Vocal Analysis of Rihanna's Best Live Vocals (Voice Teacher Reacts)

[@AdaVox]

I think Rihanna has 100% gotten better over the years and I get so happy seeing singers like her work on improving even after making it big.

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

Absolutely. She's put in so much work.

[@NaNa-wy2tk]

She has, but her live performances are still odd. She's barely sings her pop songs, she always makes the audience finish every line but she's committed to her ballads.

[@TheDanishCatLover]

​@@NaNa-wy2tk I've always considered a concert an 'experience'; you essentially pay to get entertained by an artist. If every single live performance was simply an attempt to replicate the studio version of the song the artist is performing, wouldn't that render a concert meaningless? Many artists will try to interact with the audience in some kind of way, such as by encouraging the audience to sing. At least, I wouldn't attend a concert if the artist simply sang their song flawlessly and left. Well, that's my opinion. :))

[@NaNa-wy2tk]

@@TheDanishCatLover I know that, but she doesn't do it for audience participation or for their enjoyment. A lot of people actually are irritate and mocked her for this. She doesn't always point the mic to the audience to make them sing, a lot of time she simply stops singing halfway through her lines. I assume she just struggles to sing her pop songs live.

[@MissizSmith]

Yeah bc Unfaithful was a hot mess but she's worked hard and got her WHOLE life.

[@machin8593]

I keep telling everyone, Rihanna is a hard rock singer in denial

[@amkh-_-5020]

Say it louder

[@alleycatfire]

You may be on to something there

[@bebelc2l]

You are right and you should say it

[@aixerona]

Ooh I see it!

[@Chelaxim]

Here is a link to Rihanna and Bon Jovi singing Living on a Prayer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKKtm2upipJjr9E

[@tenj00]

What the hell. I find myself involuntary learning about singing.

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

🤯

[@kimpeek7586]

@tenj00 Ikr, it is amazing how much I've learned by watching Sam's videos and I'm not even a singer...lol

[@cjwolvo682]

Omg 😮 it’s a trap

[@tenj00]

The negative side of this knowledge is I can no longer enjoy most Pop-Songs by self-proclamated "singers".

[@marywinniran5744]

ME EVERY TIME I END UP ON HIS CHANNEL 😂

[@An-eb8uk]

I feel that the selling point of her vocals are her tone and stylistic choices

[@NaNa-wy2tk]

Yeah, the appeal of her voice is the unique tone and her delivery.

[@girlwhowatchesyoutube2898]

She has a very distinctive voice.

[@a2g2u2s.t.d]

my shower singing has improved significantly by watching your vids 😄

[@andiesbeauty]

😂😂SAME.. my cat is happier for it

[@TeaOnTue]

@my CBD life Oh no lol 😂 thanks for the laugh haha, have a nice day :D

[@icanfartloud]

@my CBD life be more positive....maybe ur cat is trying to commit cattycide against the windshield

[@maureenconners4177]

I literally laughed out loud when I read your post!! Haha

[@andreinazambrano2622]

This comment made my day hahahahahahahahajajajja

[@jennamilleryall]

Even though Rihanna is madly popular, I always thought her vocal abilities were underrated. Thank you so much for this!

[@tikibaybee1]

I love that she plays with her alto range. It works so well for her

[@watchaby]

I'm happy about your analyze, because everyone around me keeps saying that she can't sing and that everything is arranged in production etc But I like her voice, and the way she sings, so I really enjoyed this vidéo 🤗🤗🤗

[@ambereyes7998]

She's badass and she sings that way. Not every singer is supposed to be like W. Huston or Mariah.. 😂 Rihanna makes me feel like a boss lady when I listen to her songs.

[@MandyCummins]

Thank you for reacting to Rihanna! She’s from my country, and I’ve said for years that she’s so good. She gets a lot of hate but she’s so recognizable and has such a distinct style. I watched her get better and better from the time she started as a kid. Every time she came home to perform she was better and better and I love it.

[@emjae2]

@Rheya Ruiz Yes she does

[@angeladeluna]

I never really paid attention to Rihanna before. This gives me a whole new perspective and appreciation for her work. Excellent job as always.

[@MadCheshireHat]

Me neither. Didn't know she could sing like this. Impressive

[@auzrielle]

Y’all were missing out lol

[@gintoki3538]

how lmao? She's been around since ages. Are you guys 12 or something?

[@sophiemoconnell]

@@gintoki3538 If you're not a fan you're not necessarily going to know. Really no need to be so obnoxious.

[@gintoki3538]

@@sophiemoconnell Don't need to be a fan. She's one of the most famous and prolific artists of the the 21st century...

[@G1nger_Snaps]

You are honestly one of the kindest and most informative people. You seem to have such an enjoyment of music and it makes your videos so interesting to watch. There is such a wide range of talent and it’s all about how they use their “instrument” to its best advantage to tell a story.

[@gregsayshello9576]

1. She isnt the best singer of all time, but 2. She sings her style, great personality, and actually loveable

[@burntpotato9866]

True

[@skarlet8812]

THANK YOU

[@aprilleerose]

When she sings Stay, it does something to my soul.

[@guinessbeer]

April 🥀Rose yessss same here !

[@shri5740]

Same...

[@nireya]

It would be cool if you would analyze some of Amy Winehouse's live acoustic performances. She's my favorite artist and it would be cool to hear you analyze her since I don't understand anything about vocal techniques

[@tiffanikay93]

Erin K her acoustic Valerie is EVERYTHING ❤️

[@stephany4661]

Yes please! Amy is legit one of my all time favorite artists

[@sadeyescreations1702]

Yes please

[@carly1290]

I love how in depth you are with your analysis, instead of just judging right away, you really explain whats going on. Id like to see your analysis on Tyler Joseph's best live vocals, too. Great video as always, Sam!

[@sroebuck117]

I have always loved Rihanna's vocal tone and music! Also, she knows who she is and who she isn't. She seems to have a lot of fun with her music and that is refreshing 🎶

[@soaribb32]

She's raw, it's part of what she does. If anything, she's not that consistent.

[@geblankensmith]

Love Rihanna! Her switch between "extremes" in forward and more backward placement reminds me of Lady Gaga's ability as well. So great!

[@feridedogan7653]

Really ? Reminds me more of sias singing technique

[@ChantelleLT]

Can you listen to Hozier singing Take me to Church in a Subway? It's amazing!

[@omiddorrani9283]

Yes please..

[@destinyx4385]

It honestly was

[@muffcz]

Yessssss!

[@yvonneengblom]

He did just a while ago!

[@bigavelik]

Proof tht Rihanna is a heck of a singer, she's capable of adjusting her vocals to every beats. You play Dancehall she'll make you believe she's a dancehall singer, you play hard rock she'll shapeshift vocally in to rock band lead singer! You turn on to disco or electro, she'll give you that electro vibe!! She's incredible vocally!! A straight killer!!!

[@lisalehner3990]

Thats probably the segment you do that I like the most: best live vocals of one singer!!! Thanks

[@targaryenrealness]

Rihanna gives so many emotions in her performances, that is her power

[@ephy9590]

Comparing live "imperfections" to breaking on SNL is such a cool way to put it. It's so real and raw and adds to the experience!

[@emilyjamison784]

It's nice to hear such a positive analysis of Rihanna's vocal technique. I personally like her but I feel like A LOT of people like to rag on her vocals. She might not have a sound everyone wants to achieve but it doesn't mean it's automatically bad.

[@sanasconversation8148]

Damn Sam just keeps getting hotter 😍

[@yannhollister9091]

He has nice jaw bone structure

[@ms.lillie1628]

It's a Glow up

[@sarahhesse5510]

Glow up in real time

[@sanasconversation8148]

Sarah Hesse after he cut his hair I fell in love it’s a major difference but he looked good with the long hair too but dang he needs to keep this look

[@sarahhesse5510]

@@sanasconversation8148 - he can definitely pull off both but he looks very professional and put together with the new haircut.

[@jennamspain]

Great video. Rihanna is actually a really underrated vocalist!

[@saraconci3511]

I love the lower register of Rihanna’s voice, in this video there isn’t much of that but still love her as a singer and interpreter :)

[@kittiesue123]

“anyway she’s really really good. thank you for watching” HAHAHH i loved this one sam good video

[@ERice-er9ss]

I love how Sam smiles and enjoys Rihanna’s (and others) voices so much. He truly has the appreciation for their gifts. This is due to his gifts and hard work. 😊

[@samanthascarpaferraglio3389]

I would love to see you commenting on Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine)!

[@challe2324]

Same. I want him to do one light from SNL. She does this insane note and I want to hear him explain it lol

[@Laurensji]

omg please - i adore Florence

[@michagabrukiewicz1593]

I was always saying that this "Rihanna can't sing" rhetoric is pure lie. Hearing from you that she's really good is what I needed. Thanks!

[@liina000]

I liked that you compared her second performance to a breaking moment on SNL. Bill Hader talked about it recently on Off Camera, I think it was. That he'd mess up, i. e. change the wording of something right at the beginning of a sketch just to loosen up because the "worst possible thing" had already happened.

[@icarusbad4621]

Oh God, I miss her so much! I need a new Rihanna album 😩😓

[@sydneywilliams4796]

I love Rihanna. And I actually prefer her live that on her recordings. I love the imperfections. They’re beautiful

[@_observado]

I love how your reactions don't look hateful in any kind of way, can't stop watching

[@aprilprotas6011]

I love her perfectly imperfect live vocals so much! Her stylistic choices are amazing! I feel like her vocal ability is very much underrated.

[@devikajoseph7660]

I feel like she's a very underestimated artist. Love on the Brain is a beautiful song. Quite different but still in her style. :) Thanks for the video, Sam :)

[@18sean88]

She used to be real rough when trying to sound like other people but came into her own when she became more in control of her music

[@oscargarciahinde4247]

I just wanna say your thumbnails are the best on KZbin.

[@mareir]

I've never been a fan of her singing, but I love learning about the technical side of it. Very neat!

[@jenniferland3185]

Don’t think we don’t notice the new Bling on your wall. Congratulations Sam 🎉🎉🎉

[@AmyNiG]

Please please do hozier 😍

[@2014kaydee]

Rihanna has soooo many bops. She really is underrated as an artist IMO. She might not be a vocal powerhouse like White you, Celine or Mariah, but there is so much more to appreciate with music in general and she bring a lot to the table. She is my favorite contemporary artist.

[@laineemaupin]

Finally someone showing showing how awesome how RiRi is. I love how Sam is always nice

[@JuuuuII]

Rihanna is amazing vocalist. Her voice is unique!

[@rtw8609]

Me, reading Sam's website title: "Voca lease...huh. Where's voca?" Sam: "Please go to my website, vocal ease.net." Me: "I don't deserve literacy."

[@warriorsybil3818]

Rachel Stevens omg. That’s how I read it too!

[@melaniew9699]

Your face at "Anyway, she's really really good" 😂

[@junielmacalipay4853]

CAN YOU DO JOJO (NOT JOJO SIWA) BEST VOCAL LIVE PLEASE?

[@---tc8km]

I have tweeted him about this as well!!! Please!!!!!!! The world has been sleeping on JoJo’s talent for foreveeeeer!!!

[@juliajusticetarot]

YES please! This would be everything!

[@andressamelany]

OMG! PLEASE!!!

[@nulliable]

'(NOT JOJO SIWA)' made me snort

[@rilz]

Yes pleaaaaseeeeeeee

[@NoukSilver]

Aw Sam, I like seeing you enjoy a great performance. It just shows that you really love what you do. And your analysis is always honest and not mean, which is rare on KZbin. Keep up the good work, my dude. 😎

[@BAMOORE94]

Her evolution through the years is so amazing!!. I read somewhere that by the time the anti album came out she was going to Whitney Houston’s old vocal coach

[@CasacaraDFP]

Different strokes for different folks. I honestly never liked Rhianna's voice. But that's what's cool about music. There's so many different artists that there's something for everyone.

[@TB317]

This was a great analysis. I can't wait to schedule a lesson with you. I thoroughly appreciate your abstract (but rooted in technical knowledge and experience) way of looking at voice on a conceptual or almost philosophical level. Great approach. Really dig your stuff.

[@louises.p6833]

I love watching Sam’s videos. Maybe I don’t know who the singer is or maybe I don’t like the artist but I’ll still watch. It’s so cute to watch him get so into a song and start bobbing around and giggling. It’s adorable and always puts a smile on my face

[@Itsaramis13]

Rihanna in my opinion is a REAL singer. And no I’m not some crazy fan or really a fan at all but hear me out. It’s become trendy now in the “singing community” that everything has to be technically perfect, it must sound clear and diction must be perfect. Thank you for recognizing that the emotion you convey is the most important part! And on a more personal note. The “perfect” singing style is why I hate most of broadway music. Some ppl like Susan Egan know how to convey emotions but most broadway stars sing so boringly and “perfect” Just doing what they’ve been technically taught and not thinking about how they can convey emotions. Anyway, I hope this trend dies soon lol.

[@ashb9083]

I agree with you for the most part but it still has to sound pleasing to the ear. I don’t care how emotive you are, if you’re constantly off key or straining it is NOT pleasant to listen to. That’s why Whitney, Mariah, Beyoncé, Celiné, Adele, Amy W etc are great singers because they can emote AND use proper technique.

[@MP_Guz]

@@ashb9083 uhm, Adele's technique is not good and I don't see Beyoncé as an "emotional" kind of voice, but yeah technique and emotion can coexist, a great example would be P!nk

[@justgame5508]

Agree, it’s why I really enjoy listening to Jessie J (singing covers not her own songs), yeah she is actually “technically perfect”, but she also has some of the best runs and knows how’s to properly convey emotion through a song

[@jasperclydeinsd592]

Marcoxfenty I agree about Beyoncé, great singer. Doesn’t make me feel a thing.

[@AmeliaRose169]

Susan Egan is a goddess.

[@4saken13guy]

I love that you don't spend hours doing an intro before we actually get into why we clicked on your video. We came here for you reaction and analysis and you get straight into it. Thanks for reflecting the viewer.

[@MyrtleP]

Hi Sam. I recommend analyzing some of the songs from Eurovision 2019 some time before May. I'm not sure if you've listened to any Eurovision before, but I'm sure the community would love to hear your honest thoughts on such a huge contest.

[@meggerz5687]

She’s got so much personality

[@Tom-nb6wq]

Please react to Lara Fabian I think her voice is really interesting and there's very much to analyze about it

[@vocalnerd]

Marnell Sample has done a wonderful analysis of Lara if you want to check it out. 😊

[@cynthia7468]

She's such a personality. I love her.

[@angelam8603]

Goddamn I've missed u *-* Riri slays looks and vocals and attitude

[@blazeesq2000]

I know the science says that male vocalists with high range are popular. I'd like to see something about Johnny Cash and Jim Morrison who sound low but actually aren't. As a baritone, what do you have to say about timbre to get to an alto range?

[@alleycatfire]

Thank you so much for doing this one! I've been really impressed by her vocal growth and enjoy her ease/vibe on stage. Your analysis also helps me understand my voice better! I paused and played with my mouth/vowel shape - really "simple" explanations that make so much sense! Thank you!

[@AmeliaPond1994]

Please react to Matty Healy best vocals. I would recommend the Live Lounge of So Good to me.

[@sarahyrodriguez7255]

I would love to see you review some FKA Twigs. She has such a unique voice and style.

[@DrP225]

You’re my favorite vocal coach here on KZbin I love seeing how you break everything down! I would absolutely die if you looked at Matt Corby , He’s so talented

[@nnnnnadine]

I’ve seen her live 8 times, one of the best female singers in my opinion 😍

[@VentVideos]

You should do Chole and Halle next if you haven't already!

[@ashtoncarter3191]

Wow I’ve always loved Rihanna but I didn’t actually realise she was this good live thankyou for doing this💛🙏

[@vmillio7564]

I don’t know how to sing nor should I but I find myself so intrigued when watching your videos. Such a wonderful teacher

[@EatItBeatIt]

I am still watching the ad, but I am tickled pink at this. Especially with how nice and encouraging you are.

[@kittiesue123]

please react to brandi carlile live vocals!! especially her The Joke grammys performance i would love to hear what you think!

[@jbartyparty7398]

Great analysis Sam! Imperfect perfection! How can you not like Rihanna!? She does it all.

[@kkibela]

154 was pure sunshine Anderson wow. Throwback rnb xxxx

[@evaangel9664]

I love you. Your videos are so informative.

[@fruunks]

Introducing a little bit of chaos is my new favorite phrase lol 😂

[@betina619]

OMG just made my day, i ve been expecting this analysis since the first video i met you. Thank u Sam 😍😘

[@maureenconners4177]

Sam - learning SO much about singing- vocals- styles -it’s amazing!!! I would hope that your current and future clients take it all in!!! You should be attached to so many performers!! I hope you are!

[@charcolv3897]

SAM, I recently come across REACTION videos to music I love. I’m multi-genre centric and love all music. You not only react to music you provide beautiful intelligent context behind the music. I’m a new fan that will be watching more of you. ❤️😘❤️

[@ivarsandvik9838]

Could you do a tutorial on how to sing with mixed voice? I am having a hard time figuring out how to get the transition to falsetto smooth..

[@samanthatomcat]

Ivar Sandvik he does his voice lessons via Skype. You can message him about it.

[@ivarsandvik9838]

@@samanthatomcat Thanks 😊 will check it out

[@cuesitiondedibujotec]

Coming from a background of classical technique, your videos are so helpful to understand more how to use different sounds for different styles! Thank you!

[@SK-tk5lc]

Whaat shes so good -- I never knew!!!! Thanks Sam

[@IreneTheHouseOfNight]

PLEASE do a Bruno Mars video. Preferably his live version of "Callin' all my lovelies" at the Apollo theatre. It's AMAZING.

[@mariaclaraguedes8745]

Omg!!!! React more to Rihanna, please!!

[@i_kissed_a_pixie1537]

I can hold a simple tune and in no way can I say I’m a good singer, but I swear, next time I sing I am going to have all these little things to play with for my voice, all this technical advise so eloquently portrayed. I needed this guy in my life to tell me I could learn to sing. Maybe not be a performer, but someone that could enjoy my voice. Thanks for your fantastic videos, they’re very informative and helpful.

[@MeMyselfandI25]

She’s smart for having Nuno Bettencourt as her guitarist. He’s THE best!!

[@AlexisGates1]

YOU ARE MY FAVORITE MUSIC TEACHER. Obsessed with your videos. Keep it up!

[@sarahg2653]

That Love on the Brain perform is NASTY. I'd love to hear her singing real hard rock.

[@amkh-_-5020]

Ive been waiting for this DECADES

[@Nandesama]

I love your analysis, they are great. Please, do Pink!!

[@IHeartTurnips14]

Please react to Thom Yorke from Radiohead! He has such a unique voice I’d love to hear a professional perspective

[@coophalkah4809]

Got one Suggestion for you, Try reacting to a Filipino girl group sings "NEVER ENOUGH" by 4TH IMPACT Please.

[@Squidgirl15]

Please react to Florence Welch from Florence and the machine!! She’s one of my fav vocalists!

[@fahmioussama6930]

I love this guy

[@maddiehichens6449]

please react to Miley Cyrus' best live vocals! Totally underrated singer in my opinion

[@sarahlikestacos1010]

React to Jojo?

[@JordyJRT]

Yesssss

[@juliajusticetarot]

please!

[@LakiKesh]

Up

[@mumbii_sun]

Yes please 👏🏿👏🏿

[@joiseavila9462]

Yeeeeeeeessss

[@angelmarie5219]

I'm a new subscriber to your channel. I can't sign worth a crap but I really enjoy how you explain and break it down. You can see the passion you have for singing and music. Don't change your awesome and have great taste in music!

[@olavihekandjo2928]

Need to watch more of your vids, you really break it down

[@vintagediva94]

Love that phrase "introduce a little chaos".

[@drummerchick14]

I love the fact that when you compared her to Sia, that Sia actually wrote that song.

[@bananamcdonald4916]

REACT to Mariah Carey - Fly like a bird - live grammy performance. It's one of her most hardest songs and its completely live and one of her best performance. Music fans would love your analysis on it.

[@onepleiadian]

prince Not completely live but yes it’s one of her best songs

[@bananamcdonald4916]

@@onepleiadian 90% of the performance was live with climax. Its an iconic performance.