All female a cappella? "Killing Me Softly" cover by Citizen Queen has me PUMPED!

A cappella flows through my veins. To those die hard TCV fans, you know already that I have a number of all vocal arrangements on this channel (with me even doing the beatboxing), and a healthy supply of VoicePlay and Home Free videos. But what about an all woman a cappella group? I heard about this cover of the Lori Lieberman song "Killing Me Softly" made popular by the Fugees, and just absolutely had to give Citizen Queen a listen!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to Citizen Queen for the first time, performing "Killing Me Softly”.
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Performed by Citizen Queen - Words and Music by Charles Fox, Norman Gimbel
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • [OFFICIAL VIDEO] Killi...
Show Citizen Queen some love: / @citizenqueen
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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We have a sister channel: THE SINGING HOLE. Join us there to examine how ordinary creatures create extraordinary sounds. / @thesinginghole
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#fugees #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice #citizenqueen
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[@iitstre_4550]

The “bass” was so freakin strong! Like, the depth of her voice was nuts but also her low range is insane!!! I’m so impressed. Also; toward the end listen for her to hit that “killin me softly harmony”… that was masterful

[@metalmark1214]

Never heard of them, but the version that I remember takes me way back to the one that is performed by Roberta Flack

[@MetalGeek464]

A timeless classic for sure.

[@geo1962]

Yes, 1973, made popular by Roberta Flack, Who won 2 Grammys in 1974. Upstart band, the Fugees came much later. ;)

[@pcproffy]

These gals sound good but it's a cover that didn't need to be made. The Fugees already got it done.

[@zmadscientist]

The ORIGINAL of course was Lori Lieberman who wrote it and did the version that Roberta Flack heard on an airplane and was inspired to add her spin to it

[@TO-hz9dr]

I’m so looking forward to this! I love Citizen Queen’s music and I’m sure you will too!

[@gryphoncompanion]

Everything up til Hannah left and the group moved away from a capella...

[@WizardofOwls]

Thank you SOOO much for reacting to Citizen Queen!!! I KNEW you'd love them! Some of my favorites by them are No TearsLeft to Cry, Don't Call Me Angel, Señorita, Never Enough, and Evolution of Girl Groups! Can't wait to see more! :)

[@deathpunch2169]

I've been a fan of Citizen Queen for a while now~ Can't wait to see more of their songs on this channel :)

[@Beastt17]

It's amazing what the right tour guide can do when venturing into an unfamiliar genre. Thank you, Elizabeth.

[@robmcbride4619]

OMG... Never heard of them and already looking them up Your breakdown on each one os so spot on (as usual). Awesome group of ladies here. Ty

[@EricTheMusicNerd]

Well, I thought no one could do it better than Roberta. Then Lauryn Hill and the Fugees sat me down. But these QUEENS!? Lord have mercy! I'm fanboying over here. Yas Queens! There i said it.

[@laurieemme1534]

BREAKING BENJAMIN - "I Will Not Bow"

[@manjisaipoe517]

My cat did not like the la la la's I did, he is now ma ma ma-ing at me to express his dislike of my technique!😊

[@tomsmith1580]

🙂

[@animistchannel]

Since your cat has a sense of hearing at least 60 times greater than a human, the cat is a far better judge of what is good music. Personally, I thought it was a really bad choice of song for this treatment too. Roberta Flack's solo rendition gave it the introspection and longing it deserves. This over-stylized groupthink version is an abomination by compare. You can test this theory. Play Robert Plant's "Big Log" or "Heaven Knows" for your cat. I'll bet they like it a lot more :)

[@richardchocolas8800]

I am absolutely loving what I hear from these young ladies. The beat boxer is solid

[@MarkBtvd]

This is the song that introduced me to Citizen Queen and reeled me in. Very interesting to understand all the little things that make this arrangement and performance so good. Thanks! MB

[@RobTaylor-cs3bz]

Checked out the video. Wonderful voices, beautiful harmonies. The human voice many times is the best instrument!

[@davem8836]

Best female a cappella I ever heard, Linda Rondstadt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris. (Trio) Have a listen sometime. You'll find out why those three are who they are and no one else is.

[@tdig6546]

I like that trio! Yes they each had really unique sounding voices! Today's singerscare mediocre at best

[@sondraspeer5481]

I had the privilege of seeing a premiere of the Kansas City Ballet that was an on stage a cappella choir with the dancers. It blew me away! If I can find a clip they uploaded, I will pass it on. I have always like stripped down vocals. I love the idea that your body IS the instrument. The to have the dancers using their bodies to tell the story - well I still nerd out over it. These women are amazing! They are not only talented but move around in those changes with such grace & confidence.

[@ketchman8299]

Finally some REAL SINGING!!! No auto tune or runs to cover the fact that they can't hold a note on tune. Very very nice. And they chose to cover a great song to begin with so with their talen + the song sung this is a hit.

[@andyschnell58]

"Killing Me Softly with His Song" is a song composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Norman Gimbel. The lyrics were written in collaboration with Lori Lieberman after she was inspired by a Don McLean performance in late 1971. Robert Flack made it famous. Younger folks know it by The Fugees. This was an awesome version by Citizen Queen. The smallest act of kindness can have a huge positive impact.

[@JonLaughton]

Roberta Flack. (Auto-correct typo, I'm sure.) Robert Flack was a cricketer... but maybe he sang in the shower :-) ("The Fugees?" Who are they?)

[@bradhughes510]

@@JonLaughton The Fugees are a hip hop group, they did a really great version of this, well worth checking out

[@howardsmith3758]

It was composed by Lori Lieberman, Gimbel, and Fox, based on Lieberman's experience seeing Don McLean in a club. If you credit Lieberman's story, the two men (successful composers and producers) left Lieberman (struggling singer) off the credits. She recorded it first, in 1972, but when the Grammys were given to Roberta Flack, Fox and Gimbel for Flack's 1973 hit, Lieberman was unrewarded for her important role.

[@joeorbe6690]

Their Evolution Of Girl Groups and Never Enough are SO good. Evolution just reminds me of what Pentatonix used to do, and Never Enough shows off how good Nina is.

[@davidwatchesyoutube]

Well, both Scott Hoying and Ben Bram put this group together, so that's completely understandable.

[@spEXartELITan]

you need to hear their No Tears Left to Cry cover it's their best hands down!

[@stock33647]

The cry in the the curly haired singer's voice is outstanding and coveys the emotion of the lyrics beautifully. An outstanding version.

[@KRowDreamForge]

LOVE this analysis. Got the chills several times.

[@danyaeger6238]

Cool performance! Regarding a combination of different mics impacting the mix, that's quite common, especially in a recording situation vs live sound reinforcement. Using different mics can help the multiple instruments/voices to not compete for the same sonic real estate, making it easier to give each one room in the mix. Love the channel and keep up the awesome work!

[@futurartistrecords]

This is such a great song and has had some great covers made of it. This version pulls from some other great covers and combines them nicely. I really like this rendition!

[@grievouserror]

I heard more than a dash of Fugees in there, too.

[@rhkips]

Daaaang... Chills and tears in one song! BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@thereseblair4292]

RIGHT! Thought it was just me

[@JanneRasanen2]

These ladies are not Citizen Queens but rather killer queens based on this performance. Must. Hear. More.😊

[@JessicaPrice-sf7gq]

I love how four of the singers are girls who've been hurt by the same guy, and the beatboxer is the friend who's going to make sure he never hurts them again.

[@dawidduplessis5191]

Stunning a cappella! And still the best voice analyst around. Thank you, always.

[@user-scott-pearce]

An all female a cappella group you say? I do love voice play and pentatonix,can’t wait to see this analysis

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

It's so good!

[@user-scott-pearce]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceyou’re right it was good!

[@FrozenRose816]

Sadly the label they were on ruined them and the group as they are in this video no longer exists.

[@digibirder]

Lovely to hear female a cappella! Thank you Elizabeth! An a cappella group lead by a woman is the "Choir Noir". Their work is truly stunning. They do an incredible version of "Doomsday" by the Architects, or "Silvera" by Gojira.

[@wooshbait36]

I ain't reading allat lil' bro, but I'm happy for you, or sorry that happened? 🤷‍♂️

[@stephensuter7242]

I had not heard them before! Great stuff! I’m glad to hear someone new! Broaden my knowledge and experience!

[@Ooofaa-Maa]

I just re-listened to all three versions. All are good but The Fugees (Lauryn Hill) version is my favorite.

[@markh.7650]

We tend to prefer what we first experience. Since I'm a geezer, I prefer Roberta's version, although the Fugees did a respectable job with the updated version for the 90s.

[@TheHorzabora]

From moment one this make me home to tears… spot on.

[@Lynn-dx9iw]

That ending.........................*mic drop*! Just wow! That was a journey, not just a song.

[@iitstre_4550]

I have never seen more beautiful eyes than Elizabeth’s… every single time I see her face I’m blown away more than the last. Now as for Citizen Queen… holy crap this was AMAZING!

[@DieHard0]

I saw them when they opened for Pentatonix and they were incredible live!

[@KenRoerden]

Fantastic song. I have seen this video before and it is quite good. Glad you mentioned Lori Liebermann in the description. I think her original recording from 1972 is the best. Roberta Flack did it beautifully the next year and took it to #1. They should be listened to as well.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I agree, and thank you for noticing, Ken! I try to give all the credits I can as they're very well deserved.

[@felipequiroz-borrero1642]

Great analysis. I would love to hear your take on Adele’s voice. Or the male Adele being Sam Smith. His songs Pray and I’m not the only one, are two that come to mind. The soulfulness of their voices and their amazing range really keep me listening. I would love to learn more about how they can evoke these emotions with their singing.

[@Robsan40]

You should check out the band Staind. They're really unique and were Huge in the late 90's, early 2000's. Their biggest hit was "It's Been A While". You would Love it.

[@VoodooPBTeam]

May I suggest reacting to Hayley Williams from Paramore. Absolutely incredible vocalist!

[@davidwatchesyoutube]

"Evolution of Girl Groups" and their covers of "Bad Guy" and "Never Enough" are good too. Sadly, two of the original members have left leaving only Kaedi, Cora, and Nina in the group as of this writing. After Hannah left in 2022 to focus on her solo career, they abandoned their pure A cappella roots. Kayla just recently left to pursue other ventures, so the future of the group is unknown.

[@themabozza]

The piece running up to the cascade, as you called it, it put hairs up right on my neck. Fabulous.

[@whistl034]

I love acapella, this ia a great group. Thank you for introducing me to Citizen Queen!

[@threeofeight197]

The second from the right chic gave me goosebumps, she really had some emotion that got through. Wow.

[@gerryduplessis2483]

Thank You so much for your content! Have you yet, or will you consider reviewing anything by Sadé and/or Seal? Love ❤️

[@meteorplum]

Yay, Citizen Queen! Found them during lockdown, and am glad you are discovering them now. I hope you cover some of their other works, but especially Evolution of Girl Groups, because of all the styles they got to cover, and Bad Guy, because that's one of the ones where we get to hear Cora sing more rather than beatbox.

[@BigDaddyAlan]

Killing me softly with dipthongs. More a cappella, please--particularly from these ladies!

[@raysun2be]

I love a Cappella done well, and this group does it very well. Excellent arrangement, killer vocal percussion, and very talented and expressive singers. Going to ho add them to my subscriptions. I agree about the little gems of ear candy/squirrel in this. You should check out Duwende, they just dropped a redo of Stevie Wonder's I'll Be There. Fantastic arrangement and execution. Thanks!

[@artkaufman595]

The squirrel that gets me is the insertion of very short unisons throughout. The contrast with the lush harmony really stands out.

[@Kamarovsky_KCM]

I really hope you see their "Evolution of Girl Groups". It's truly a wonder! 💙

[@edwardmedina1236]

Holy Crap. I've never heard of Citizen Queen but they had me literally at the very first note. Holy Crap!

[@marcgarrett4401]

Other songs of theirs i recommend are evolution of girl groups and never enough. After those, Cora, the beatboxer takes the lead in bad guy with nina assisting with the beatboxing. Also, from left to right: Cora, Nina, Hannah, Kaleigh, Kadee.

[@JamesEnsor]

I loved CQ back when they were a an all-girl a capella group. I wish they had stayed that way.

[@FrozenRose816]

Yes. The worst thing that ever happened to them was getting signed, they got turned into a Fifth Harmony clone.

[@Andy_from_de]

As always when there is a capella on the menu, it's time for me to recommend Hellscore, the metal full a capella choir. They just recently published an amazing video with a cover of Give me chocolate by Babymetal that you absolutely want to see.

[@ChucktheCG]

Came across your channel from seeing all the Electric Callboy (awesome vids btw) and I think you would really enjoy some the band Bleed From Within. They are an incredible group and they did just come out with a new song called "Hands of Sin" maybe a week ago, also "I Am Damnation" & "The End of All We Know" are fantastic

[@janicewilliams966]

O WoW! Just got me a new favorite group! Thank you! They are amazing!

[@mateuspelizzon8172]

I would like you to analyze a Brazilian song called "Águas de Março," especially the version sung by Tom Jobim and Elis Regina. The song talks about the changes in life, using the period of March as a metaphor, which represents the end of summer and the rainy season in Brazil.

[@mattcarnevali]

Would love to see you do Jet City Woman or Another Rainy Night by Queensrÿche

[@joaoortega1868]

Like it here if Elizabeth reminds you Emilia Clarke with her facial expressions. 😀

[@Noone-rt6pw]

You going to have to do Lorena McKennett with Mummers Dance! Younger years, she flows with the song so to say, older, she takes command of the song!

[@keithrussell6766]

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

[@SkepticalCaveman]

I teally like the original version of the song by Lori Lieberman. It's not that well known sadly.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I agree. I cited it in the description so folks know it's not a Fugees song.

[@scottifly]

Gorgeous harmonies and interesting they're nearly all using different microphones. I see a Shure SM7B of course, a small Neumann instrument mic and other types.

[@Ohhelmno]

Holy god this is like the most indulgent comfort food for the ears.

[@RobTaylor-cs3bz]

If you like beautiful voices and sweet harmonies, give a listen to "Bluebird" by Paul McCartney and Wings off of their 1976 live album "Wings Over America".

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Great analysis Elizabeth, I was impressed by the Beat Boxing for me she seems like the unsung heroine of the group. I suggest, "Judie Tzuke - For You" and "Miranda Sex Garden - Gush Forth My Tears" for more A Cappella.

[@austinflake3938]

I know this thought isn’t by the book for “proper definitions,” but these incredible ladies are the difference between a mere cover and a true tribute. Anthems demand tribute.

[@JH-zd6cy]

You should check out Architects. Sam Carter's vocals are unbelievable. You got powerful screams and beautiful cleans. I'd say the live version of "Royal Beggars" shows his ability to scream the best. "Impermanance" live from Abbey Road is probably the best demonstration of his cleans and any live version of "Gone with the Wind" is pure emotion.

[@thatcher174]

I'd love to see you interview them, and hopefully they're producers / arranger, this was super cool

[@kevinL5425]

Not only was she killing it, but she was killing it softly with her song … :-)

[@DaveNarn]

Club for Five is an a cappella group from Finland you may know of. Great chemistry between them, They are amazing.

[@KZ-np8fz]

Have you reacted to U2??? With or Without You is good. Where the Streets Have No Name is good too. Sunday bloody Sunday. Lots to choose from. Also Tasmin Archer singing Sleeping Satellites How Soon Is Now by the Smiths Damn i wish i was your love by Sophie B Hawkins Come to my window Heavy I'm the only one The letting go- all by Melissa Etheridge Ordinary by Paula Cole Prey to you Let it Rain- by Kristen Hall Painless Make it end- Baby Animals Expose- I'll never get over you (getting over me) Res- They Say Vision Raul Malo- Here Comes the Rain is my favorite, but he's a great vocalist.

[@Robert_Herring]

Wonderful performance. A group I was not familiar with, which is my favorite part of this channel. I would love to see you react to another all female acapella ensemble, Lyyra. They are a recently formed 6 voice ensemble from the UK based Voces8 Foundation. This group is US based, and has one EP out. They just dropped video for there version of Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies", and it's phenomenal. The bass work is stunning.

[@ththejackjumper]

Harmonies! For more of this, Jacob Collier's Little Blue is exceptional.

[@plasticcreations7836]

She makes me melt every time I hear her sing 'fingers' (14:40 for example). I kept having to remind myself that there wasn't a real bass drum because it sounded so realistic.

[@bobwhealy6439]

I loved your reaction to CQ's version of Killing Me Softly. I'm pretty sure you'd love their Evolution of Girl Groups medley, too. Please give us your reaction to this compilation. It'll give you even more of a feel for who sings what parts! Also, theirversion of Lost In Japan is pretty cool, too.

[@fairdose]

You need to do a video on Gino Vanelli's "Living Indie Myself" - I've worked with voice coaches here in Montreal and all of them have said that Gino has by far the best voice control out of most singers. He was positively massive in the 1970s and 80s but definitely an overlooked artist worth looking into.

[@Shigemitze]

Big fan of yours, and always enjoying your videos (especially the ones from the grunge era) Since you went a cappella on this video, I suggest checking out a Cuban female band called Sexto Sentido (song is Canto a Eleggua), they have some amazing harmonies! Cheers!

[@KarlRoyale]

Not for nothing but being able to listen to three voices in harmony and telling which singer is singing WHICH PART while not even knowing them well enough to know their names is just an incredible FLEX. Elizabeth is incredible, just saying.

[@jimkyle9083]

Love a capella!

[@jmcr7f]

The make up, those shadows and 2 sparks on each eyes nice, the bit box lady, the soft tone and smile of the lady in the mid, the soft bass of the right corner lady, and i hearing wyclef behind. I recommend, The Music "Breakin´", and Razorlight "Gonden Touch", Arctics Monkeys "R U Mine"🥳

[@LibrarianMichael]

Love this song and these voices are incredible.

[@janetfleishman2723]

Someone else already recommended them here, but I really think you should check out October Project. The lead singer, Mary Fahl, has an extraordinarily beautiful alto voice which works so well with the music and the lyrics. Any of the songs from their first album would be great for you to listen to, but the one that got radio play the most was Be My Hero.

[@mattelias721]

Awesome analysis! I'm old enough to remember the Roberta Flack version, and my favorite is the Fugees with the ethereal echo behind Lauryn Hill's voice... but these ladies did this song solid justice. Recommendation/request: virtually anything by The Offspring, but definitely "Gone Away"

[@BoudiciaDark]

Oh man I wish you would listen to Sweet Honey on the Rocks, they are INCREDIBLE!

[@antonyoliver7953]

Elizabeth, you gotta do Bon Jovi's live version of Always (Wembley 1995). I defy you not to get goosebumps. I've never seen a more passionate ballad live, it gets me every time! Really incredible.

[@thatcher174]

I've got a new group to add to my list! These women are incredible

[@junietunes2148]

Would absolutely LOVE if you gave Fiona Apple a listen. Incredible pianist with a deep, broody, jazzy alto voice. I recommend Paper Bag, Slow Like Honey, Fast As You Can, Not About Love, Every Single Night, I Want You To Love Me and Shameika. She won Alternative Album of the Year at the 2020 Grammy's for her album Fetch The Bolt Cutters. Dave Grohl said that album helped him survive the pandemic! I think you'd really enjoy her

[@musiceastwest397]

They are so talented!! Cora beatboxes and sings, like Layne in VoicePlay. Would you react to solo artists who beatbox and sing, or groups where all members beatbox and sing? I think you'd like Jairo's "Begin By Letting Go."

[@eyceman]

Please please PLEASE! Kasey Chamber's cover of Lose Yourself!

[@oxigenarian9763]

They ARE good!!

[@exoterric]

Was on a DakhaBrakha bender and your Tati interview popped up. That looked like you both had a great time. That's all. Love your channel. Oh, I didn't know y'all are here in Tucson!?! I don't know if you perform around here but I have to look now.

[@ASGC49]

I really like their cover of this song, but I think that their Whack World Medley, Evolution of girl groups and their cover of Ariana Grande's No tears left to cry really show off what the beatboxer can do when it comes to singing as well. Also, the girl sitting next to her in this video takes over beatboxing while she sings lead in Whack World, so that'd be cool to check out too.

[@anthonyamaral7268]

WOW!!!! That was beautiful.

[@AngelaOrtner]

Their version of Never Enough is SOOO GOOOD

[@mrwayneright]

Hi, listening to this female group is a perfect segue to suggest LAURA NYRO, whom I crossed over. Lesser known, late 60s, early 70s, her songs are most heard on covers by others. Study her in the texts and give her a spin. You may probably heard her work but by others like When I die by Blood Sweat and Tears. Wedding Bell Blues, Stone Cold Picnic. More

[@sirkat344]

I didn't get notification of this. Grr. Yeah, a great rendition. Not a real full on A cappella fan, but dang, this is chillingly good. The original haunts me to this day-used only hear it as a kid on rainy nights in Raleigh. 🤔

[@laurieemme1534]

Just watched the video - Not knowing much about a cappella, I'm curious as to their various postures while singing and why they each have a different type of mic. Also, was this recorded live?

[@brovold72]

LOL zero chance.

[@paultomaszewski1964]

The original writer of this song was inspired at a Don Mclean concert and wrote this as kind of a tribute song to him. Don Mclean, best known for the song "American Pie", wrote that song as a tribute to the loss of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P "The Big Bopper" Richardson in a plane crash in 1959 known as "The day the music died".

[@JeromeMoisand]

Elizabeth (and anybody loving a cappella), you should check Julia Westlin. Her decade-long body of work with a cappella covers is simply extraordinary. I have been Julia's patron since 2015...

[@yurdp]

K’s Choice- “Not an Addict”

[@dannyguzman7052]

I was deep diving into your channel and saw your doing research on what makes a good scream, that is amazing. I think you should give Isis a listen,. Their track "Ghost Key" is unbelievable