Breaking Down Mariah Carey's "Lead The Way" Runs! (VLOTH #11)

Mariah Carey's "Lead The Way" is an underrated deep cut off of her 2001 Glitter soundtrack and after so long, I am using Vocal Lines of the Hour (VLOTH) to a breakdown and analysis her riffs, runs, choices and overall voice in this song. Find your fellow lambs and SHARE THIS VIDEO!
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[@oneilgerald]

To support this channel on Patreon: patreon.com/oneilgerald

[@ashleyphelan3048]

Who is tbis dude? And why is he picking apart Mimi songs what is he trying to prove Sounds like a whole bunch of nothing to me

[@taetv8314]

Ashley Phelan you must not know about vocal analytics then.

[@taetv8314]

Here is the studio recording of her hitting the final run it begins at 4:29 kzbin.info/www/bejne/roqUoqSGfdmppaM thanks for another good video!! Lol and we just call Glitter a soundtrack, it’s not so much an album she says.

[@ccalexander1924]

Listen to Mariahs song Bliss. The entire song is in her whistle ( almost )

[@quiddy]

I think her run at the end of Can’t take that away from me” as well as the run before the bridge of “Whenever You Call” duet version are harder to learn than the lead the way ( although lead the way is certainly difficult) because if you break it down, the lead the way run sounds like a simple melody. Also her “to fly.....” run before the modulation of “ I am free” from her Daydream is equally hard.

[@LetsTalkAboutSinging]

Mariah is one of the few singers whose runs are not just sang for the sake of showing off, but always with an harmonic or melodic purpose. Great video!

[@keniaumana7220]

The queen of melisma 💗

[@OfficialBryle]

*Christina Aguilera has left the chat*

[@ulradeja5380]

*thanks to her sound engineers, made possible by COMPING technique*

[@kelvinpyaeko]

Ulra Deja you are like a tired bot who just regurgitates the same comment. Multiple videos of Mariah doing runs have empirically invalidated your critiqued and you still hold this delusion in the face of evidence. You are a true psychopath!

[@Ray-ej3fp]

​@@ulradeja5380 go take your meds you nutjob!

[@instasingingvids3529]

Such a beautiful and underrated song from an underrated album.

[@Dghilv55]

Soundtrack

[@snowbomb7203]

Mick Hart Calma well it was a studio album

[@JonMrton]

Bitch it’s NOW out on streaming platforms ‼️😭😭😭

[@snowbunny2832]

Jon Morton YASSS!!!

[@soaribb32]

It's pretty good

[@kclorenz8037]

This song is probably the most studied Mariah Carey song when singer try to replicate runs. Aside for VOL and Emotions

[@ulradeja5380]

he failed to realize that this was recorded using COMPING technique. This is just one her songs that she can never ever sing LIVE

[@GeloMeme]

@@ulradeja5380 you always reply on comments and tries to discredit Mariah on her vocal abilities. She never sang Lead the way on a performance but she has tons of other songs that has lots of runs and quite hard to replicate even by other established singers.

[@cjpenuela7575]

Ulra Deja simply put, you’re a hater who loves to pop up everywhere there is Mariah. You’re the definition of “OBSESSED”. Stay pressed

[@Ray-ej3fp]

@@ulradeja5380 go take your meds you nutjob!

[@michaeldelarosa2407]

@@ulradeja5380 megeekwang?

[@thiagoexpress]

Those vocals are so complex and hard and gourgeous! Mariah is not human.

[@JD-xd4sy]

She's from Mars

[@THXx1138]

@@JD-xd4sy Venus. Men are from Mars.

[@JD-xd4sy]

@@THXx1138 I’m pretty sure she’s marsian on her mothers side. She’s mixed like that

[@bamb6098]

You should make more Mariah content. The lambs are literally thirsting for someone like you to analyse her most impressive/ underrated moments

[@Drew-bi9gv]

You analyzed this so well unlike some of the fake coaches here

[@hillbaby02]

I liked this, but I also like Natalie Weiss who broke down the run in steps with some else their to song it with her, She did it slowly so we could count then speed it up as we get more comfortable. I like O'Neil cause showed us the notes, and if we chose to switch it up we can.

[@soaribb32]

@@hillbaby02 Natalie is iconic

[@PaNdeM0niuM]

Mariah has no vocal weakness. Her vocal transitions are flawless. She is the vocal GOAT !

[@elenapopovic2527]

She's actually everything! Her music and her voice are literally spiritually healing to me and millions of others. It's incredible.

[@michaellhma6880]

True...

[@atolm1]

Mariah's runs are so tasteful and always fit the song. It never feels unnecessary, annoying; or overdone like a certain overrated someone who shall remain nameless.

[@michaellhma6880]

Agree..

[@KwazyKupkakes]

No screaming like Beyoncé trying to prove she can sing

[@killlamas57]

To me, this is one of Mariah’s hardest vocal lines. I’d have to practice this everyday for about two months before I could even hit all the notes. Forget even sounding as good as her.

[@ulradeja5380]

*Even Mariah can't hit all the high notes LIVE*

[@alvyandana]

@@ulradeja5380 and neither can you

[@Ray-ej3fp]

@@ulradeja5380 go take your meds you nutjob!

[@johnthona7094]

Ulra Deja neither your fav 🤢🤢

[@honestperson3042]

Hit all the notes it' s possible with a lot of training and if you have talent, the fact is that first there is an F5 and during the run she repeats "over" again, it is possible to do a simplified version but do it in the exact same way it's impossible. Not to mention there is a 20 second belt after the run

[@blackbeauty5717]

Mariah has the most beautiful voice I ever heard. most people focus on her high notes/whistle but her breathing artistry, low notes is what i love most

[@gooonicorn]

There’s a video of her singing this part in the studio and she damn near passed out by the time she’s done. I love this woman!

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of the immortal greatest runs ever! Mariah is a forever legend! Natalie Weiss broke this down too! ❤️❤️

[@ulradeja5380]

*The greatest voice ever dubbed*

[@onyxell]

Ulra Deja did Demi send u...?🤔🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Ray-ej3fp]

@@ulradeja5380 go take your meds you nutjob!

[@johnthona7094]

Ulra Deja what a poor rat you are

[@ulradeja5380]

*she is the only singer in the universe who can't sing LIVE her own songs, she has to lipsych her dubbed vocals*

[@lucasalmeida4582]

This is what I pay my internet for ❤️❤️❤️

[@ashleyphelan3048]

This is such crap

[@marceloaugusto8938]

O'Neil, you shoud talk about "I AM FREE" from Daydream, I believe it's even a more obscure gem rather than Lead the way, there is so much beautiful and intricate runs, and it's like one of her few songs that don't have whistles (actually they are hidden in the backgrounds lol). Anyway, you should listen, if you have never listened before.

[@soaribb32]

I Am Free and Forever are very hard to sing.

[@bwild14]

Soaribb May have have to come in a

[@user-jc8dy2sl7k]

Mariah Carey; I am the press conference they’re just conversation.

[@roddo1955]

AH hooo- ah_oo-woah-ooh-whoa: why you so obsessed with me?

[@imfamoushero]

I always thought Mariah’s discography deserved deep dive analysis and explanations such as this video so thank you so much for taking the time to break it down even tho parts of it went over my head

[@elusive7244]

there is actually a video of her singing this in the studio.

[@keenan7754]

I love Mariah, she's a LEGEND in every sense of the word. But that clip is dubbed. Doesn't matter though coz she did actually sing it at some point. Regardless of whether copy and paste was used🤷🏾‍♂️ it's still her voice

[@princestory26]

yeah, that was obviously lipsynced for promotional purposes ;p i dont ever think mariah will have videos of her recording her songs in the studio (save some few ones like the wbt remix and some of the e=mc2 songs) cuz i remember she said in an interview that she spends nights on the studio working and writing and arranging and producing the songs and considering that she always ensures how pretty she looks when she is filmed, i dont think she would consider herself looking her best while recording. just a tangent! 😅

[@kimberly38amsterdam]

@The LG I don't know if it's fixed there is a video out on KZbin of some classical schooled singers who are doing the run after some practice. So it is possible!

[@benw3864]

The LG nothing about the run sounds comped or autotuned. remember this was recorded in 2000/2001, they didnt have nearly the same technology we have now

[@hyun808]

@The LG What the hell are you talking about . Here we go with non singing keyboard warriors accussing every good vocal line with autotune/voice effects lmao . The video is her recording in the studio while they played it back during recording . And the song and 95% of her song to doesn't have any vocal changing autotune or pitch correction .You clueless lol

[@ToyaF82]

MC will forever be Queen 💕

[@dellunzaga3067]

When everyone talking about mariah's voice technically Mariah: I don't know what you guys talking about.

[@languidcreature2345]

Mariah&WhitneyLamb wel...she knows about voice technique too

[@dazz_in_the_now]

I can see her saying "everybody's an expert dahhling" 😂

[@clintjohnson1023]

@@languidcreature2345 she plays coy but when you hear her talk about singing , its clear this woman knows about the voice and technique but singers arent supposed to show that side of their knowledge.

[@ryanramos5962]

It seems the whiteboard is not enough for the note of mariah. Lol 🤣

[@makeupbycarlcapellan]

I think @MariahCarey holds the World Record for stuffing the most notes in a musical bar in fabulously harmonious style ☺

[@jonadol]

Such a colorful musician. She really is up there. Ugh thank you for this.

[@soaribb32]

All the runs displayed have so many notes lol

[@cjpenuela7575]

Ulra Deja lol. She’s not Ariana or Britney

[@imanialexander2469]

CJ Penuela don’t bring Britney into this. She’s already been through a lot of shit as it is.

[@soaribb32]

@@darylacesantos Well, you want me to diss Mariah? Why in the hell would you react like that?

[@giamiramontes5639]

her runs in the latter part of her vanishing SNL rehearsal are amazeballs

[@michaeldelarosa2407]

Those runs has life on its own. Lifeline.

[@mariahisthe1]

I love Mariah's voice. Her tone is like no other and her voice is simply beautiful in any range.

[@briobrandon911]

Watching this makes me appreciate MC’s musicality even more. Her melodies and melismas are always so intricate but not a single note is wasted. Everything is always so cohesive and it always sounds DIVINE!

[@ajayshinz8427]

What about that 20 second note 🥺 Tbh I have heard notes even longer than that, but with that many runs in between, vibrato in, vibrato out, that's so so difficult, I dare you to try that!

[@komoru]

Ending of "Vanishing" is another a tough one to sing...requires a lot of pacing and endurance and breath control.

[@Marco-el2he]

her choosing to get headier doesnt neglet the fact that she can indeed support quite low notes. so its really not a weakness, it's just a stylistic choice if we know she can support them if she wants. she does like to sing outside of her supported range(rarely) but a normal listener wouldn't notice the difference tbh.

[@kimberly38amsterdam]

Wat is outside of her range? For me it sounds like Mariah's range is neverending LOL

[@touka7317]

@@kimberly38amsterdam Well they were specificallly talking about her supported range and I've seen people say Mariah's supported range at best is E3-F#5-A5/Bb5 but idk

[@sinfvl6890]

@@touka7317 Eb3-G5-Bb5

[@soaribb32]

​@@touka7317 well, fair enough.is there any support to whistles in general?

[@gwennie520]

there IS a video of mariah singing lead the way in the studio!!!! i think it's one of the top results when you search 'mariah carey lead the way studio' i think shes wearing a camisole. u can really see her breath control especially at the last loonggg asf note !!!!!!

[@kirbyfeller5602]

Mygod, what can i say! Mariah is such a vocal genius!

[@marvsgonz55055]

Mariah is the only one who can sing a single word and fill it with a whole population of notes

[@gabrieltalavera4465]

She studied the Clark sisters. That is what a true vocalist does. You learn from the best.

[@saadmars961]

There is a clip of her singing this in the studio if you want to see it. She made it look SO easy

[@FermiBubbleGummyBear]

Can you discuss the topic of prosody? I am not sure if this is applicable to what Mariah is doing with her runs/embellishments but often times she'll vocally "paint" a line that complements the lyric. Like in the following examples: Song: "4th of July" Lyric: "Floated Away" Example: 1:58 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYeUkHqhjplrd7s Vocally: Runs float up and down the scale ----- Song: "Meteorite" Example: 3:09 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpWof4t_p5ZrhaM Vocally: Whistle note emulating a meteorite piercing through the atmosphere ----- Song: "Butterfly" Lyric: "Truly were meant to be" Example: 0:46 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKe9nayweZ1_gMU Vocally: This is just one line, but she effectively undulates and 'flutters' through the lines on most the first and second verses. Of all the questions people ask her during interviews, I'm surprised no one asks her anything related to this. I would really want to dive and and ask about illustrating her process in designing runs, melodies, and how she decides to embellish lyrics like the aforementioned.

[@CoolGuy-kz2ti]

probably the best example of this is emotions when she sings 'high' on the whistles

[@mechiac]

I live for this! The way you explained it and everything is so detailed! You’re amazing!!!!!! I need your agility

[@whoszmnwho]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAS! Glitter deserves more, it’s such a good album

[@batodelcastillo4802]

She is insane in the studio ! Anyone like her

[@thedanieljeremiah]

This is one of the extrapolated, and intelligent examinations I have ever seen of our Queen! Wow! Thanks for this!!

[@cattaro2855]

And that's why she's the best! 😍 #QueenOfVocals!

[@damon4000]

Wow. This is impressive work. Kudos to you!

[@jibriljinno]

u got a sub from me because of this.. Mariah songs are sooo complicated that they are worth these kinds of analysis

[@sameolelinedudes947]

This has always been my favorite Mariah song because of the technicalities of these EXACT runs. Im no student of music and don’t know an A6 from G2 but i know it takes great skill to execute and that’s why it always hit different for me. THANK YOU FOR THE EDUCATION!!!!

[@PaNdeM0niuM]

Mariah is a vocal MASTER!

[@DayvidDavis]

Glitter and Charmbracelet vocals are my favorite. Yes, I love me some whisperiah too. Her transitions and tone are EVERYTHANG in those eras.

[@DeograciaYolanda]

the most complete breakdown ..... great :)

[@whitleyroberts3776]

Mariah is the queen of vocal arrangement choices!

[@alvyandana]

I can't read music sheet, nor distinguish particular notes. but I love how you explain it 😃

[@Daydreams1995]

Thank you so much for doing an in-depth video on Mariah. I pay for KZbin Red and I had no idea that your videos did not make you any money. You put SO much work into your videos and I support and appreciate you!

[@ivanruizatelier]

Such an underrated yet complex song to sing! Vocally challenging! Only Queen MC! #lambily

[@mijalakis3]

Loved the video but I don't agree that she has a high tesitura, she actually has a very deep speaking voice, she herself says that technically she is an alto that covers notes from a mezzo, average soprano and above. She has said also in inteevies that she writes her songs in a very high key because to her it sounds better and more appealing but takes a toll on her voice and gets tired easily. Sometimes she sings more in a staccato over a legato but that is because of her vocal nodules so when she is not well rested they tend to make her voice a bit less unpredictable. You didn't even notice in the second run you explained in the word suddenly she sang sudden- is in belt but - ly is in her falsetto. She even sings one word in a more round voice and the next one on a breathy sound (Check Always be my baby from home Live 2020)

[@DavidMorgan411]

This was excellent. We also need that dance remix of her run that you added at the end on Soundcloud, please and thank you!

[@july4u2c]

Just one word but so much notes everywhere...so love Mariah...what a genious...

[@redzoom7857]

"Lead the Way" has some beastly vocals. I love that song.

[@alexd1121]

the fact that this exists is freaking amazing

[@matthewrugel9241]

I love the analyzation; however, I find that in "you and I" she has a strong low range. I'm not technically-versed, but I find that she easily transitions from chest to belt which effectively creates a seamless transition from C4 to B5

[@carltheconsumer]

I wish glitter was on Apple Music Edit~ Correction , she just blessed us with it !

[@bromanceme]

Forget about vocal analytics, this is a masterclass in the theory and rudiments of music. Give this guy a professorship!

[@fajarsetiawan8665]

Mr. Gerald, you've done it again. Constantly raising the bar for all of us and doing it flawlessly. This breakdown is so insightful and educating.

[@ScorpiosLullaby]

Seeing you breakdown* these moments.... I am a lamb dahling... this is giving me life.. “oh 👉🏽vuh”... 😍 “There’s more that she does”, I wanna see that too 😍 You bettah! Come on EAR! The Notes, new fan 🙏🏽👍🏽

[@Lioness_Es]

I love your analysis and how you break down this melody! 🎼🎵🎹

[@MC-rs6jp]

I really enjoyed this. Very detailed and I like that you explain the note choices... She's so talented it's ridiculous!

[@ericsico4714]

Mariah Carey is perfect! Period. 😍

[@xxDragonsRockxx]

YOU OUTDO YOURSELF WITH EVERY VIDEO! High quality stuff, and I love how you break everything down and make it understandable. I'm also really happy you listed her weaknesses too - all we can do is learn with the information we're given! And lol - just casually doing the runs - you are amazing!

[@HFaour]

Isn't that A natural note in the third run due to the modal interchange? I think this run is in phyrgian or some mode that is only played at this section of the song. Regardless, it's extremely creative and pleasant. Thank you for the insighful video!

[@oneilgerald]

Essentially, yes, though I think it's simpler than a modal interchange. The purpose of that A natural I think needs to be taken in the context of all the other passes of the refrain. In prior refrains there was a iii-vi-ii-V (Cmin-Fmin-Bbmin-Ebmaj) movement. That A natural descending to the F gives me the impression that she's making that vi major in her head. I only really apply modes when I'm speaking to a composers' choices. Though Carey is a songwriter, the entire musical map isn't on her mind the way her piano player would. I thus think her choice there was a simple adjustment (reflected in that passing D diminished chord). But again, that's up to personal interpretation without an interview with Carey and the rest of the writers and composers!

Yesterday i was thinking it would be nice for someone to make a video of those runs. Hahaha. Perfect timing :) awesome!

[@jianmontes4107]

when he started his videos with "Mariah Carey have 19 #1's" and I'm like yup this would be good

[@flyleelee5351]

I was always in awe of the vocals on this song!

[@Justin19871130]

Seriously，this is the BEST tutorial I've ever seen of this crazy Mariah Carey run~! Love it!!!!Learned a lot!

[@davidbosquette6604]

You are great. Thanks for the breakdown of this amazing vocalist 💚

[@EAlexF114]

There is a RARE video of Mariah actually recording this part of the song in the studio! Mariah is the SONGBIRD SUPREME. Whitney was the POWER but Whitney had a fraction of Mariah's AGILITY, and that's why she is so much more melodic than ol' Nippy. (LOVE HER TOO BTW) but here's the link (you're welcome!): (kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGawaYxtfZ2Dh6c at the 0:58 mark)

[@erpy83]

Omg I've never watched a more precise and passionate analysis of those runs! I've become an instant fan of your teaching and immediately subscribed to your channel. God bless Gerald, lots of appreciation from Italy

[@BB-cz5jz]

Finally I could sing this part watching the video!! Thank you!

[@navyforeveryoungjean-phili5940]

Most of Mariah’s music, if not all are really thought out and complex.

[@Lefs86]

Incredible job! You should make this with "I'm Free" from her.

[@taneshawalker]

Thank you, Love love your work! I will be going over to your patreon channel. xx

[@trentonm6688]

Mariahs registers are fully connected she just disconnects them for stylistic purposes especially in the early 2000s

[@ismaelm.mbaangue9147]

And the disconnected moments are because of the nodules

[@musicviolamusician4392]

I love when gem like these get attention

[@AnthonyRodriguez-eq8dl]

you slayed this explanation. SPOTTTTT ON

[@princestory26]

hi o'neil!! first of all, i just wanna say thank u for all ur efforts in creating beautiful and educational videos on music and singing. you explain things in such an engaging, concise, and comprehensible manner and it's not easy to do that, especially if u have an audience that may not be as musically-versed. secondly, thank u for making this video! i love your vloths and vocal runs always give me life, so to see you break them down and explain their musical significance is so refreshing and insightful. i love mariah carey and i especially love this song, so im very happy you got to do a vloth for "lead the way". thirdly, i wish i could support u on patreon, so fingers-crossed i get to that place because i really enjoy your work and i think you are an amazing and talented person ❤ please take care and stay safe 🙆🏻‍♂️

[@sebasellyV]

I am AMAZED!! I really loved this video, EXCELLENT job. I'd love for you to keep doing videos like this of Mariah songs because her arrangements are intricate and really beautiful!!

[@jamiengaddis8416]

Mariah sung that song! When I heard it for the 1st time I was like Wow! Sing girl!

[@jm9002]

I appreciate this and you so much for breaking this down. And Mariah too of course!

This is real science.

[@ericklualhati3414]

That's one of the hardest and longest note I think. I Love her so much. MC forever ❤️⭐️

[@angiegarciap]

Can you do a study of the run in Can’t Take That Away? Loved this video! More Mariah pleaseee 💕

[@Lioness_Es]

That's another beautiful hit!

[@komoru]

There's 2 runs in that song that are tough. I find using software to slow it down is the best way to learn them. It's like trying to learn a fast guitar lick. You just need to play it over and over in slow motion and get it down slowly before trying to speed it up.

[@YellaNDN07]

Very insightful and I am working on this beautiful run now

[@benjaminjohnson8452]

great video! Love seeing real musicians react and analyze Mariah Carey!

[@sawanav6499]

I know nothing about music and all of these terms but this was really interesting

[@fiaalmanda]

This is the best video ever! You're amazing at explaining 🤣❤️

[@Ngasii]

VLOTHs are my favourite❤🔥

[@trueartisttv]

Awwww wow! This is such a brilliant breakdown. Love your work! Subscribed x

[@onlycanbeoneofme]

This is awesome man - you need to put your patreon link in all the descriptions - link it up- itll be easier for people to support you!! and they will!!! breakdown more mariah please!

[@morified9290]

Hi O’neil! Nice to see you reacting again to videos. Me personally missed your vocal talk throughs. 😉 It was sad when you stop doing it cause I really like how you react and criticize details so accurately. Please for the second time can we hear your react again to Morissette singing Fly like a bird by Mariah Carey. You won’t regret watching her. Thank you so much! 😘

[@javier_govi]

In my opinion one of the best Mariah’s song.

[@mariahwhitneycelinejanetmadona]

i need that mix of LTW at the end

[@benjamindkadoch8993]

BOY OH BOY! What I’ve always tried to grasp by intuition and have drawn in the air with her runs YOU HAVE GRACEFULLY AND DIDACTICALLY materialized!!!!! I’ve learned whistles from listening to her (Eb6-F7) but I still grapple with them runs which I love! MAN YOU ARE THE BEST TEACHER EVERRRRRR. Please do some more Mariah? And I so need to go patreon 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@RedCanyonWolf]

What blows my mind is she does all of this on one breath