords.Laura, do you mean when she started taking vocal lessons for the 1997 tour? If that's what you mean, I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. I think Stevie had excellent control over a highly flexible, pliable instrument throughout the early '80s -- even more so than she had throughout much of the '70s. I think the natural weathering of age shrunk her voice's pliability, although it may have improved her timbre.

[amber]

Chris may be the more reliable & solid singer, but I just can't compare those two. They're so different, & they both were (are?) so good at specific effects & styles; Stevie couldn't have sung "Spare Me a Little" the way Chris did at the Record Plant in 1974, & Chris couldn't have sung "How Still My Love" the way Stevie did at the Forum in October 1983.

Just both so so so different -- each one a magnificent exemplar of her particular style.

Neither one of them has anything to do with Kate Bush, however. :rolleyes:
:xoxo: deserves kisses.

[desertangel]

The way her voice has two tones, and the way she wraps it around what the musicians are playing and others are singing. It's often astounding to me. I think she has a huge "gift of ear", and an incredible musical sensibility. :shrug:

OMG... two toned voice... THAT'S A PERFECT description. That's what people mean by "a whiskey and honey voice". And she really does wrap her vocals around musical arrangements. I don't know about others, but those two things are what make it easy for me to listen to her music almost non-stop.


Laura

[desertangel]

Laura, do you mean when she started taking vocal lessons for the 1997 tour? If that's what you mean, I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. I think Stevie had excellent control over a highly flexible, pliable instrument throughout the early '80s -- even more so than she had throughout much of the '70s. I think the natural weathering of age shrunk her voice's pliability, although it may have improved her timbre.

Sorry for putting such a loaded statement out there without more explaination, not that it makes a difference... I get lazy posting sometimes. But ya, I'm not sure what happened during the early 80s cuz remember she did have a lot of problems with inflammation/nodes on her chords and that's mostly caused from any one or more of the following; improper use, lack of conditioning, chords that are not as robust as some, etc. I believe you can hear some of the wear and tear on the version of Landslide from the Live album. When she was "on" back then - yes, her control was better than it was before she went back to taking lessons in 97. So I don't know what happened there for awhile, Klonopin, too much smoking, depression, weight gain, hormones, permanent vocal chord damage, whatever, but it got pretty bad before she started back with the lessons again. It takes time and conditioning. You can tell she's been working at it, every year her voice gets better and better. Not all singers have this much of a challenge, some are plain and simply gifted genetically. I stand by my opinion that Miss Stevie was not born with an excellent set of chords. Although I admire and commend her for working so hard at it because it does help tremendously. She's obviously passionate and dedicated... and that's why I'm such a huge fan. :woohoo:


Laura

[amber]

OMG... two toned voice... THAT'S A PERFECT description. That's what people mean by "a whiskey and honey voice". And she really does wrap her vocals around musical arrangements. I don't know about others, but those two things are what make it easy for me to listen to her music almost non-stop.


Laura
At least two. ;) :nod: What about when she wraps her own vocals around her own vocals?
3 times? 4?
Dem fine gel.

[desertangel]

At least two. ;) :nod: What about when she wraps her own vocals around her own vocals?
3 times? 4?
Dem fine gel.

Yah-mon... I know what you mean. She's truly an inspiration... to me. I'm having a blast messing around with this computer stuff I bought so I can submit to the Gold Dust project. Last night I figured out sorta how Stevie wraps her own vocals around her own vocals... dang, it's way cool. Of course she's in the stratosphere on that kind of thing and I'm slithering around underground in comparison, but it's still fun.... emulating. :woohoo:

Laura

[jadegypsy]

ChiliD : you are right, sorry about that, but same point, just different song, probably should've listed something akin to Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now or preferalby but less known "Love Rusts". both pretty good vocally to still hear Grace hitting the notes. Although I guess partly it's just my personal annoyance that Grace always seems to get ignored in the voice contests...actually in femal rockers period...not that she helps her case much these days...

Which on an off note seeing the Starship recently w/o Grace was just weird to hear Micky Thomas sining both male and female parts :rolleyes: :shocked: