Layne Staley - Man In The Box Isolated Vocal Analysis - Alice In Chains - Singing & Production Tips

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My Website: chrisliepe.com
Solve your tone problems... Study Layne Staley!
He's so incredibly resonant... But are you aware of how dynamically he messes with his vocal placement? It's easy to hear in more exaggerated or 'in-your-face' vocalists, but Layne's amazing tone comes from subtle, yet intentional tweaks in how he lets different notes vibrate in his face.
By developing a consciousness of this... How to place your voice in different ways, even in the same phrase, your tone is guaranteed to improve drastically.
You see, a great tone is NEVER a static tone or sound. Let's see and hear how Layne drives this home by studying the isolated vocals from the classic AIC song Man In The Box!

[@jessehutchings]

Layne's effortless dynamics are amazing. It's like he rubs your shoulders with that gentle tone and just punches you in the face with those explosive attacks

[@singing894]

The greatest vocalist of the grunge era. Incredible.

[@sciexp]

Everyone was good in a way... No need to be the best... Everyone is different...

[@SDCB754]

I would say Chris Cornell is the best, but Layne is a close second. Both of their voices were sensational.

[@joshdoesstuff763]

Thems are fighting words around here, bucko. This is Cornell territory 😂

[@BradCross1982]

There are many people who prefer Layne to Chris, me 🙋🏼‍♂️ being one of them lol. Everyone likes something different

[@SDCB754]

@@BradCross1982 They had very different styles, they're both great in their own right

[@kat3871]

What's interesting about Layne is, if you listen to him speak, he has such a boyish, soft-spoken voice that you'd never suspect he could do such mystifying things with his voice while singing.

[@kegyen]

That’s what emotion coupled with talent can do ❤

[@jessehutchings]

He has dynamic voice and a dynamic heart

[@patriciopomies]

Probably the most loved tone in history. "Feed my eyes" the most impossible note/tone/grit to replicate

[@donaldlove4547]

It’s not impossible.

[@AnguishForYourGreedIL]

The belted G#s in Love, Hate, Love are way harder. Practically right on that vocal break for baritones/tenors

[@jessehutchings]

He was simply amazing. It's one thing to emulate his singing but he was the expeditionary blazing the new trail for us to follow

[@theamazingrapist]

​@AnguishForYourGreedIL where does he do G#? F#5 generally considered his highest note.

[@zHxIxPxPxIxEz]

​@theamazingrapist I belive the live version at the moore

[@rome8180]

What amazes me the most about Layne is his ease in the higher registers. You can see it in the live performances. At the Unplugged, he weighs maybe 120 pounds, is strung out, and is slumped over in his chair. And yet, he hits these high notes easily. He must have had such easy access to his mixed voice.

[@danabomb100]

He barely shows effort in that performance. I mean maybe in a few ‘spots’ his shoulders actually raise up as he belts out. He still gave one of the most hauntingly amazing performances ever. Dude was created of talent and dipped in a bluesy, grit-dust when he was placed on this earth.

[@lyndonbauer1703]

watching love hate love live is another example. He just makes it look so easy

[@BeNice3525]

True. Also people like Christina Aguilera who is so tiny and her voice is a monstrosity of power. Thin and or small people with powerful voices is weird to witness like how the heck can they muster all that power ? It’s a mystery to me

[@caseyrodriguez481]

Same with Christina Aguilera. She’s tiny but her voice is a powerhouse

[@richardbarfett1569]

Dude live at the Moore is where Layne is at. Unplugged was sad and just the end of his life. He was nothing compared to what he was in 95 when he absolutely destroyed the Moore. I was in shock when I found that video

[@ericcastro1600]

Personal opinion, and I’m probably about to get a lot of hate for this comment but better vocalist IMO over Kurt or Eddie

[@thedeadserv]

No, that's just fact

[@joshdoesstuff763]

Eddie had a better voice, but Layne was the best vocalist

[@vinsmokesanji1264]

I dont agree just only kurt or eddie where is chris?

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

No, your right.

[@etsdekock3065]

not better, different :)

[@leonardcarino8441]

"Subdued yet aggressive" - the perfect definition of Layne's vocal style

[@fenderfox5080]

I find it fascinating when you see Layne doing the MTV unplugged and how incredibly relaxed he was, and then when you realize he's not shouting when he sings, he's relaxed and gritty but smooth and powerful. And he uses that yodel voice crack thing too.

[@DustinTavo]

Ohhh yeah totally I can see it. In bleed the freak there’s this “EeeeeeEeeeEEEE EEEEEEEE Bleed for meeeeeeeeeAAAY”

[@casey10bb]

Fender Fox: You're the 1st of anyone I've seen to mention Layne's slight yodel 'thing'. It's pretty awesome actually. Only 1 other person comes to mind: Alanis Morissettte .

[@fenderfox5080]

@@casey10bb lol thanks, when I was younger I could do that flip no problem, and I can hear when people do it, Kurt did it on the spot as well, so did Delores. But now that I'm older I have to work at it more since I don't sing as often.

[@casey10bb]

@@fenderfox5080 wow, nice you could do that. I tried awhile back to imitate it but failed. And, geez, of course, Kurt and especially Delores, I completely forgot about them.

[@vinessac]

I love when he does the little mini yodel in Rooster

[@charliezxi]

The really amazing thing was that Layne reproduced these songs flawlessly, live. My band at the time , we saw them on the Dirt tour, and were blown away at how powerful and how accurate this band was. There was not even one little mistake.

[@danialmr5960]

Layne Staley is the best singer of all time. Great video btw

[@jessehutchings]

I love your preamble on imitation. Everyone's voice is created differently and that's what makes singing so amazing. We love to hear someone else fully express the power of their own voice in a song and by practicing emulation we can learn new tricks and achieve greater control over our voices.

[@adikickass84]

Layne is my favorite vocalist ever. Chris please do more AIC breakdown videos. Layne and Jerry have the greatest vocal chemistry ever. Maybe one explaining the use of lead and backing harmonies and /or call and response type vocals that they do so well.. I'd suggest- Brother/ Got me wrong/ Down in a hole/ Heaven beside you.. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE and thank you!

[@jessehutchings]

Thank you so much for this demonstration and RIP to the GOAT. 22 years ago today Layne Staley left us but his gifts remain.

[@mrspgp]

I think he was 1 of only a few select vocalists that sounded better live of any era or genre 🤷🏻‍♀️ RIP to all the talent we've lost thru the yrs❤️

[@JohnnyRawks]

I was having a little trouble with the chorus in this tune until I realized that he's singing "F- AAAAAAA" and "J- AAAAAAA' rather than F-EEEEEE-D, and J-EEEEEEEE-sus. He's using the A vowel and then morphing into 'E'. What a difference that makes in the delivery. Significantly easier.

[@pallina06]

Amo le voci di Cornell e Staley. Sono doti e meraviglie innate che poi con lo studio probabilmente han saputo tirare fuori il meglio per emozionare. E tu sei bravissimo ad analizzare le loro voci. Grazie!

[@Wog-yu9gp]

Love this channel. What you've given to me for my voice is priceless.

[@juanmoreira5246]

One week ago i have searched for your takes on this song vocal track and found nothing. You're like a wizard man, thank you so much for all the lessons

[@scottlewis3139]

Layne is my spirit animal! Thanks for doing this one, Chris! ❤️

[@neilxpeart]

echoing other peoples' feedback, I'm really loving the effects being applied when you do these analysis videos.

[@Saiyan7R]

To this day I'm still wondering how Chris hasn't already surpassed 1M subscribers. The content, quality of it and how in depth all of this is, unbelievable.

[@Grimpung]

Kinda missing Jerry's backing vocals but still great stuff!

[@pearcefitzpatrickodonovan480]

Layne is amazing 👏

[@homeguitarplayer9482]

Your teaching has helped me to grasp the idea of character development as a vocalist. Thanks.

[@sajidmahmud_]

Saw Layne Staley Clicked Immediately!

[@ShahwarSadaf]

(2) tarupor sheita 'Man in the box '

[@sajidmahmud_]

@@ShahwarSadaf ekdom :3

[@ShahwarSadaf]

I was just looking for this one and a notification popped up.. Perfect timing... Thank you ❤️

[@GabiBrooks]

Hey Chris! Thank you so much for this video!

[@phosphorusmusick]

Superb analysis, Chris! I discovered Layne through you last year and he is one of my inspiring forces now. :)

[@jasonmatthew8650]

so happy you broke this one down, one of my favorite songs and one I've always wanted to be able to cover!

[@aracellytirado3525]

Oh my GOD!!!! how I miss lane. It still breaks my heart. His voice was just like no other. Seriously. I can’t stress enough just how incredibly powerful and amazing his vocals were. So unique. This is heaven to my ears right now.

[@Rurikpaon]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!! Finally!

[@0Linerider0forever0]

I love your encouraging approach to coaching, it inspires confidence, even for the beginner. Only watched 1 minute and I'm subbed

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for the sub!!

[@jamiegunn]

Great video! Always amazing how you open newer ways of dynamic singing while unpacking and explaining placements and air flow. I am inspired by every video you make. There is always something great that comes out of them no matter what the content.

[@stuntwill]

People have asked me for advice about singing over the years and I say one thing similar to you, but not quite as well: do impressions of other singers to find your voice. I'm so glad you clarified that the point is not to imitate them, but to discover new unique things about your voice. I'm totally using that line! Thanks!

[@ILowlLife]

The greatest vocalist of any era. Layne is one of the greatest in my book, I don’t care what anybody says.

[@tangled_up-in-plaid3011]

Hey Chris! Great video as always, keep on rocking dude! If you ever got your hands on Rain When I Die, that would be tremendous. It's probably one of Layne's greatest display of vocal prowess and it would be awesome to see you break it down! Much love brother.

[@HMPodcast]

Best singer ever

[@trulyvanvan]

When this video was released, by one year ago, I wasn’t able (not even close) to sing this chorus. I spent this last year focusing and studying for better vocals (watching lots of your content chris) and today I still can’t sing it perfectly but I can see that in maybe a couple months i will be. So the message is to never give up when u have a goal. Keep up guys that’s it

[@ItzBirdMan1337]

You got it, I was the same way. I could do it but it was the tip of what I could do. Now I warm up with ces la vie by protest the hero. It took like 7 years but it's nowhere near unachievable.

[@trulyvanvan]

@@ItzBirdMan1337 I still can’t do it 🤣 but ai won’t give up

[@caseyrodriguez481]

Mad respect for an analyst that knows his stuff and can actually sing … as an ex musician RESPECT !!

[@fenderfox5080]

I said I loved how you find a similar effect for your videos, when you did the deftones video I followed along and got the same effect at home. It definitely makes it funner to sing and cover when your using a similar effect set up. I also like that little bit of delay on the different vocals lagging and kinda moving around. Makes it sound human and not perfect. I would love to hear some more Nirvana and Cornell . You blow the rest of these guys outta the water Chris

[@johnriley8314]

Layne was a MASTER at many things ,you sir are exactly right. His vibrato,along w/ his dropping of his larynx is simply amazing....and the screams.....shewww.... CORNELL,VEDDER,STALEY,COBAIN...all are GREAT Grunge singers for sure. New subscriber here,have you done any Eddie Vedder stuff yet?? If not,you sure should.Thanks and lookin forward to learning a ton,as I did in just this one video alone !!!! Great Vocal Coach and explainer !!!!

[@chrisliepe]

Just released one in Eddie earlier this week and I’ve done a couple others! Check out the Even Flow video I released last Tuesday!

[@TarunMusicTv]

Thanks as always, Chris!

[@withmygoodeyeclosed]

10:15 yeah that's the "yarl", lol. Awesome vid man, been waiting for some new Staley coverage.

[@johnriley8314]

i just signed up for your free course and the very 1st lesson is ALL SO TRUE....Too many singers are worried about one thing...I hope or I sure do think.....your NOT concentrating on GIVING IT YOUR ALL that a way!!!! (Guilty as well on MANY occasions man lol)...GREAT START!!! Thanks for being here Chris....so glad I found ya!!!! Stay Safe ...

[@innersoundjsd5770]

Cool! Will see it now instantly!

[@andrearinomato7670]

Staley was just a savage on the vocals. Definitely another criminally underrated vocalist. Ian Thornley, Layne Staley, and Roger Daltrey are hands down my all time favourite vocalists.

[@scottperryscovers3501]

Love Ian!

[@richardbarfett1569]

Thank you for allowing me to analyze his vocals on such a profound level

[@isaccosta1744]

I just can't afford it, but if I did you would be the first person I would think of to buy the course, but I know I'll learn to sing someday, and you'll be a part of it. A dream to be able to sing as I want!

[@innersoundjsd5770]

Believe me, it is worth every dollar! I am still working on the paid courses (!) and they are really great! But..... Really don't under estimate how much you can learn from Chris his free course and than all the free KZbin videos here too!!! Live to make your Dream come True!

[@isaccosta1744]

@@innersoundjsd5770 exactly man, thanks!!!

[@thedeadserv]

It's true, his KZbin stuff nigh has all anyone would need. The course is way more structured for progression. Worth every penny.

[@pavlonwilcz5650]

Hey Chris. Please consider putting putting your voice breakdowns content on spotify as a podcast. I'd love to listen to those while walking my doggo

[@andymat7359]

I was about to go to bed but no way, thanks Chris I'm staying up for this .... God bless from the U.K.

[@TheAlexLamberty]

These videos are so awesome I can’t get enough of em. I wish this wasn’t the censored radio version though!

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

I mean this with absolutely no offence - you are an incredible singer yourself - but only by hearing another person singing Layne's vocal lines do I TRULY realise what is IMPOSSIBLE to imitate. Layne's voice is absolutely INSANE and I really have a deeper appreciation of his ability. Thank god for AIC

[@Vandalio_Saez]

Hooked on these alice and Layne vidoes you are the man!!! 💪

[@terradossoftwares]

Fantastic video and an excellent analysis, I really enjoyed your comments. Alice in Chains is one of my favorite bands, congratulations for the work.

[@jamesscrbacic9948]

some singers really know how to use compression well and yet sound so free going through the different registers the voice just rings would love some help in that area, Chris!

[@cncshep]

I know this is off topic but thank you Chris foreal I've been getting likes and comments here and there never thought that would happen thank you for helping me improve so much and understand my body when it comes to singing

[@Ivanslav1]

wow. thanks for breaking this down. Amazing

[@chrisx4457]

Chris. Thanks so much for the videos. As a vocalist and coach they have been a *huge* inspiration. Your warmup demonstration video honestly changed things for me -- overnight -- I'm not kidding. I actually did my own take on them at the weekend just gone in a livestream where I also tracked my own cover of Man In The box! MAN do I wish your video had come out a few days earlier, I could have used these tips!

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

Omg yes. Liked and commenting before even watching it.

[@1800Nausea]

Layne was so good! I can nail the verses but this chorus...JESUS!!

[@DouglasComical]

Never realized how nasally and thin sounding those intro vocals were. Now can’t unhear it when listening it to the full mix. Thanks a lot, Chris Jk great vid as always

[@chrisliepe]

hehe yep!!

[@RealBurgunfaust]

This series is great. I love them! Any chance of getting "45" by Brent Smith of Shinedown?

[@AmishMutantPower]

I love your reviews Chris!!! Awesome and really interesting in every second. Layne voice...is really overwhelming!!! Best Regards 💪😉

[@MrDuaneLee]

Here I am looking for a Chris Liepe Zakk Wylde video, stumbling on what I thought was just a random other Chris Liepe video of Alice In Chains (which happens to be my one of my most loved bands). Then I see that you just uploaded this?! AWESOME. Any chance you could do a video of Zakk Wylde? Like Spoke In The Wheel live, where he uses both his softer voice and also adds one of his screams (which is not found on the studio version). Thank you for putting up such professional content. Not only your level of understanding is excellent, but your teaching skills are as well.

[@MrDuaneLee]

This would be the version I'm referencing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHOrfIpuYqZ1gZY

[@outofgrid]

I love your videos! Awesome work.

[@twainjones]

WOW Now here's some valuable KZbin content. Thanks for this 👍👍👍 Three thumbs up

[@carolfyall688]

An Amazing Voice. Unique

[@katarzynanaeem9099]

I Love your beatiful approach and your channel

[@jasonnorman1350]

what the actual F*** this guy is silly good

[@cesartavara166]

Es muy fascinante. Si se dan cuenta ahí se ve la diferencia entre agudos de un tenor y agudos de un barítono. Layne llega al Bb sin realizar un cambio drástico en sus cuerdas vocales, mientras que al “estilo Cornell” el cambio es bastante notorio, aunque sigue sonando con gran poder y además el punto de resonancia es distinto, uno es más en la garganta y el otro es mucho más nasal. La cuestión es simple. Cada quien es asombroso a su manera.

[@e.l.2734]

Just learned how to distort my singing voice today. It feels way more comfortable than some of what I've done LARPing, but then that fake second voice line came out of my mouth, so thanks for explaining that I'm not doing something unhealthy or possessed.

[@vinsmokesanji1264]

Those who dont agree layne is the best vocalist of all time go check aic unplugged😃

[@TopK3k]

Missed Jerry's backing vocals

[@chrisliepe]

ya me too :( Would have been cool to find them together on an isolated vocal track!

[@1800Nausea]

awesome vid, chris! thanks for this.

[@chrisliepe]

My pleasure!

[@taras9513]

So damn cool - my favorite teacher is analyzing my fav vocalist

[@vmb371]

You've gotta check the band Von Hertzen Brothers Try the songs: - Insomniac - New Day Rising - Flowers And Rust - Prospect For Escape (which' ending is just amazing both vocally and musically) You won't regret it

[@lisamaranto353]

I can’t carry a tune in a fucking bucket, but really enjoy your videos

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for watching :) !!

[@AmedeoCaporrimo]

I'm trying to sing Layne's vocal lines and I've to say: he's fckng difficult but satisfying in the same way, i love his voice and his technique. R.i.p. P.s i really like your analysis 😊

[@gabrielhna]

Hey Chris! take a look at dir en grey's kyo's vocals. He has multiple voices/screams like Mike Patton.

[@MyNameAkhim]

He is one of my favorite vocalists

[@ianitang8409]

Very nice you got it sir chris♥️♥️

[@IMarcoMI]

I would love to see your take on Ville Valo from the band HIM, it'd be very interesting to see a professional breakdown of his vocals!

[@Exit_343]

I'm 5 mins in. This is awesome!! You got my sub!!!

[@chrisliepe]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@RudolfHorvath]

Great as always. Hope you make video about Scott Weiland one day, he had so many voices to explore.

[@PhilipValdesMusic]

So great! I would love to see a how to sing like Matt Heafy from Trivium

[@christianmedlin750]

just subscribed. i would love to hear you cover Layne Staley vocals!!!

[@chrisliepe]

Check my covers playlist :). And my shorts! Welcome!

[@Electra-Cute]

This sound came out of Laynes soul. I’m glad you are breaking it down but imagine actually coming up with the vocal sound people break down to explain it. Like Freddie Mercury! ❤️

[@cncshep]

Once again great job brother ..I can only dream of singing like this one day they say practice makes perfect lord knows I am giving it my all lol today is my birthday and you see where I am haha thank you Chris without your free stuff I'd never improve as fast as I have I've watched my videos of months ago to now incredible difference and thank you so much one day my broke ass will get your course lol

[@gabrieloz5279]

Great video. Chris, i haven't figured out yet why no voice trainer hadn't made a video analysis of Joey Ramone, maybe not a great technical guy but his voice is so charismatic

[@chrisliepe]

That's actually a great idea!

[@tylerbrittan593]

4:04 Heh heh.... you said “hard on”. But, seriously. Great video as always, man!

[@fb39371]

your so awesome chris

[@fernandoacostasanchez175]

Next time the doctor checks my throat I will sing the intro to this song

[@RexytheRexy]

Layne is my vocal idol. Before I quit singing years ago, the greatest compliment I ever received was that I sounded like a female (and outright) combination of Staley, Weiland, and Dio. I have a deep voice, with a range more suited to a tenor than a contralto, albeit limited (melodic range of F#2-G#5; reliable solid core range of B2-Eb5; fry range down in Till Lindemann territory) and the heft of a baritone-tenor hybrid. There's a good amount of grit, snarl, and roar in my throat but my higher-high notes are too melodic. I'm terribly jealous of the way male vocalists' voices progress up the fourth (and into the fifth) octave. It looks like you're getting me back into singing. I'm finding some hope here.

[@NiniRockX]

Hey Chris, I know this is not your music. But I practise Lady Gaga "Shallow" on the chorus; I'm closing something in my throat. I struggle a little with the high notes. But only when it comes to open throat. In my head voice like opera mode, I can do it easily. That would be really great ( What would a good warm-up be to make these notes easier to sing )

[@chrisliepe]

Have you seen my video on Lady Gaga yet? I cover some stuff from Shallow. I should do more, but that one will definitely be a good start if you haven't seen it yet!

[@NiniRockX]

@@chrisliepe Oh, I guess I haven't seen that yet. I'll take a look at it. THANKS

[@chrisrosencrans]

KZbin’s horrible algorithm ACTUALLY did something right lol. Loved the video and immediately subscribed!

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for the sub!

[@emmamason3480]

Love this!

[@Raven5563]

Layne's timing on that opening is interesting.. it's kinda like he's ever so slightly behind the beat. In a nice way. It's he's dragging the notes.

[@michaellandrumguitar]

love the channel im really learning alot from you,., thanks for your time

[@katarzynanaeem9099]

Can't see your work on regular but'a itd just do hear vreakin and Your V is so exquisite

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

At the "feed my eyes" part, it doesn't even sound like he's compressing that much at all. It sounds like he's completely belting it, just wide open.

[@ibanezrgt220a9]

Wowww the tonal blendind out of the compression 😱😱😱😱

[@chrisliepe]

:)