The Voices

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by Little Nicki

Still doesn't explain why Christine and Stevie hardly choose the appropriate voice to fit the song. Not to anywhere near the degree that Lindsey does. Their songs aren't that one dimensional are they?

I have to disagree! I thought Stevie sang each song on Say You Will differently. There was her straight-ahead voice ("Thrown Down"), the screaming banshee ("Smile at You"), the low croak ("Illume," "Destiny Rules"), the digital manipulation ("Everbody Finds Out"), and the husky whisper ("Goodbye Baby"), etc. I do have to admit that Stevie tends to be a one-trick pony in the live setting, but she can surprise us every now and again, ala the recent live versions of "Insider."

I do have to agree somewhat regarding Christine. She has a most lovely tone/timbre, but her vocabulary for vocal expression is surprisingly limited. I don't think Christine is averse to doing neat and interesting things with her vocals in the studio (e.g., sampling on "Everywhere" and doubletracking on "Brown Eyes," etc.). But other than that, Christine as a singer and a songwriter just does not push the envelope as much as her bandmates. But that's what FM has always been about- the different personalities/styles bouncing off of each other.