Analyzing Demi Lovato's arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl

[@jasonfieler]

This is easily the best analysis of Demi Lovato's arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl that I've seen all day.

[@jamaalstewart4657]

Jason Fieler Ditto

[@pusztai777]

Hahahaha

[@AndyChamberlainMusic]

u rite

[@Sadowsky46]

The best of how ... oh wait 😂🤣

[@homerles]

GOOD MORNING

[@justincarrasco3680]

"Mom, can we stop and get orchestra samples?" "No, we have samples at home."

[@TheMrAshley2010]

+

[@wcsah]

This sums it up perfectly

[@TayLybb]

🙄

[@011001er]

Lol

[@charlesknx]

How bout hire a musician. At least one. But no

[@tissuepaper9962]

Super Bowl: *has budget well into the tens of millions* Also Super Bowl: *plays national anthem using shitty orchestral samples*

[@loganwilbur5131]

Yeah, wtf. Maybe they did it intentionally to symbolize their shallow superficiality hehe. But I do think Demi has a great voice.

[@mrrandom4564]

But demi did amazing

[@CrisGarcia6]

Blame Donald trump. He messed it up with the bad library samples

[@0hn0haha]

@@CrisGarcia6 thanks obama

[@RonWolfHowl]

@@0hn0haha We need a jazz candidate

[@jaimeparker9009]

New arranging rule: “bVI - bVII - I” is now only appropriate if fighter jets are actually flying overhead. I like it.

[@sevrjukov]

How do I notate flying fighters in the score?

[@coastersplus]

Gonna go add fighter jets to every Mario and Final Fantasy now.

[@raulperez2308]

@@sevrjukov write exactly that

[@saint-cetacean]

@@sevrjukov Same way Tchaikovsky notated cannonfire in 1812 🤔

[@vincenthubschmann4491]

Jaime Parker mario candence

[@Armov]

The arrangement sounded like it was written by a freshman theory major.

[@Professor_Utonium_]

Most "analytically arranged music" sounds like that

[@ARZiehm]

Straight up lol. Like they tried to fit in all the harmonic language possible without thinking about what makes those things work in context

[@wilsoncrocker]

*who is failing theory

[@nguquaxanguyen5224]

not freshman theory but just finished commercial theory without taking any class in actual orchestration yet where "cool shit" is just a tool kit rather than a prereq

[@Velocisaurusman]

*After watching an Adam Neely or Rick Beato theory video

[@bldesigns7282]

Me, who has never picked up an instrument in his life: *ah yes, i agree fully*

[@joycesanders4898]

the layman's opinion...valid.

[@jblue1622]

BayernLucario25 hi is it ok if I sit here too?

[@bldesigns7282]

@@jblue1622 np, make sure to cluelessly nod

[@KazumaAyano]

BayernLucario25 lmao

[@jaquanxanthan7284]

*laughs in piano*

[@Spazmonkeyorange]

He's way too nice about the fact that they're just samples.

[@soilgrasswaterair]

DEXTER REH he’s very passive aggressive he is expressing it very clearly that he is NOT pleased!

[@AmourEtRespect]

They're not even good samples compared to today's standards

[@joebaker4116]

Yeah, although that could probably be a whole standalone video . It seems the focus is mainly on the curiosities of the arrangement rather than the timbre; not to discredit timbre as a compositional device, I'm not sure the arranger/event managers were overly concerned about the timbral aspects of the performance. PA and mics work - check Can you hear it - check Lets go

[@chloelam143]

Favorite comment from him is that you made this song in garage band

[@elbuhdai605]

I know many people that can make samples sound way better than this. Almost real, in fact.

[@Dylanguitar69]

Adam isn't angry with you, he's just a little disappointed.

[@RonWolfHowl]

son, i am disappoint

[@prometheusrex1]

Right. He hates it but wants to pussyfoot around it and won't say it directly.

[@jmpsthrufyre]

I'm average human terms that is super angry bruh

[@OmarMalik1]

"but... hey... whatever... more power to you" @7:30

[@DocBree13]

😂 I think I’d feel worse if he were disappointed with me than if he were angry - just like my parents

[@benjaminfeddersen7937]

What if this poor arranger got the idea from Adam Neely and then literally twelve hours later Neely has a video up roasting him.

[@clif_plays]

tbh if it was me I'd just be happy that Adam was giving me some pointers

[@piscopopasco]

The arranger wanted a video of the series "How to not suck at music" on his arrangement

[@ErebosGR]

At least senpai noticed him.

[@arronviolin]

@@AspynDotZip ... This arrangement isn't even a story, though.. It's like someone tryna start a story and then continually trailing off..

[@MarcosLucas]

That plot twist

[@starecatfilms]

Adam Neely for 2021 superbowl arrangement

[@deviationblue]

Sungazer for superbowl 55

[@joshstarkey8883]

Came here to say this

[@felizxett6618]

the lick!

[@RamBhakt12234]

@@felizxett6618 🎸🔥☝🏽

[@ehnathanael]

Adam Neely for Superbowl LXIX Arrangement

[@gking6100]

I don't think this arrangement would get a passing grade in Theory Class.

[@Mad.Dementor]

It wouldn't

[@GoneAfterMidnight]

Which is very disappointing. Like, they have all this money, the should've paid someone better to arrange this and actually hire an orchestra to perform it

[@KyleNally]

@@GoneAfterMidnight I'm wondering if it was a time issue. This sounds.... rushed. Rushed and poorly-thought-out. That would also explain the crappy samples. This almost sounds like an early proof-of-concept draft to set the basic ideas, and I think you even mentioned that it felt incomplete. Maybe he was interrupted and never actually produced the final deliverable. Maybe he was interrupted by Mario!

[@chocopeach7517]

If I gave this to my harmony prof he would punt me out of the classroom lol

[@ldbboosha]

Imagine the red ink

[@jmorris6520]

This arrangement is serving me water when I need some milkshake thick chords. Damn shame because Demi sung her ass off, but the way this was laid out made her sound somewhat off key.

[@jmpsthrufyre]

Sometimes things work, and some or this time they dont. Still to the untrained ear.... just another Star Bungled banner

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

"milkshake thicc" I'm stealing that

[@padrejohnruffle]

No it's all those weird sus cords that sounds off key. Demi nailed it despite the rubbish going on in her monitors. Adam's being very kind by calling them jazz cords. Maybe so, but that ain't no jazz and it ain't no chicken soup for the soul either. I agree that the only sane explanation is that they ran out of time and never delivered the goods. Or played a scratch version accidently.

[@tenJajcus]

When I heard the intro I thought: 'it is a pity that copyright is complicating things again and we have to hear a Musescore rendition instead of the original performance that is being analysed'… but then… 'oh… this is the original'

[@zucc4764]

Same thoughts hahaha

[@patiakreles]

I thought the same, that he was playing the low quality midi sound

[@nihil8471]

s a m e

[@Aaron7075]

Literally exactly what I was thinking

[@leonsibum]

Same

[@insaneintherainmusic]

This is EXACTLY what I was thinking when I heard the performance. Was not impressed at all by the mockup production or some of the harmonic choices. But hey, Demi sang wonderfully!

[@adrianshawuk]

I agree, she sang brilliantly over a very dubious backing

[@DocKobryn]

She might as well have sung it a capella.

[@deviationblue]

@@DocKobryn singing a capella would have done her more justice.

[@folkdisco]

I'm not American, I don't hang around the charts, so I knew nothing about Demi before this. The arrangement was incompetent, but I hate her awful voice too. That last machine gun note vomit on 'brave'. Eughch! Diced carrots! Whitney was class, this version was crud. On a positive note, I can't imagine her singing God Save The Queen any time soon.

[@bronsoncarder2491]

@@folkdisco ...you say you hate her voice, and then you continued to hate on the arrangement. Maybe you hate the way that she sang it, I don't care for the overly busy runs myself, but she has an amazing voice. Also, how many teeth does your biggest star have? Lmao

[@juju-been]

she’s so intense at the end, and the music is so reserved and drowned out by the cheering that it almost sounds like she’s singing acapella

[@gwgh]

Her singing acapella would've be better than her singing with this arrangement

[@alexsi-gm2233]

it’s the super bowl, you should have this huge orchestra and instead “i worked on this on garage band” *passive aggressively shrugs* whatever

[@schonetraume8799]

Alex Si-Gm this one hurt the most

[@alexsi-gm2233]

?? am i wrong

[@KyleNally]

@@alexsi-gm2233 You're not wrong. You're both right *and* technically right. A whole... *bowl* ... full of right. But the "right" is actually a wrong, so it was a whole bowl full of wrong. Of which, you were right about. #accuracyangst

[@NZsaltz]

Garageband sounds way better

[@dave70a]

It almost sounds like part of the arrangement is missing... As if someone neglected to plug in some speakers. It needs more bass. And some cowbell.

[@InventorZahran]

And some 808's.

[@d3line]

Yep. Feels like the garage band orchestra with bass and cello disabled...

[@vicolozada7178]

David Anthony more cowbell please

[@iago7897]

@@InventorZahran Yeah, and a distorted guitar

[@janiehendrix8250]

Needs more cowbell!

[@alextbrown1993]

Petition for Adam to arrange next year's version.

[@3OrMoreBones]

And the home of th- BASS*

[@invujerry]

Literally every single arrangement of the star spangled banner for the Super Bowl for the rest of his life.

[@kais-music]

You know he'd throw the licc in there

[@KurtRichterCISSP]

Oh God I would be so happy

[@malachimclean3638]

Sung by Ben Levin

[@CallMeCJ_]

Message of this video: Just go listen to Whitney Houston's version.

[@elizabethalexandra5270]

i AGREE with my SOUL: no one compares to Whitney Houston !!!!!!!!!!!!! : )

[@erincoughlintower5507]

Is there a similar discussion of that arrangement anywhere?

[@klh1370]

@@erincoughlintower5507 there's one by Charles Cornell, you should check it out if you're interested : )

[@erincoughlintower5507]

@@klh1370 thank you, it was awesome!

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

@@erincoughlintower5507 His channel is generally awesome lol

[@londonalicante]

Basically what you're saying is that this was as bad as Fergie's "let's play some basketball" moment - except that it wasn't the singer's fault.

[@june-ls1hw]

Demi’s singing was absolutely beautiful and perfect but there was no power and like ‘chills’ behind it because of the stupid midi sounds and no live orchestration. Should have been legendary but whoever decided on this sampled arrangement held her back :( I wanna hear the cymbal crashes and the brassiness and the power and instead we just get dinky little keyboard sounds.

[@SlashCampable]

@@june-ls1hw there is nothing about midi that is inherently non expressive. The issue is that whoever programmed it did a poor job.

[@lukasalihein]

LOL I dunno if I'll ever see anything THAT bad again

[@Gnurklesquimp]

​@@SlashCampable Agreed, some people can do magical things with professionally recorded and played libraries (Modern sounds even incorporate synths etc., in a VERY natural way, it blows my mind), but there's certainly that cheesy sound particular to bad midi instruments handled even more badly.

[@soaribb32]

I almost wish Demi did it acapella

[@OliverHeikkinen]

Or maybe just with a talented pianist like Gaga

[@KurtRichterCISSP]

Holy shit, just thinking about it and I'm having an m night shyalaman moment - it really would have been better a capella. How bad is that? "The arrangement was dead all along."

[@yoverale]

For god sake yes!

[@scottricklaroque7428]

Honestly, without him pointing it out I barely notice the music anyway.

[@AvaMaxVideos]

That’s what I expected! Gaga only needed a piano as it should be

[@z-beeblebrox]

8:17 "Why are we doing this quiet G-flat-13 when she's going up to the high A-flat at the top of the register..." Because that's when the cat walked over the midi keyboard.

[@BrianSantero]

WILL SOMEBODY GET THE CAT OFF TH...oh....I'll keep that.

[@trajan_x0128]

#midicat

[@eaterdrinker000]

COLIN KAEPERNICK WAS KNEELING ON THE KEYBOARD

[@licka]

This whole arrangement sounds like a bad PS1 Resident Evil Director's Cut track.

[@ethanbrewer7536]

Whitney Houston: Mansion Basement Demi Lovato: Mansion Basement, Director's Cut

[@rhaeven]

Come now, it was pretty bad but let's not go overboard

[@MegaJotie]

Yo don't diss Resident Evil (or is the director's cut really that bad?)

[@rhaeven]

@@MegaJotie The game is great, the music is awful. Resi 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXq3e6iNi5h7jsk Resi 1 DX kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpzGd2p7a552bLM

[@ujjwalmishra8962]

That's quite specific

[@rachelpie1621]

When you switched to the Whitney Houston version, instant chills!

[@Paul-zy5vh]

Charles Cornell: analyzing Whitney Houston’s Star Spangled Banner- Super Bowl 1991 Adam Neely: analyzing Demi Lovato’s Star Spangled Banner- Super Bowl 2020 next: Two Set Violin roasting lizzo’s Star Spangled Banner- Super Bowl 2051

[@Pelusteriano]

[nods in lingling]

[@ericmyrs]

Lizzo would fucking kill it tho

[@rachelcrimm5763]

Lingling plays the national anthem super bowl 2100, was disappointed he was told he couldn’t make it 40 hours long

[@dillonm913]

Ah yes, the KZbin algorithm has done it again! Brava! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@isaackeith7870]

Ericmyrs I do very much agree with this statement

[@JazerMedia]

Note to self: when ending on a I chord, be sure to note on the score sheet "fighter jets fly overhead."

[@rickc2102]

🤣👍

[@reaganharder1480]

A modern Tchaikovsky. I like it. *side note, I am really impressed with myself that I managed to spell Tchaikovsky correctly on my first attempt...*

[@onkelpappkov2666]

@@reaganharder1480 I'm more of a Bahc guy myself-- dang it!

[@vincentpreziuso3597]

I’m down with Most-heart myself

[@DaveYognaut]

@@vincentpreziuso3597 That is Mos-Def not how you spell Mossdart

[@aaronpearlmutter4877]

I like to think this arrangement was like a Shostakovitch-esque subversive statement. I mean probably not, but I wish

[@_bg179]

Haha

[@bnbolson]

The crowd wasn't saying "brave." They were saying "Chiefs!" This is the tradition at all Chiefs home games.

[@ffggddss]

IOW, too many chiefs & not enough braves? ;-) [ jk ] Fred

[@LLHLMHfilms]

There were so many Chiefs fans there it was almost a home game anyways!

[@gaylendelcambre7719]

Seriously? Isn't this treasonous or a sacrilege of some kind? 😆

[@verebellus]

you have to do a "Star Spangled Banner - Reharmonized" video

[@InventorZahran]

Complete with a string quartet, horn section, 808s, 7-stringed Djents, some thicc BASS, and two drummers!

[@Thomaznovaki]

@@InventorZahran Don't forget de Casio Rapman!

[@clif_plays]

All we need is her isolated vocal stem. It must be on an NFL guy's hard drive somewhere...

[@oliverpope4915]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/inqan5uJftp7nZY

[@nanthilrodriguez]

@@InventorZahran Complete with Blue Angels fly over and 105 mm howitzer.

[@tylerbrock6047]

Demi’s performance was excellent, it’s been her dream to sing the national Anthem at a Super Bowl. I’m also glad she got her act together to perform, she’s been through a lot. We can totally rag on the arranger though.

[@kellyroddy885]

Tyler Brock yes 🙌🏼

[@All-Fur-Coat_No-Trousers]

This is the most thorough analysis that no one asked for ever, and I appreciate the hell outta you for it. KZbin doesnt deserve you

[@eriksson.]

Adam: *says words I haven’t even heard of* Me: Yeah of course🤦‍♂️, very yes

[@keihnungm2011]

it sounds like the 'sarcastic' chord in stravinsky's arrangement.... except it's the entire song

[@woodfur00]

I don't know what this means but I appreciate the humor behind it

[@cofcchick]

I thought that was intentional. Kind of to match the tone/vibe of the halftime show.

[@kevinwingfield2007]

Shostakovich sticking a tongue out to Stalin but hoping to avoid the gulag?

[@Xplayer007]

It seems like this arrangement was trying to "get out of the way" of Demi Lovato's singing, trying to be as weak and sparse as possible as to not "step on the toes" of the prima dona vocals. Maybe that's unfair to Demi Lovato, but that's the only way I can think of justifying such a barren arrangement. I never thought I'd be angry at a national anthem ARRANGEMENT; usually I'm focused on the signer but man this one was really a disappointment.

[@NoOne-ye5jf]

Maybe so, but Demi performed really good, and has a voice that is far from weak, so really you don't need a weak arrangemente to stay out of the way from that vocal.

[@PhatTrumpet2]

Agreed that this is the only logical excuse. Someone made the decision to "stay out of Demi's way" rather than "lift Demi's performance." Whether it was the author of the arrangement, the producers, someone from Demi's camp, or even Demi herself we'll likely never know. But it sure was a regretful decision.

[@MikoSquiz]

@@NoOne-ye5jf She could really have used the support on "land of the fre..e..eii..ii.."

[@Eichro]

Sounds like the arranger just wanted her vocals to appear more as the song went on.

[@PhatTrumpet2]

@@Eichro That's exactly what we're saying. The problem is that the overall performance fell a little flat as a result of that decision.

[@ffggddss]

Please note: "perilous FIGHT" which she sang, correctly; not "night" as your score/script read. This is a fairly common mistake in performances of our national anthem. Fred

[@ramin7143]

Fred

[@itsakorgi5874]

Fred

[@walterostrowski9583]

Fred

[@Razeylabbit]

Fred

[@jamesstuart4037]

Fred

[@tymo7777]

At the end, the crowd isn’t roaring “brave” they’re saying “chiefs” as in “home of the Chiefs.” Which is their tradition. Not sure how I feel about it

[@lukasalihein]

@@shannonlavelle766 Ironically, it's likely the same demographic that wanted to pillory Kaepernick for kneeling.

[@JoshuaWillis89]

Dude, it’s a genuinely terrible arrangement. Demi should honestly be pissed. If I was her, I would be giving whoever tf approved that backing track an earful.

[@ErikNonIdle]

I can't say for sure, but I find it hard to believe she wasn't given the arrangement beforehand, and even approved it herself.

[@ShadowZero27]

she probably could have said something at practice

[@twostep919]

It was probably herself who approved it.

[@whitneyhoustonstan2472]

I don’t think she has the musical expertise to predict how well the arrangement would suit her voice, or how well the arrangement would be interpreted by the audience. She probably trusted the ability of her voice to override any issues with the arrangement, but in any performance, the instrument and the voice equally need each other.

[@RoyMaya]

Or maybe the arranger should be pissed because Demi decided to sing it differently at the last minute because she thought it would sound better. And who do you think has more power in this scenario...the arranger or the super star? This happens all the time in the music business.

[@TreborTnemorf]

Sound library? It sounds like a 90s Casio keyboard...

[@wilsoncrocker]

that was on a watch...

[@K1LL14N]

Holy crap are these the real samples they used?? I can't believe it..

[@monowavy]

there are better orchestra samples for free out there...

[@scottricklaroque7428]

The Casio CZ101 could make some pretty damn good sounds, it looked so small and cheesy then a friend who was a really talented musician got one and made me rethink it.

[@189Blake]

Funny comment taking into consideration that Nelly has a Casio in this video.

[@Bronilli]

So basically they should have gotten Hanz Zimmer to arrange it

[@CrisGarcia6]

I agree

[@isaac_owens9110]

A B I would have loved that

[@sophiaseth2769]

Or literally anyone else besides what they did here

[@mcbill7352]

They could have had John Williams arrange it. It's not like the Superbowl can't afford any of this

[@julieenslow5915]

@@mcbill7352 He gets my vote. Love him!!

[@WillRichey]

Every microtonal musician shed a tear through the first half. 🤣 I marvelled at the fact she hit every pitch in that ocean of dissonance.

[@brandaccountname9833]

Will Richey yup, who knew that famous singers were good at singing huh?

[@ballsondustinsface]

@@brandaccountname9833 Not every famous singer is a good singer, and many good singers might have issues in a huge stadium without a tonal center or hearing the musical direction.

[@robbermakesmusic]

Also it could've been lip synced like the Whitney Houston one.

[@padrejohnruffle]

She was more on pitch than Gaga was this January singing in the cold for old Joe.

[@MinkDaddy]

It's kind of like if a powerful and brave leader gave a tremendous speach, and then in sted of clapping and cheering you get one dude in the back say, "Yea, what he said!"

[@WRXBase]

"YOU CAN DO IT!"

[@AnimationArrow]

But he says it up on stage right next to the guy and then offers to buy people happy meals from McDonalds while also apparrently shooting guns up in the air and then saying how good true love is.

[@lukewatson8848]

@@AnimationArrow That is one of the most incoherent senteces I've ever read that sounded like it ment something.

[@AnimationArrow]

@@lukewatson8848 (that's the point)

[@scottricklaroque7428]

@@AnimationArrow Nice, but apparently shooting guns in the air? I mean, wouldn't you know?

[@OdaKa]

Me: Mom, I want a trendy jazz fusion reharmonization of a classic tune Mom: We have a trendy jazz fusion reharmonization of a classic tune at home Trendy jazz fusion reharmonization of a classic tune at home:

[@alexgrimm9093]

Correction: the crowd wasn't roaring the word "brave." It's a chiefs tradition to interrupt the song to make it "home of the CHIEFS."

[@GarrettWorcester]

@Daniel Dominguez Or, in Camden Yards, where the "Oh say does that star-spangled banner..." is covered by a usually very loud "O!" (for the Orioles, of course).

[@joetroutt7425]

Scrolling to look for this comment.

[@GarrettWorcester]

@Daniel Dominguez True. I had a guest from out-of-state become highly incensed at the "O!" part, and I had to talk him down, as he wasn't local and wasn't familiar with the custom.

[@shadehunter]

That's so disrespectful for the artist and this country as a whole. I approve. Lolol

[@noahleach7690]

This isn’t a analysis of hogs in the stands, it’s an arrangement of the arrangement.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

1 million subscriber hype train lets gooooo!!!!

[@jeremychilds455]

"…but when FIGHTER jets are flying overhead…" Truth.

[@AndyChamberlainMusic]

I like the candid/unscripted nature of this video. I imagine it wasn't a huge undertaking, and thus more casual, but seeing some of your genuine reactions to certain ideas without tons of graphics and zooms was nice.

[@InsanityOtter983]

Andy Chamberlain Music that’s kind of how he styles a lot of his videos

[@AndyChamberlainMusic]

@@InsanityOtter983 with his video essays it tends to be a lot more scripted, so that's what I was comparing it to

[@InsanityOtter983]

@@AndyChamberlainMusic Alright yeah, that's fair

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

YES! I was thinking about doing a video analyzing her singing on it too... but you nailed this so thoroughly, I don't feel the need! Thanks for continually delivering such high-quality videos, Adam.

[@jacksonwrightmusic6805]

I didn't have nearly this educated an impression of the arrangement upon hearing it, but when I did hear it I was like "this is bad."

[@Gongasoso]

A dissonance followed by a bare tritone at the start of national anthem Where nothing is grounded And "free" is weak, quiet and a solo voice reaches as high as possible with minimum background Sign of the times

[@WRXBase]

With weak story telling and not even calling back to the giants they're standing on.

[@allenrodgers1577]

Which I think makes the story the composer telling intentional and strong

[@allenrodgers1577]

Land of the free, where peaceful protest is met with hatred, this is the composer kneeling during the national anthem

[@misterknightowlandco]

It's because these people can't really sing. They just scream.

[@Dallior]

@@misterknightowlandco Look gang, we found Old Man Jenkins angry that different musical styles have come into vogue and is just insulting the industry without actual critique!

[@JacquesLuu]

Gosh why didn't they ask now 4time grammy winner's help : JACOB COLLIER

[@joshwoest6714]

Jacques Luu id love to see that but surely it’d be a little ironic to have a British person of Chinese decent arrange the American National Anthem?

[@BrianSantero]

@@joshwoest6714 Why not? Isn't that the whole idea of this nation?

[@matteogauthier7750]

I wonder how the G half sharp would fit in there

[@bobstephens5599]

Isn't America a nation founded by Brits and built by immigrants?

[@21stCENTURYBOY12]

Cause it would end up with 20 layers of vocal harmonies and no one would know what’s going on

[@benop_]

actually roaring the word "Chiefs" because you know, sports fans.

[@zjbordeau1]

almost commented this. because sports.

[@sfrancoeur4332]

I was in a house full of diehard chiefs fans so i had no idea that people were actually shouting “chiefs”. I couldn’t hear the tv over the people i was with shouting “chiefs”.

[@denverfan92]

@@sfrancoeur4332 it's a tradition at Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City. "And the home of the CHIEFS"

[@josephkaplan8287]

5:24 love watching Adam here! Every musician knows that feeling, that passion even just about a chord lmao

[@Leo-kq7dt]

Adam popping off to that Fm(maj7) was the best thing I've seen today

[@jonahbrame7874]

If you want to hear a brilliant analysis of Whitney's rendition, and the arrangement, with the same amount of joy and nerdiness as Adam gave just one chord choice, check out Charles Cornell's video. It's one of my favorites. The analysis starts about 5.5 minutes in so I included a link with the start time built in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHSlmoeae7Gonpo

[@colmcq]

god, I hate it when folks just go in with the second of the altered dominant. jeez.

[@rutzou]

I thought you were playing the midi sample in the beginning to avoid copyright. Oof

[@JoshuaWillis89]

Thomas same. 100% I didn’t expect that to be the actual performance.

[@isidoracaroca9972]

So BAD 🤦‍♀️

[@MisterAppleEsq]

I thought the same.

[@ThenewOne98]

This was your best video to date. Amazing insights, clear explanation, visualisation backing key information and making your argumentative points accessible to compare to our own impressions. Good job Adam, that was cool.

[@TheNinjapancake14]

Whitney Houston's performance of the national anthem has been the greatest I've ever heard.

[@itchykami]

One of the biggest sports events of the year, and they can't find someone to play the instruments. Next they'll switch out all the linemen with robots.

[@jaspergray1066]

itchykami imagine a screen of CGId linemen just playing on the megatron

[@Saturn.argo.]

Don't insult robots, they can make some nice tunes ~completely don't search blue jeans and bloody tears~

[@davinnicode]

Exactly! Same goes for the halftime show. Live instruments add so much more to a performance and the national anthem or the heavy Latin influenced halftime show would have been perfect for the use of live instruments. It baffles me that they didn't even considered that. I would fire the person in charge asap!

[@Mark-Zhark]

They drained the entire human talent pool in Miami for JLo’s backup dancers. All about priorities.

[@huntermorgan6177]

Oh no trust me they have someone. A church keyboardist with a Roland keyboard on the "Strings + Brass" preset hammering it out. With, and hold on to your hats, *cymbal roll sounds.*

[@otiagomarques]

I would love to hear te arranger defend himself and explain why he did all this nonsense.

[@DanAshby]

He's no longer an arranger. Since this video he flips burgers for Maccy D.

[@richarddoan9172]

lol, sounds like you're keeping an open mind.

[@allenrodgers1577]

In think he was telling the story of a divided America pulling further a part in a land where democracy is under attack.

[@guitboxgeek]

@@allenrodgers1577 I got a similar impression, tho I must admit that I agreed with Adam on just about every single point.

[@rillloudmother]

why? would it make you feel better since you didn't get this gig?

[@emilysaaen]

Excellent analysis, so emotionally invested - and rightfully so. Thanks Adam, showing this to my students 🎤😀🎹👍

[@TrackCityBand5]

I love your videos, Adam. I am a music teacher and am absolutely inspired by your videos. Your ability to analyze music is absolutely stellar. I guess I have no choice but to become a Patreon supporter.

[@TrackCityBand5]

You go further into detail on these analyses! Shut up and take my $10 a month.

[@AndyChamberlainMusic]

"I don't believe the Ab"

[@qwerty_and_azerty]

Never believe the Ab. Ab’s always lie.

[@SamNusbaum]

@@qwerty_and_azerty G# gang rise up

[@JrgenHelland00]

@@SamNusbaum G#s are cool, it's the Abs that lie.

[@arctic7526]

@@SamNusbaum G#? Really? F# adding double sharp gang rise up

[@zac3392]

Andy Chamberlain Music I’ve always wanted abs...

[@wesleytrott6397]

Oh my god! So accurate! I enjoyed Demi's singing, but while I was listening, there was something off about the whole thing. Now I know what was going on. Thanks for the analysis Adam.

[@PianoNotion]

Happy I found your channel. Great work my friend.

[@devondeswardt6239]

Awesome vid, Adam! Makes so much sense

[@tomwimsatt9567]

The line that makes this video: "Hey, I worked on this in Garage Band." Lol!

[@PeterYiffin]

It sounds unfinished, almost like a......Demo Lovato?

[@dpallant]

It's about one eighth finished. So it's a hemi demi semi Lovato

[@turkicnomad5632]

Ngl, when your sheet music came up and the music began, I thought that was your MIDI. And then you said that was the performance...my soul left my body and I’m writing this from beyond the grave.

[@alonsojobs]

So well explained. First seeing this channel. Subscribed and will be donating!

[@BoringTroublemaker]

I would actually love to hear an Adam Neely arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner

[@Oompa-dn9jm]

The crowd was roaring the word "Chiefs" when she said "brave." Jussayin.

[@tylerblack5838]

I was just about to say it.

[@K.D.Meyers]

That's so tasteless and tbh disrespectful

[@amoliski]

@@K.D.Meyers In general I don't have a problem with "and the home of the [team]", but for the Chiefs or Redskins... It /was/ their home before America came along.

[@ZacDonald]

@@myopiczeal The Chief's name comes from former mayor H. Roe Bartle's nickname, The Chief. Originating from his role in the Boy Scouts organization. But sure, the fans and borrowed imagery often comes off as racist. Still not as bad as Chief Wahoo or The Redskins.

[@shiningarmor2838]

And the home of the (EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE) brave!

[@lukeeriley]

Besides that very well explained video topic, I LOVE listening to your voice. So soothing

Your "storytelling" approach to arranging has been really inspiring for me. Really. Thank you so much.

[@mariacopley2128]

Adam essentessentially fangirling over That Chord in the Whitney Houston version is the most beautiful thing I've seen all day (also I may be English-Polish and not sporty so the superbowl doesn't really apply to me, but from what I can tell in this video, I fully agree with everything Adam has said tbh)

[@d3line]

Maria Copley take a look at Charles Cornell’s analysis of Whitney Huston’s performance then. I loved it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHSlmoeae7Gonpo

[@__Stitchy]

I don't watch American sports either and am not that interested in their national anthem, but Adam's videos are just always a treat

[@DeniseAWright]

essentessentially

[@scottricklaroque7428]

@@DeniseAWright lol

[@lordman5497]

Same

[@lunasol713]

"The crowd is roaring the word brave". The chiefs fans are roaring "CHIEFS" in place of brave. It's what KC fans have always done.

[@coastersplus]

Yep! And either way, I feel like that's the spot in the song where you really don't want to get fancy with the timing, because it'll throw the crowd off and make it a mess.

[@matthewbertrand4139]

What a horrible thing to do.

[@WiggyWamWam]

Matthew Bertrand I mean only if you care about America in a weird patriotic, symbolic way, instead of the the people in it

[@matthewbertrand4139]

@@WiggyWamWam Nah, I was expressing distaste for the Chiefs. Now that you say that, I see what it sounds like.

[@livvelvin1057]

I'm so happy you made this video!!! I felt the exact same way about the backing track. It felt cheesy and not fully produced. This analysis makes a lot of sense. Subscribed!

[@AlonzoEchavarriaGarza]

Adam, my favorite part of this lesson is your emotive analysis of Whitney Houston's performance as it relates to that F chord. Music is about this and more. Thank you for elevating our souls to new heights. This is an award winning video. thanks, man for all you do!

[@jonahbrame7874]

You should check out Charles Cornell's analysis of Whitney Houston's performance and the full brilliance of the arrangement. He goes into some great detail and it is all from the perspective of how he used his harmonic choices to tell a story and evoke feeling. It's honestly one of my favorite music related videos on youtube. I'm about to go watch it for like the 7th time right after I send this reply. Here's the link if you want it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHSlmoeae7Gonpo

[@jonahbrame7874]

oh and he released it just a little before the Demi version happened.

[@jonahbrame7874]

oh and you should start at about 5.5 minutes to skip right to the analysis. Here's the link with the time code : kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHSlmoeae7Gonpo

[@lajollascott]

Here’s my theory: this is actually a really subversive arrangement, as it starts complex and overly cluttered-with its plethora of #jazznonsense-and then gets more and more stripped back and bare and, with its lack of downbeat resolutions, weak. In other words, the arranger is making a statement about our chaotic, surreal time, especially when juxtaposed against the typical militarization of a sporting event. Or maybe it just isn’t very good.

[@JoshuaWillis89]

lajollascott lol. You’re definitely giving way to much credit.

[@Khalastas]

I thought along a similar vein, with the jazzy discordance reflecting the political discordance of early US history. The lack of a big "gimme" on the climax 'free' does seem intentional, and perhaps is hinting at the arrangers' views on the actual state of freedom in the US populace at large. I think it's a pretty average arrangement as well, but Demi does a decent job with it.

[@Manas-co8wl]

Dude I'm sorry it flew over... lemme see 8 heads so far

[@Barde_Jaune]

Tbh that's what I've been thinking so far. It starts kinda pompous and complicated, and gets sparser as it goes on, avoiding any strong word, being downright dark at times.

[@0Enigmatic0]

I could see that, but I see nothing in Demi's performance that would lend to that reading. Either he ignored what the singer would be doing, or it's intentionally mismatched. It's kinda a case of "yeah, it doesn't work, and even if that's the point you're still left with a song that doesn't work.

[@elianmusic7452]

Hey Adam :) Just wanted to say i thoroughly enjoyed your emotional outburst at 5:26 -- Youve expressed before that you have trouble expressing (lol) and im happy to see that excitement come from you!! You also seem fitter and pinker. Happy to see you in good health

[@subjectline]

Ikr! That caught me completely off guard!

[@ericrakestraw664]

Did anyone else get a Rick Beato "What Makes This Song Great" vibe at 5:26?

[@SoftTofu123]

Hey Adam, awesome, awesome video. It makes a whole lot more sense. Thank you. On a side note, you might wanna get a different lens for your camera. It's so wide angle that the distortion is unsettling. When you move your head closer to the camera, even by couple inches, your head suddenly gets as big as your torso. I highly recommend getting your face closer to the center of the video and/or get a longer focal length lens and put it little further away from you.

[@thijs199]

Congratulations on the 1 mill

[@downcastlashes1085]

The crowd didnt roar the word brave they yelled chiefs. Home of the chiefs

[@duchi882]

When you don't watch the Super Bowl but you still watch this video anyway

[@meghanstrudwick4100]

Adam: Nooo why no big climax? :( Arranger: haha chord go brr

[@mitchinatr7093]

5:26 I wish I could be THAT excited every time I hear a m(maj7) chord.

[@drew899]

I think I watch Adam Neely in an attempt to absorb his musical prowess.

[@ErebosGR]

That's just called "learning".

[@drew899]

ErebosGR well you see, the reason I’m an engineering major and not a music and engineering double major is because music theory one kicked my ass

[@Manas-co8wl]

Don't we all

[@t0ad_]

Drew don’t worry you’ll catch on. it’s just a learning curve

[@MrDrummerultime]

we want the analysis of the beyonce 2004 version of the anthem with a brilliant arrangement !

[@mangss9602]

Yea!

[@mattparksmusic]

Loved the thoughtful analysis!

[@nancyb.2951]

Wow. I totally hear everything you're pointing out. I sort of felt that way when I heard it, but couldn't put it into words. Thank you!

[@JonKovach]

I think it sounds like a hot mess. I think more tasteful chord variations used sparingly would have made it more cohesive. It almost sounds completely out of tune in certain sections to me. Also I think if it was played on an organ it would have been better.

[@ARZiehm]

Seriously lol. It’s like the arranger was allergic to any diatonic or root position chords... they can’t ALL be spicy jazz chords or weaker inverted chords

[@DanAshby]

I think a Bontempi organ would have been very good for this. The nice ones with the chord buttons you can press.

[@caitlinjopepe541]

Most people who watch the super bowl don't hear anything but her voice. So yeah, she sang it, it was pretty good singing.

[@foodank_atr817]

They are simply impressed she hit the notes well... They aren't aware of the interplay of the vocal notes with the overly convoluted orchestral melodies. Most people probably aren't even hearing all of it, focusing mainly on the vocals...

[@arronviolin]

@@ARZiehm "The more chords you know, the more courage it takes to not play them." -Jacob Collier

[@adonisfernandez3425]

It feels like it was written straight into the DAW by someone who doesn´t have a lot of experience using it.

[@keithstillman326]

Patiently waiting for the Adam Neely arrangement...☺️☺️

[@JohnDeanMusic]

Is it possible for you to do a more appropriate arrangement with her vocal?

[@woodfur00]

Probably not quite, it being a live performance there's not going to be a studio-recorded vocal-only track floating around. Besides, "a more appropriate arrangement for her vocal" would pretty much be the Whitney Houston version, that's the reason he brings it up repeatedly. That said, it _would_ be interesting to see him improve Demi's arrangement by adding to what's already there.

[@spinter145]

Not from a jedi.

[@tommaxwell4470]

Q&A: Noticing that a MIDI track was (probably) used at the SUPER-BOWL - one of the biggest events of the year - rather than a full orchestra, it just shows me how little music is actually appreciated and recognised in the modern world. They make so much money at the Super Bowl these days that it wouldn’t hurt to spend a bit on some professionals who can make a really good, proper noise?? It even looks better...... ARG

[@keyanpowell927]

“Anyways, let’s keep listening.” Counter: 5

[@DJJoeG]

Thank you for being so intelligent and entertaining explaining these things!

[@soundscape5650]

YES! To my completely untrained and naive ear, the whole arrangement sounded almost 'out of key'. She seemed to hit all the right notes with her voice, but that "orchestral" arrangement felt like all the wrong notes. Its like they were performing completely different versions of the same song.

[@samjackson8286]

Now I feel like we need an Adam Neely arrangement to see how you would do it!!!

[@techdeth]

5:25 I dont think I've ever heard your voice go that high or see you so excited and happy. That was a treat man, best part of the video for sure !! :]

[@Halo4978x]

I would like to say that most of the crowd isn’t shouting brave at the end. KC Chiefs fans yell ‘chiefs’ at the end of the Star Spangled Banner.

[@jerosaurus]

I hadn't heard Demi's version, but just by hearing the first chords now I thought "oh boy, this is not gonna be good".