Bass Singer REACTION & VOCAL ANALYSIS - Chris Stapleton | National Anthem (Super Bowl LVII)

[@PeterBarber]

My two favorite National Anthem performances of all time are from Whitney Houston, and now Chris Stapleton. To compare the two is apples to oranges, but I've never been so moved as I was by this version. Truly stunning. How do you guys feel about this performance?

[@Firelightly]

Whitney sang it with precision, innocence and exuberance of youth. Chris sang it as a man who has lived, with reverence, gravity, and the solemnity of one who has loved and lost. Both great, but Chris moved me like no other.

[@_kass3939]

I absolutely agree with you. Whitney’s voice and range is impeccable, but hearing Chris sing this just moved me in such a way that I balled. I felt it deep as if he had just sang it after battle and was bringing the troops home. ❤

[@badmama1962]

Check out PTX at the college championship game!!!! So different, but equally amazing!!!!

[@jennifergiacinto8210]

It was so patriotic, heartfelt and powerful. He had so much soul in his voice, such pride for our great country.

[@Boogietized]

I too felt that Whitney's version was #1, until I heard Stapleton's version. He's #1 now in my book. Whitneys' version while stellar in its own right, was more of a performance (big backup marching band and so on), while Stapleton's is an experience. He brings this Americana sound to it that I've never heard before. One thing that also stands out is it never feels like it's about him, not once. He's singing it like he's telling a story about America and everything America stands for (even if we miss the bar from time to time). It's authentic and honest. Your point regarding how he's doing this dynamic back and forth dance with his guitar is a great observation. I didn't notice that until you pointed it out. Stapleton captured lightning in a bottle with this performance.

[@MKWhitney]

It's been a while since I cried for the National Anthem. It wasn't sung as an obligatory reciting, it was sung with absolute love and devotion to our country. Utter perfection.

[@42442LOVE]

I love and appreciate your use of explaining it as `absolute love and devotion to our country'......!!!

[@lismar2378]

It’s hard to believe he considered not singing his own songs. Thank GOD for his wife Morgane convincing him it was HIS voice people needed to hear. Fun fact: he was valedictorian of his high school class and had an academic scholarship to Vanderbilt to study chemical engineering then dropped out because music is his passion. There are few words to describe how he makes you FEEL when he sings. He’s just got it.

[@BrianWilson-zd8sh]

Well said, I can't explain it but During that performance everybody has passion for the national anthem. It shows in everybody's eyes and expressions during his singing of the song. We are passionate about our country. His singing together tore me apart.

[@ccormx]

Tennessee Whiskey is a cover.

[@lynnb6990]

​@@ccormxYour point being?

[@danivansuperstar]

This one got me. We are a military family, and when you live on base, you hear the Star-Spangled Banner every day at 0800, and I get choked up almost every time ... still after all these years. When it's played, everyone on base must stop, salute if in uniform, and attention if you're military, hats off, no movement. Even our dogs got used to sitting at attention if we were walking them around that time. Even the kids at the on-base academy all stop and face the flag. It's the most poignant thing, I swear. I digressed a bit, but the point is, Chris's version is the only one I've ever heard that really captures the reverence of this song without overdoing it, not to mention it is technically amazing, too. Now I wish they would start piping this version out for colors each morning. It would make my day every day. Loved the way he interpreted the lyrics, like it was his own story to tell almost. It was undeniably perfect artistically, technically, emotionally, all of it. Thanks for your reaction.

[@maryschaffer3918]

My favorite part of being a Navy wife was dropping my husband off on base and seeing it come to a complete standstill every morning.

[@andreadeamon6419]

Thank you for your service and family's dedication to our country

[@Randylogan63]

Hi❤

[@shanebell9017]

Veteran here. The ebb and flow you referenced along with the runs seem like the waving of a flag. This also feels like a love song to our flag and country. Love it so much.

[@MuZiCf4n78]

Sounds in the song in comparison to a waving flag. I probably would have never made that correlation. But you nailed it, that's exactly what I hear now in my mind. Perfectly said.

[@Meg-td3rb]

At the time I was watching it, I thought how peaceful the performance was in a way, and was thinking that we need that peace and mellowness in this country right now. Good for him.

[@quintondees4501]

Amen

[@ashley54549]

Chris’s performance was spellbinding and amazing. Nick Sirianni also became the most loved coach in America with his emotional response. ❤️🤍💙

[@tubbmen]

Chris was great, Sriani is still a huge douchenozzle. Him crying didn’t change that.

[@LrdSepheroth]

that has nothing to do with a broken link ??? don't know what you were thinking but ok?..... nothing to do with broken link.

[@terrimobley6067]

Exactly right. He won my heart!

[@romarobbins270]

When a performance can bring NFL players to tears, it’s beyond spectacular. Plus he sings it like he knows the story of the song, not just the song.

[@doreathaannhighsmith2808]

Absolutely. This is the best I've ever heard

[@doreathaannhighsmith2808]

I loved loved loved it all plus he is the first I've ever heard sing the Anthem with conviction. He gave me so much visualization. I cried Hard listening to him

[@Randylogan63]

Yes he does it passionately and effortlessly ❤❤❤❤

[@raydemoll5542]

I turn 66 years old next month and I must admit that Chris' rendition of the National Anthem is this most heartfelt I have ever heard.

[@mikebeasley9793]

RAY I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOUR ASSESSMENT OF CHRIS'S RENDITION! BTW I TURN 66 NEXT MONTH TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CindySmith0718]

Absolutely the best since Whitney. Not just rote words, not about vocal pyrotechnics--when Chris sings this, you FEEL it. "Perfect" is right. His pitch-bending and that signature dynamic range get me every time--I really liked how you framed that as simultaneous vulnerability and commitment. And I always appreciate when a singer with the skill to riff as effortlessly as Chris does also has the wisdom to use that skill judiciously. Well done, thank you!

[@Randylogan63]

Hi dear❤

[@kellyrouse758]

The best National Anthem performance ever. I love anything Chris Stapleton sings.

[@jennyhagemann5159]

As the widow of a combat medic in Vietnam, I was sooo proud of this..Best I have ever heard.and the Eagles coach weeping was powerful and he really got.

[@MizJilly]

I am so sorry for your loss, and thank you for your service as a military wife. I know it could not have been easy. God bless you!

[@jennyhagemann5159]

@@MizJilly Thank you sweetie, mucj love to you ❤❤❤❤

[@dorisg.3]

Really one of the best sung national anthems I've ever heard, tears come to my eyes even as a non-American. Chris is incredibly good, he needs so little ❤️💋🙏🙏

[@Randylogan63]

Hi doris ❤

[@dorisg.3]

@@Randylogan63 Hi Randy...

[@thomniced]

This is how his concerts are. You can't tell the difference between the studio version and the live version. SUCH a good show.

[@jdbnomad]

Anguish and Victory. I'd been trying for days to describe the emotions in his performance. I think that's it. He took us collectively to church.

[@ddbruno]

He made it a gospel song, that's why everyone could feel it. I've had this stuck in my head for days and it's still got me in tears.

[@tiffymcconkey]

He absolutely owned this performance

[@dianewestcott2116]

THE best National Anthem performance ever.

[@josianeouellet2632]

I am not american, but this is the best National Anthem I have heard in a long time! First time I have had tears during a National Anthem. It gets me every time...!

[@chrisstapleton6551]

Hello how are you doing how long have you been a fan of mine?

[@Randylogan63]

Hi josian ❤ where are you from

[@beccaHbell]

Feel so blessed this playoff season- between Pentatonix at the college playoffs and Chris at the Super Bowl, feel that we have been treated to a Master Class

[@CourtneyLiz1220]

This!

[@arlenek8552]

this is my favorite version, touched everyone, even non-Americans, with it's respectful simplicity and sombreness

[@Melly01]

Great breakdown! Chris brought himself to it, but let the song shine. He didn't make it about himself, it was a show of respect, taste and reverence. And the way he ended sounded so gospel to me. He has so many influences and that little run he ended on screamed, "church!" at me. Chris IS America and his embodiment of so many different styles is perfect to honor the diverse nation we are. ❤️

[@normawright3179]

I agree wholeheartedly. So many influences, gospel, R & B, country, soul, rock, the list goes on and on. Absolutely...he embodies our diversity and all the best of our music. Who knew that this kind of quiet guy from Kentucky could bring a nation and a lot of the world to tears?

[@goaliedon]

Chris deserves another Grammy for this performance alone!

[@rubyemes]

@@goaliedon I said the same thing! There ARE best performance awards and this SHOULD win in multiple catrgories

[@starstuff84]

It doesn't sound rehearsed, as if he's singing from what he feels at the moment. It was the moment and if he sang it again thirty minutes later it would be different. I think that's what makes it so powerful.

[@dkadkins6545]

This most genuine sentimental expression of the anthem ever.

[@cathy-70]

What an American Treasured Voice Chris Stapleton and Beautifully Sung and Felt rendition of Our National Anthem.

[@leeanne7169]

A man and his guitar. What more do we need?? This was fantastic...the best!!

[@Hefher]

He brought this song back "Home" where it belongs! Amen !!!

[@karenbates9234]

My favorite singer. My favorite National Anthem. It is truly one of life's most sublime pleasures to listen to the strength, beauty, richness, and emotion of Mr. Stapleton's voice. He brings tears to my eyes EVERY time. (And he also happens to be a kind, compassionate person.) Ask me how happy I am that he didn't become an engineer, as he was slated to when he began college). THANK YOU, PETER, FOR ANALYZING THIS MAN'S OUTRAGEOUSLY GORGEOUS VOICE! And thank you for crying with me! : ) Anyone else cry?

[@MrTaxSeason]

Hearing that for the first time before the game started felt like hearing it for the first time ever. Ive never once in my 30 years of life been brought to tears by that song until Chris crushed it. He made the entire country feel it rather than hear it.

[@maryjanechaffee7320]

Detailed and helpful remarks on Chris's technique.

[@chrisstapleton6551]

Hello how are you doing how long have you been a fan of mine?

[@jimreppy8874]

That gospel “Amen” ending was such a great way to finish it off a phenomenal rendition

[@matt_h_27]

I feel you man. Thanks for sharing. If people aren’t crying within the first 20 seconds of this, I don’t know how. If you’re an American with any sense of patriotism and gratitude, you feel it to your bones listening to this. Appreciate the breakdown.

[@steveruddle3228]

One of the most unique versions I've ever heard. Soulful, swampy, blues. It feels relaxed and laid back but has moving phrasing that grabs your heart. Just epic!

[@42442LOVE]

Nobody's using the term.....SINCERITY in his expression of this song, the sincerity of the meaning of the words, the true feeling of its meaning!!! He is exceptional in the feeling of the truth and LOVE!! He deserves recognition and love!!!!!

[@wwaynemcg]

You highlight what I noticed first. That "duet" with him and his guitar. He gets the most of his instrument with such little effort...no overkill at all. It complements his voice as no one else can perform. Each would have been amazing by itself, but together it's just utterly golden, bluesy, southern rock and a hint of country!

[@jamiedavis8604]

Your reaction is the "Chris Stapelton" version of reaction videos. Love the musical breakdown. Thank you for sharing your talent so we can appreciate Mr. Stapelton even more. His rendition was a literal MasterClass. I'm still crying after watching it multiple times. Thank you Peter.

[@ImaBeliever]

1st time I heard this-I bawled my eyes out-especially when I saw the coach crying-best National Athem Ever!

[@davidominotto3815]

chris sings the truth it's just unreal his voice could heal any lost soul i love him so much from france with love god bless all my american brothers

[@loulouknox124]

I'll say it....best performance of the National Anthem ever. His vocals, guitar, simplicity of the performance, and the flood of emotions that it drew out of everyone. Perfection.

[@shutterspine]

Chris Stapleton gave a middle finger to all that came before him. And their over blown renditions, their perversions...of something that's beautiful.

[@firegirl441fromga6]

His National Anthem singing surely made me proud to be an American 🇺🇸

[@patrickjohnson4912]

He is so great at letting notes breathe. They fade and expand at the same time. At least that's the best way I can tell you how it feels to me. Not sounds, feels. I feel it, as well as hear it.

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

LOVED THIS! Chris Stapleton is spellbinding. His voice is a national treasure and he truly makes you FEEL the music I have to agree with you, Peter. This is now my favorite rendition of our National Anthem. It should be required listening! Thank you, Peter.

[@chrisstapleton6551]

Hello how are you doing how long have you been a fan of mine?

[@thebeardofgaming81]

Chris's voice is angelic. I don't know any other way to put it. This version had everyone crying, I have never seen anyone else sing this and make people do that. There is something very special about this man. Thank God for him and his music!

[@ifs1613]

From a little 75-yr old guitar playing granny from Canada…absolutely enjoy watching your reaction as you are emotionally singing along with him. God bless you for sharing YOUR talent with us!

[@juliacooper4127]

I'm a classically trained singer, and I loved Chris Stapleton's rendition of this song. I was absolutely in tears

[@melissaandjosh6210]

Great reaction and vocal breakdown. Wish you had more reactions of his music this and your Tennessee Whiskey were exceptional

[@DaisyGray74]

Chris sings from his soul every single time and that’s what makes him so wonderful. There’s not a song he can’t sing and make his own. Hands down my fave cover of the anthem. 🔥 If you didn’t have tears, I’d be shocked. ❤️

[@kenxnice]

Whitney was always number one and thought no would ever come close until, this guy chris stapleton. Gosh... still gives me goosebumps

[@kprepper4975]

This was a great reaction video. Chris sang from his heart. I believe he was singing it for all of us to feel about our country, the way Francis Scott Key felt when he wrote it. #1 rendition by far is from Chris Stapleton. God Bless America!

[@Froggyh63]

Yessir, hands down, the best version ever. I'm almost 60, and it's by far the best I've heard in my lifetime. I've played blues and gospel harmonica for years and when something musical comes from one soul to another....thats what it's all about. Great reaction Sir Peter!

[@charliedavis9996]

Definitely the Greatest Rendering since the Late, Great Whitney Houston. Grown men crying because Chris Stapleton poured his Heart and Soul into this Offering. Reverence and Respect for our National Anthem!!!

[@mariaasimon3117]

Every word has a meaning, 100% perfect.

[@dorothyfritz853]

Brilliant, just love his voice something really different. Thanks Peter. Dorothy ( Grandma 77yrs North East England ) xx

[@donnaorapallo5216]

Talk about capturing the emotions of this amazing poem that was written by Francis Scott Key. Chris emotionally transports you to the battle at Fort McHenry.

[@tracybadciong1921]

Chris Stapleton is AWESOME!!!

[@susanallen9161]

I think that Chris touched each of us during that performance. So glad you did this reaction 🥰

[@patclark3024]

Wow, that comment you made about it being a duet between him and his guitar was so perfect. I stopped the video to compliment you for that. It was so poetic and so true. Now I have the words for how I feel

[@michaelloew169]

He just raised the bar and standards for singing the National Anthem, definitely one the top renditions ever sung. He should have this on his next album it's that good. Great reaction too

[@kimberlyholloway965]

Best national anthem performance ever! Love Chris Stapleton!

[@francesshaffer8980]

Just a man and his guitar singing the National Anthem for a few million of his friends. Perfect

[@danagiffin5492]

Was already a huge Chris Stapleton fan but with this song his love for the country showed through and brought on the tears!

[@lesawells849]

I second that! Chris is just amazing, both as a musician, and as a human being. To me this is hands down the best performance of our National Anthem I have ever heard!

[@northwoodfalls1403]

The performance sounds and feels very intimate, very personal. Like a man sitting around a fire sharing the story of how his country that he loves so much came into it’s own, came to be and what it means to it’s citizens and to the Free World. It’s a rare gift when someone can stand in the middle of an arena of tens of thousands with millions watching and make it feel like it’s just him and you in a small, cozy room. The flourishes, the embellishments, the changes to the phrasing and timing, etc., aren’t vocal gymnastics to awe the listener, they’re the medium through which he connects his heart to yours. It’s simply gorgeous and masterful. Makes me cry every time. And I’m not American.

[@jayrhodes3766]

I rarely get goosebumps from the national anthem. This is probably the first time in many many years. Chris Stapleton is truly something else. Bravo.

[@rubyemes]

Love your unpacking of this performance for the ages. Two additional things he added that I loved...,the simple country double hammer on-s he does on the guitar at the beginning and what he does at the end is go to the 4 chord...very country ending but with a church run. no one like Stapleton, probably ever.

[@Dreadlocks720]

Chris sings it with little effort, and much respect, and is a true vocalist.💯💥💯

[@LadyWingingIt]

Gratefully, I've grown up within a military environment and even though I'm English, I ALWAYS get emotional when I see anyone singing national anthems, especially live performances of Star Spangled Banner. And beautiful shots of serving men and women. ❤️ goosebumps with anything Chris sings. What a delight he is to the ears. Not bad on the eyes either 😉

[@MistMi73]

Hands down the best National Anthem performance ever. Whitney was a powerhouse, but Chris now owns it.

[@mikebeasley9793]

GREAT REACTION. THANK YOU SO MUCH. CHRIS STAPLETON'S VERSION OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM HAD ALREADY BLOWN ME AWAY BUT TO TOP IT ALL OFF WHEN THE CROWD JOINED IN WITH CHRIS ON "BRAVE" WAS THE CHERRY ON TOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@frosty-monkey]

Chris is from my hometown, he’s AMAZING!

[@joedagh]

Oh my god. ❤❤❤ oh my god what a performance. Unreal.

[@gamingtastic4516]

Hey Peter, thank you for reacting to this! You have no idea how much pride I have for this country 🇺🇸

[@susanb4213]

When I heard this live, I was stunned. I couldn't tell you exactly why it was so magnificent, I just knew I'd never heard anyone sing it like this, and I absolutely loved it. Big manly coaches and players crying.

[@jasminateodorovic1248]

Been following him since The Bluegrass Band. Chris is a blessing to this world. I'm from Europe. Can't imagine WHO could have not heard about THIS Soul! ♥️ I'm 50. Thought how lucky I was to live through an era of great artists. And then Chris 'happens' to this world! Good Lord, man! ♥️

[@chrisstapleton6551]

Hello how are you doing how long have you been a fan of mine

[@kaygiardina6486]

Peter, I know you probably won’t see this but I am a military mom. This rendition of our beautiful national anthem is so moving and I cry each time I hear it. Not sadness but pride for our great nation!! So glad you feel the same way!!

[@Hexcaliblur83]

It's his perfect little descending into ascending run he slid in there which, for me, shows his true artistry.. great job Chris ❤

[@PaisleySzuSzu]

I've heard this song probably 40 times now and seen 20 analysis and I still cry every time. What a favor he did for this country by singing that for us AND I am now in love with Nick Sirrianni just because he cried

[@kirstenbpalmer]

some of my favorite parts of this is the way he drops off on some of the words giving it an almost hushed breathiness about it. He approaches this with such reverence, it adds to the emotionality of his performance.

[@jamiem4941]

I was crying right along with you! Chris did an amazing job but even saying that it just didn’t do him justice! What a rendition! It’s for the ages! Thanks Peter!

[@chrisstapleton6551]

Hello how are you doing how long have you been a fan of mine?

[@bridgethaines7127]

I think it's the gentility he takes with the riffs that keeps them from feeling flashy or oversung.

[@ppresley9208]

So effortless , so genuine ... Chris sings from his heart and makes us feel the music !

[@darlaharrelson6487]

I was raised on country music. My dad played guitar and his friends played different instruments. I would ask him how he did that he said it was a dance with the guitar and your voice calling it push and pull. He didn’t sing professionally they would all sit a sing in the backyard. He also told me country music was born of r&b and soul with a white man singing it. You have such a beautiful way of explaining it. Great great breakdown. Thank you 🙏

[@vickiegolden1193]

He just amazing . His voice gets me with every song.

[@GinaAllen-fd6wh]

I’m a veteran and really love to hear our National Anthem being sung with respect, passion and love!!! This gave me good chills!!!

[@jankates1274]

That was a moving performance and review from both of you. I could feel your pride. Can I just say how awesome to have an all female flyover? Can we acknowledge the hard yards those women have put in to get where they are too?

[@D_KS205]

Give F-16 Viper demo group, a follow on Facebook and Instagram!👍 Rebel is a flyer and she’s fun to watch

[@elaines5750]

I was an emotional wreck watching that flyover. Kudos, ladies!! :)

[@jankates1274]

@@D_KS205 thank you that is awesome!

[@jankates1274]

@@elaines5750 I imagine the atmosphere was pretty charged with that anthem and the flyover.

[@elaines5750]

@@jankates1274 totally agree!

[@georgebeierberkeley]

Alright Peter, you got another subscriber. That casual, incredibly complicated, toss-off, emotion-packed "gallantly streaming" riff -- wow. The way he throws in this performance like it's nothing -- that's what the greats do. No showing off -- and that too exemplifies the best of the American spirit. Just unforgettable.

[@darshcook8191]

Best ever. It was like he was on his back porch just singing around a camp fire. It was so effortless

[@cherikelley-miller8714]

BEST... ANTHEM... PERFORMANCE... EVER!!!! Chris Stapleton Rocks! Love you, Peter!

[@chrisstapleton6551]

Hello how are you doing how long have you been a fan of mine?

[@Randylogan63]

Hi

[@nikkinicol78]

I thought no one could ever touch Whitney, but this man is extremely close. Wow

[@TheMostCuriousGeorge]

They’re so different in style I’m not sure they can be compared

[@brookehornback1896]

🥲The proud fellow Kentuckian combined with the love for our great nation.Add the preformance of a lifetime.Truely make for a memorable moment in life.Thank you for your beautiful analysis.

[@Chris-yi3mo]

Fellow Kentucky and here. I'm about 30 minutes from his hometown.

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Fantastic analysis of this piece...thank you! Awesome job by... Mr Chris n his a- mazing guitar!! 🇺🇲👍🐺🧙‍♂️

[@raymondmeyers8983]

What’s great about this rendition, besides his powerful voice, was how he arranged it into a slow burn at the start and by the time he got to “the rockets’ red glare” line, the fireworks really started to go off.

[@danmcdonagh8924]

The very best. No lip sync here.

[@jenniferlandry5767]

Best. Just the absolute best. It’s going to take some real effort for anyone else to come close to Chris’s performance here. Great reaction Peter! 💜🎶💜

[@MrDRP37]

💯agree! Best performance of the national anthem! Chris is amazing!

[@barrysmith8329]

Just want to say Chris Stapleton doing the national anthem is awesome. It’s the best day ever heard.

[@RyanESmail]

A duet between his voice and the guitar might be the best description of this performance that I’ve ever heard

[@rjnuzzi1648]

You are a beautiful man inside ... & out! Thank you

[@paulablanton4435]

I am from Kentucky and started listening to Chris Stapleton music back in 2010I. I have always loved his voice and the soul that he brings to his songs. I was so touched by the way he sang the National Anthem, I cried the entire performance. Growing up in Southeastern Kentucky, this is the type of soulful music that I always loved.

[@brendasorenson6186]

I liked Chris' rendition because of the simplicity and emotion. After listening to your analysis, I have to say I liked it for its >deceptive< simplicity and emotion. You really highlighted the little things that made Chris' performance great.