This BABYMETAL live performance melted my ears! "Akatsuki" Vocal ANALYSIS by an Opera Singer!

[@ravensoulmetal8466]

Let's face it, Elizabeth reacting to any type of Metal is going to make my day 🤘🏻.

[@damienelliott4906]

Agreed

[@digitalmouse3314]

Yeah especially one of my fav bands of all time.

[@MarcelNL]

Truth! Especially seeing her getting all sorts of shivers and such! :D English isn't my native language, but I believe the expression is getting giddy? :-) Somehow that expression seems to make most sense seeing her in her reactions.

[@oftheborg]

@@MarcelNL Giddy and shivers are slightly different. Giddy is more in the head and shivers are more in the body. But they're similar.

[@MarcelNL]

@@oftheborg Haha alright, thanks! :) Still it's the first thing that comes to my mind if I see her shake her shoulders and softly biting her tongue! :P

[@kitkat6407]

SU-METAL always gives their all in their performances. Her dedication and straightforward singing bring tears to our eyes as we feel her sincerity and purity.

[@jwa725]

Su's voice is much more impressive these days. Perhaps you should try Monochrome both the visualizer video and the First Take performance to see how different that song can sound.

[@steenbronkegmail1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nl7LgXqIiM-ao9U&ab_channel=THEFIRSTTAKE

[@darkelfling65]

Definitely the First Take performance as there is only piano so you can hear her and Moa's voice directly

[@STRAKAZulu]

The First Take version makes me cry. And I love it all the more for it!!🤘🖤🤘

[@huttese_bebop]

I second this absolutely, especially the First Take performance, it's wonderful.

[@elvwood]

I concur -the piano version makes me cry too.

[@MetalNCarnet]

I think BABYMETAL's first take video of Monochrome is the best example of how far Suu has come with her technique, and shows off what she can do now.

[@interlude_srv]

Suzuka's voice is beautiful and powerful. Currently her voice has matured further on the new album to be released this month.

[@enlightendbel]

Seriously. The growth she's showing on the new album is pretty impressive. Her voice had already matured a bit and she had clearly expanded her range with their 2019 album, but the new songs are quite the leap up from even that. This band started as a fun curiosity for me and turned into one I'm gladly putting in playlists surrounded by all the big names.

[@carnophage666]

I've seen her live not two weeks ago. It didn't sound like this. It was pretty disappointing tbh. Band played well though.

[@HunterSentinel]

I’m looking forward to seeing how their voices mature even more as they get older. Imagine if theyre eventually able to growl and scream with the best of them.

[@Grahlt]

@@carnophage666 There are fan cams and such where you can hear that she is a little bit off that night for whatever reason. I guess nobody is perfect. Mostly she sounds great to me in live performances though.

[@akaza_Snow_Compass]

I read somewhere before that the producer told the kami band to play all out on their instrument to overhelm su's voice and they failed. Su's voice is more powerful.

[@SoCal_619]

I grew up a metal head and punk in the 80's. I was 50'ish when I found this band, all my friends called me a poser 😂😂😂😂 I love them! They sell out every gig they play, world wide.

[@floreaciprian9742]

totally agree.Im 46 now and Babymetal kicks fucking ass

[@kaellok01]

Rob Zombie's had some words for haters like your friends lol

[@floreaciprian9742]

@@kaellok01 also Rob Halford

[@Qikdraw]

I was standing in line waiting to get my blood checked and was wearing a BM t-shirt, when a young girl (12-ish?), who was in front of me with her mom looked back and saw my shirt. She nudges her mom and tells her mom that I'm wearing a BM t-shirt. They both look back again and the daughter tells me she likes my shirt. So there we are a 12 year old and a 52 year old male gushing about BM at a blood draw place. Boggles the mind on how far the reach is that BM has created.

[@SoCal_619]

@@kaellok01 I heard him. It was, funny 😃

[@linko994]

There was this story shared recently: "I was born with a hearing impairment disability. Cannot clearly distinguish vowels and consonants. I have heard many singers, but with Su metal is the first time i can hear the lyrics. I was shocked to discover it when watching sonisphere in 2014. Ever since, my life has changed in many ways, i purchased expensive hearing aids and started to go to a lot of live shows (never went before). I have had many hardships in my life because of my disability, but more important than that, i want to say thanks to Su metal because she gave me the joy of hearing songs." And I think it just speaks to how precise, surgical and piercing Su's vocals are.

[@marcoskazu_]

❤

[@anthonypowell6234]

Very inspiring! I wish Suzuka would see that!

[@autohmae]

@@anthonypowell6234 I believe it was the top up voted Japanese comment on The First Take performance of Babymetal. It has a high chance of being noticed.

[@anthonypowell6234]

@@autohmae That would be superb!

[@yulianaharo8088]

Wow😍

[@MacTaipan]

Great reaction, as expected! Thank you for not forgetting about BABYMETAL! You might have opened a can of worms with the timing of this one, as every BABYMETAL fan and their mother are now going to harass you to react to a very recent performance released by the KZbin channel "The First Take". In case you don't know the channel, they basically have the artist perform (usually an instrumentally toned down version of) one or two of their songs and record the very first take without pauses or overdubs. Su and Moa have performed a piano version of their recent song "Monochrome" for that occasion, and it was breathtaking. Even fanboys like me had their admiration for Su taken to new heights. The power and emotion on display is awesome, and never before have we gotten so close to her while she's singing. You can really see how much effort she puts into it to achieve the amazingly clear enunciation you just mentioned in this video. It would be a great pleasure to see you react to that performance. Pretty please! :-) With regard to the performance you just watched, I always find it amazing how much BABYMETAL shows have to offer aside from the simply great songs. There's the great musicianship of the instrumentalists, the cool stage designs, the amazing vocals, the positive energy, the hyped crowds, and usually there's a surprisingly entertaining dance choreography, which in this case (as it's a Su solo) has just been replaced by Su's sheer stage presence. It makes for the most complete package of entertainment I can think of.

[@gaplauche]

Can't wait to see your full reaction to Akatsuki. Babymetal just performed a piano version of their new song Monochrome on The First Take. I hope you get a chance to react to that as well. You'll be impressed by Su-Metal's development as a vocalist.

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Thanks from Japan 有難う 💛。 BABYMETAL is the best phenomenon in music I have ever experienced in my 67-year-long life. This was filmed in 2014 and they performed this song in 2021. If you see the recent performance, you will understand how the years added something different to her performance. Something amazing by her maturity! (Of course this younger version is excellent, too.)

[@johnholden6137]

You should check out Dir en grey, also japanese metal band. Possibly the most talented vocalist period

[@ArgelTal_]

@@johnholden6137 i tend to disagree. There are lots of different, really talented and unique singers. tho nobody is "the most talented period".

[@ravensoulmetal8466]

​@@ArgelTal_ what would the Gal Vorbak know about singing 😂.

[@GlassMoonGaming]

The Japanese metal rabbit hole (or Foxhole in this case) is AMAZING.

[@BenTyger]

Yea... The Kitsune!

[@legitdeadly9162]

To add another layer to this, this is one of the rare times she isnt doing full blown choreo along with the other girls. While her dancing is often far less than her counterparts, she is basically doing an aerobics workout on stage as shes singing. This is one of those songs she doesnt have to do that simultaneously. She holds similar notes, unwavering, while bouncing, skipping, and kicking in many other songs. She had been singing professionally for 10 years at the time of this recording (age 16), and as of now is approaching 20 years (age 25), she started stage performing around age 6-8. You can hear that vibrato starting to creep in in her most recent performances, and her vocals are even more powerful than ever, although it is believed among the fans she is doing so deliberately. Compare the performance at 2021 Budokan of Akatsuki to this and youll hear the fully mature 23 year old Su-metal blowing this version out of the water. She does nothing but grow as she ages. Just when you think you've heard "Maximum Su" she comes out with something else, such as the Piano version of Monochrome a couple of weeks ago. Sidenote, if you really want to hear something raw and sweet, find the unfinished version of Akatsuki, where Su is sitting down on the stage for the majority of it. No heavy instrumentation, just piano accompaniment. She gets herself so emotional by the end you can hear her crying around her notes. One of the very very rare times she has ever sobbed on stage, and its very subtle, but also very noticeable, with breath breaking and even spots of tears in her eyes. This version was performed at her 16th birthday concert. Legend 1997. Four months before this was recorded.

[@Bones12x2]

It's interesting that you focused a lot on her "precision". Suzuka has spoken before about how she doesn't really do much vibrato or flashy vocal techniques. Sometimes you get the feeling that she feels a bit self conscious about it as if she is lacking something but I think it's simply a trade off that allows her to be ultra consistent, sharp, and powerful for her tiny stature. The lack of vocal "frills" is what allows her to be so precise...mixed with just natural talent and the fact that she had as much big time stage experience by the time she was 16 as a person can have.

[@geenefitz1]

I think that there is also the Japanese aspect. Japanese musicians are very much perfectionists. Whether you are listening to BabyMetal, Salyu, Kaela Kimura, or several other artists (yes, I am a fan of Japanese music in general). You don’t see a whole lot of crazy runs and frills. Additionally, she doesn’t really need to, which, in itself, is a testament to her talent.

[@Bones12x2]

@@geenefitz1 in terms of technique thst is true but there are actually quite a few very talented singers in Japanese metal who imo ruin sings by over singing... Maybe not with vibrato etc but just being too dramatic and it sounds excessive. The singers for Galynerus and Lovebites come to mind. I want to like those bands and they are clearly skilled.... But their vocal style makes me cringe. Su has everybit as much focus and skill but controls and delivers it in a mich more appealing way.

[@BadEnd98]

And when Su purposely use vibrato it's great too - like how she sing in Metal Kingdom!

[@arezaryansah3297]

@@Bones12x2 ah, now that you mentioned it, finally I know why I feel something just don't click with me from Lovebites songs.

[@godoflemmings17]

@@geenefitz1 That's something that struck a very musically-inclined friend of mine when I introduced him to Band-Maid - he ended up getting laser-focused on Akane's drumming more than anything else, and described drummers with the kind of consistency and precision that she has as gold dust.

[@rektbekka]

She just fills the whole stage, and I think she was only 16 years old there, right? What a presence and what a voice! 😍

[@georgeseanor]

What impresses me about babymetal is every song is so different

[@autohmae]

And Su-metal delivers amazing vocals in all of them, like Shanti Shanti Shanti and BxMxC, etc.

[@mrkdwld]

all different, all undeniably Baby Metal!

[@daverboy]

considering one of the original goals of the group was to make metal more accessible to a younger female audience, I tend to think of their songs, especially the earlier stuff, as a sort of metal sampler-pack.

[@voltcorp]

@@daverboy yeah, each song is distinctly some different genre of metal

[@geenefitz1]

The first couple albums ranged from hard core, death metal, to nu-metal, to standard power metal, with a lot of pop mixed in. Losing Yui made Black Babymetal more difficult which it was a lot of fun seeing Moa and Yui take center stage for tracks like, “Song 4,” and “GJ.” My hopes are that with the new album we will hear more Moa, because she is also a great singer. See Headbangerr (Moa version).

[@emb5091]

YES!!!! My favorite voice coach reacting to my favorite song and performance by my favorite band!!!!🤘🦊🤘

[@jimnusbaum3589]

You pointed out some of Su's special qualities: precise pitch and pronunciation/enunciation. She is a master at both.

[@jimnusbaum3589]

Not to mention that she is usually dancing through most of the songs.

[@jimnusbaum3589]

She is 16-17 here (25 now) and has been performing professionally since she was 8.

[@autohmae]

@@jimnusbaum3589 and her stage presence is also amazing, probably because she has been in the spotlights since she was 3.

[@martinboso9819]

I was lucky enough to find Babymetal early and see their first US headline tour. Great job finding using particular clip, it's my favorite of their early live videos!

[@Guysm1l3y]

Woo another reaction! And at some point you should really consider looking at their recent appearance on The First Take, a stripped down piano and vocals version of their song Monochrome really shows off the lead singer's chops.

[@Dubblebass]

"I love it when we get 2 guitars playing. I'm a sucker for harmony." You and me both!!! Loved that solo!

[@andyschnell58]

I have not listened to much Babymetal before this. Elizabeth, as always, made the experience more enjoyable. I am a proud patreon for The Charismatic Voice and hope others will consider joining.

[@Kmudaify]

This is a very young Su. It was recorded in 2014. The quality of her voice has increased substantially over the years. At this point in her career Su was known for not having a volume control. She opened her mouth and the sound comes out full blast. The best example of her vocals was just released a few days ago with a "The First Take" performance of one of their new songs, Monochrome. It's just Su, Moa, a piano, and a mic. Live, un-processed, and in one take. Everything about her voice has grown and matured, and she's added her own version of a vibrato along with much more range and control in her lower register. Su's pronunciation is her super power. It's something that even carries over when she sings in English.

[@tjroelsma]

I believe that much of that lack of volume control comes from Suzuka starting her career so early. She already performed when she was only 6 years old and I think that she was then told to "give it all she had", because she already sang songs that her tiny frame couldn't really handle. And once you've learned to sing in that style it's very hard to adjust back to more "normal" levels. I think she does an excellent job of understanding how to use her vocals these days and she now has that volume control she lacked.

[@Zelmel]

It's been interesting to watch the development of Su-metal over the years in Babymetal. She went from someone who didn't know metal at all to not only a popular metal singer, but a fan of the "classics" like Judas Priest. She even got to sing on stage with Rob Halford!

[@BadEnd98]

From like 12 years old now she can legitimately say she grew up with Metal!

[@ArcaneWolf9]

Stepping away from the vocals for a second, Su's stage presence, composure and performance are also remarkable. I understand that her name is Suzuka and she is 16 years old (here). I teach kids only a year or two younger than she is here. So you notice how strong Suzuka's on-stage 'Su-Metal' persona is, how well she broadcasts that 'Su-Metal' performance; the confidence and strength she displays, evoking and communicating with the crowd. She is out there ALONE, not relying on stage tricks to draw your attention, yet she is really engaging. I'm sure a lot of her stage-craft is trained and rehearsed, but good for her, she's nailing it. Even when not singing, she doesn't stop working the crowd and engaging, keeping the crowd's interest and focus. That HAS to be draining. Yet she never breaks character to be a 16 year old that is getting tired from the load up there. Gonna be interesting to see her continue to develop and mature as a singer and performer.

[@DDS029]

The major enjoyment I get is that she hits the notes, first time. None of the falsetto that others need to hide the fact they can't hang. Also none of the sneaking up on a note in order to adjust on the fly, again, because most can't hit the note right off the bat. She one that personifies the difference between a person with a good voice, and one who is truly a singer.

[@kurtsnyder4752]

She has also acted on several Japanese soap operas.

[@sharnfraser7446]

What a beautiful comment

[@RaginKavu]

Add to that stage presence the fact that with a single gesture she's able to command the fans to for a mosh pit, a wall of death or a circle pit, and you now know why we call her Queen. Also, she was a child/teen theatre actress, having had some major roles too. Toss in the fact that she has a funny, almost dorky personality, and that she loves what she does, you've got a recipe for success.

[@poohbear4702]

Heck, even when Yui fell off the stage, Moa and Su kept going as professionally as they could.

[@necromontys.]

absolutely amazing and wonderful song thanks for this reaction please please please more Babymetal live ❤❤❤❤❤🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@tk72231968]

As other's have commented....I think a really good comparison and analysis for the more mature sound of Baby Metal is the song "Monochrome" done in both studio and on piano version on the "First Take" channel.

[@chikaraudon6854]

Very nice reaction, looking forward to more BABYMETAL🤘🏻🦊😄

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

More to come!

[@raycollins511]

all that you appreciate about Su is even more amazing when you realize she was only 16 years old here. how many at that age can be as professional as her.

[@fresnokidsr]

Wow 16 that is Amazing. I say that people that sing that good at 16 have probably been singing since they were at least 8 if not younger and if they are like me at that age when I started singing looking back on it I realize that the more that I sang the more I enjoyed it and the more serious I was about becoming a good if not great singer

[@ivarwind]

@@fresnokidsr Since she was 8? Well, close enough: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZWZgKp7iquMY8k In case you're not used to Japanese faces, she's the smaller sister on the right - notice how she handles little problems on stage, like obnoxious microphone cables.

[@fresnokidsr]

@@ivarwind wow that was good. How long has they been performing by the time of that video?

[@ivarwind]

@@fresnokidsr I don't know exactly - partly because I'm not sure exactly when the recording was made - but she'd been in TV commercials even before that. But I assume it must be before Karen Girls... And here's Karen Girls' "Over the Future" in a mix of three different versions, with the actual Karen Girls live in 2008 (look at that audience!), Kikuchi Moa and Mizuno Yui Sakura Gakuin entrance exam version, and a later (but still very early) Babymetal version kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4euiGSdatGXpM0 - I'd have linked to the full original live version, but it's hard to find... And of course Nakamoto Suzuka is the youngest and tiniest of the three Karen Girls in light blue and white, and must have been 10 at the time of the concert. There's also a music video version easily available, but the live version shows just how at home she looks on stage in front of a big audience. It kind of makes sense that half a decade later she'd completely control a stadium full of metal heads and other freaks... like me. :)

[@stainless2867]

please listen to Akatsuki the unfinished version, totally stripped back and LIVE!!!!!!!!!

[@Biteableraccoon]

You need to check out the monochrome first take. The way SU's voice is displayed there is wild. That woman has so much talent.

[@nightmusic8]

Japanese Music is always something special. (Congratulations on the birthday 🎉)

[@luisnunes3863]

And loads of talent. Don't forget the loads of talent. 😉😉

[@foxgod4466]

Simply...The Queen!! No more words! Great react again beauty. See you at the next, Megitsune. 🤟🦊🔥🔥🔥

[@matt0607hkgts]

sweet memories of standing about 2 or 3 metres in front of Su and having those piercing stares look through me like laser beams ,2 more months and Babymetal is back in Australia , ! simply the best and most entertaining stage perfermances i have seen in many years !

[@ChiliConCarnage]

OMG thank you for this! I've waited for you to analyse this particular song and this particular performance for SO LONG! Su-Metal is by far my favourite singer, and I could listen to you talk about her and her technique forever. Thank you!

[@Proc3000]

You need to take a listen to the piano version of Monochrome they did on the full take channel. Su-Metal's vocal ability will blow you away on the stripped down and BEST version of that song. Plus its recent. Her vocals have only improved.

[@PlezurBazar]

BABYMETAL was built around Suzuka Nakamoto's voice. She is the first, current, only and last lead singer of BABYMETAL. You should do the recently released "The First Take" Piano version of MONOCHROME, it's absolutely stunning. Kitsune dao!

[@luisnunes3863]

Babymetal live always when available. The much less produced vocals shine brighter!

[@digitalmouse3314]

I find I crazy that she was like 16 and is so good she is such a strong vocalist and great description it cuts. She has great power metal tone it's just oh my god.

[@digitalmouse3314]

Lol my main god lugh 😂

[@allthingsmusic-]

I've been a HUGE BABYMETAL fan since the days of Gimme Chocolate. Su-Metal, is one of the best JPop/Metal singers I've heard.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Did you see the post modern jukebox cover? It's how i discovered the band lol

[@allthingsmusic-]

@@CyberBeep_kenshi I had to look that one up. I'm a big fan of PMJ, but never heard this. I was a bit disappointed, but...

[@artunblock9433]

​@@CyberBeep_kenshi It 's a great cover, love it

[@bradcpuvids]

This was a fascinating breakdown of Su's vocal technique. Others here have already mentioned how much her voice has broadened and matured in the decade since this performance, but she was already a very unique singer at this point. Especially considering her age.

[@Wirmish]

The “unfinished” version is INCREDIBLE. You can pick up her emotions with a shovel.

[@martinmetal7481]

I absolutely love your explanation of Su's vocals and to think she was only 16 years old in this performance . Can you imagine her now at 25 ! Well, you dont have to with all the recommendations for the performance of Monochrome on the First Take 😁❤🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼

[@rexeros8825]

its 2014. She is 16 yo here. U can also can find 2017, 2018, and 2021 versions of this song. her voice got even better. She has been singing since the age of 7. And already at the age of 8-9 she performed on stage.

[@Shadowtrance]

Going to see them live next month over here in australia for the first time. Gonna be awesome! Can't wait. 😁

[@AlizeeDefan]

I love your channel!! U explain things sooooo well !!

[@autohmae]

(comment before the release): Thank you Elizabeth for this reaction/analysis, Babymetal is something special/different and I hope you were able to notice what makes Su-metal unique as well. Really looking forward to this video

[@autohmae]

Elizabeth got all the important things I was expecting, but in details in a lot of cases hasn't heard before. Don't know enough about Japanese is she got the Kami details correct, but it's not her expertise so not that important. Su-metal at age 16 is amazing, at age 25 she is a beast. Her stamina, her breath control her precision, etc.

[@mattburgess5697]

As a guitar player I absolutely love the killer guitar solo (duo) here, but I also have to give props to the madman on drums. He’s sprinting a marathon here. And of course Su-metal deserves all the praise she gets.

[@monkeyvoodoo9052]

The sheer stamina their drummer must need to get through even one song, much less a whole show, is just bonkers.

[@STRAKAZulu]

Rediscovered BABYMETAL thanks to your review of ‘KARATE’. It came at the perfect time for me.

[@kevinrampersad9202]

I've seen some of her childhood performances and she was a natural even back then! She just got better and better! She's the Queen of the Metal Universe!!

[@polymniaskate]

I really hope you will get the chance to react the First Take version of Babymetal’s newer song Monochrome if/ when you do another Babymetal reaction: Su-metal has obviously maintained all the qualities you described, but being in her mid-20s now, her voice has that fuller quality and you can tell she’s really kept working and improving her technique over all these years. As merely an amateur in music, I would be really interested in how a 16 yo and a 25 yo Su-metal would compare for you

[@Hgoenge81]

Great reaction/analysis! You have to do the unfinished version of this song for comparison. I'm torn between which I love the most, and have settled with being thankful both versions exist. 😊 🤘🏻🦊🤘🏻

[@gwaptiva]

Can't help it, when Su wraps herself in her cloak and then opens up: Nigh time, day time! Night time! Day time! Oh, and as for precision: have a listen to the One Take piano version of "Monochrome"; I've had it on loop these past few days, it's astonishing

[@meganhausman1443]

Core memory unlocked. That damn bird. 😂

[@mrkdwld]

having my favorite vocal coach/reactor reacting to my favorite band, I'm in heaven.

[@Erawk]

The world NEEDS a Charismatic Voice review of "Monochrome" on The First Take. Or do a combo video where you listen to the original and then The First Take version. No one here is going to complain about extra TCV content. Plus, "Monochrome" is (most likely), on a micro level, about the bombing of Hiroshima and the ability of that city (and others) to eventually bounce back. Su-metal being from Hiroshima makes it extra poignant. A note on Su that I'm sure many other commenters will also note, she's 25 now and went to Acto's School Hiroshima at age 8 or 9, and was part of a singing trio at 9 or 10, so she's been singing professionally for 15-16 years. So yeah, she knows how to maintain her voice, haha. Though I don't know what year the performance you're watching is from.

[@erlima5]

Please review Pellek

[@felixbach379]

Yes, do that!!!

[@taptoplayde]

And now think about that she is singing this song in this quality for over nine years now (album was released 2014).

[@MrProthall]

It has been mentioned before but the 'First Take' version of Monochrome by Babymetal is a wonderful example of how a voice can mature! Especially monochrome. At one point she holds the pitch so perfectly it sounds like a guitar string vibrating. It's instanity :)

[@robxsiq7744]

Suzuka has been singing for Japanese companies since the was a fetus really. She has the voice for sure. I love this band because they are bringing back a lot of theater in a metal show. Very 80s and 90s vibe with all the pomp and circumstance. pillars, fire, stage direction, etc. Also they got lore and such, Fox god and other types of stuff for fun. I swear they are building up enough lore for the inevitable launch of an anime. Anyhow, Su is basically the only lead singer. No Su, no Babymetal. Moa is her main backup and sure, Moa does a song or two also, but she is mostly support, and the 3rd spot used to be someone named Yui but she peaced out back in 2018 so they've been rotating that spot a bit. I guess they are looking for the right fit. Hard to replace someone who was iconic as the 3rd. Anyhow, I would suggest Road of Resistance, Live in Japan. They got all sorts of range there, dancing, epic song and video. Your input would be great in breaking down that video.

[@daggerSLADE]

I wish ya did the “unfinished” version because it’s all orchestral and Su really has a chance to show off her emotional side

[@xendlesseax]

Please do more BabyMetal. It literally doesn't matter which one. They are all amazing.

[@matttate9999]

I haven't listened to Atasuki in a long time. After hearing Monochrome on the First Take, it is amazing to hear how mature her voice has become.

[@fresnokidsr]

And here I simply love their name, Baby Metal. That is the reason why I started to listen to these Analitical videos that Elizabeth is doing on them. I think they are cool and have a cool sound.

[@ryanbritt6874]

Yes! Babymetal's music is perfect for your brand of reaction/analysis. As others have said, the live performances have a power and energy that the album recordings don't. I strongly recommend checking out "Monochrome - The First Take" which was just released like a week ago. Su's fully-matured voice is on full display with very little backing instrumentation so I think you'd find it very moving.

[@Wombatmetal]

Su doesn't keep this up just for a song, she does i't all concert. The concerts aren't very long, and I suspect that is to save wear on Su's voice . She might do 4, 5 shows a week for weeks on end. For another take on this song, try Akatsuki - Unfinished, which is only light instrumentation. A completely different emotional take. Or, watch Monochrome - First Take, See where Su is today. This video today is from 2014 when Su was 16. She is 25 now and coming into her voice. Again, Monochrome - First take has light instrumentation.

[@thoticcusprime9309]

wtf 25 now

[@Tommuli_Haudankaivaja]

I don't like how negatively you stated this, but I do agree.

[@clubhelldorado]

"Sucker for harmony" is a t-shirt waiting to happen. 😊 Also, I haven't read the comments but Baby Metal - Monochrome piano version from The First Take channel I guess has been suggested as a reaction more than a few times. 😅 A great exmple of how much Su has grown as a vocalist since this performance.

[@autohmae]

Would the t-shirt have a pacifier on it ? A sucker ? Probably a bad joke. 🙂

[@chillepics4752]

She's like the teacher in school of rock getting amazed by BabyMetal rock ! \m/ keep doing this pls

[@rantingrodent416]

Another great reaction! I appreciate the extra insight into what she's doing to achieve the sound we all love. There are some behind the scenes photos that show Su-metal holding an ice pack to her throat, so she definitely does feel the strain to some extent. She seems to take very good care of her voice, though. I've heard people say she sounds as good at the end of a tour as at the beginning.

[@MrFloppyHare]

Imagine a dark night. It's storming. A vast sky with thick storm clouds. Flashes of lightning and thunder illuminate the clouds from behind and accentuate the constant sound of wind and rain. -- This is that 'wall of sound'. Su's voice is like a multi-colored, LASER-powered lighthouse, cutting through the night and the storm and visible for miles and miles!

[@Wagoo]

There is no BABYMETAL without SU-METAL - she is and always will be the lead singer. Her voice sirens out like a proton beam without vibrato - she has always sung like this.. you can find videos of her singing at a really young age (she's 16 in this concert, you can hear her about half that age) - but they also have some fun songs where she experiments with different singing styles. BABYMETAL are pretty much _always_ better live, than their album tracks 🤘🦊 PS: kami in kami-band means god. Eg. god of guitar, god of bass, god of drums - it shows the virtuoso level of the musicians

[@davidsy28]

My favorite BABYMETAL song. The powerful voice of Su next to the most beautiful guitar harmonization I've ever heard in my life, simply incredible ❤

[@achillesdur]

If you wanna hear the remaining back up vocalist, look up Headbanger. There should be a live performance of Moa-metal performing the leads on the second half of the song

[@chrismiller5940]

When this concert was performed Su had been a professional singer for 8 years and her older sister was also singing professionally so she had a good amount of experience and a lot of training by this point.

[@Codametal]

Great analysis. Can't wait for you to do Monochrome the piano version on The First Take's channel from 2 weeks ago. It really showcases Su-metal's voice and consistently gives me chills every time I listen to it. Please do an analysis of that one. I would like to hear your analysis on it. Thanks! I thoroughly enjoyed your video!

[@NateyCat]

You REALLY need to listen to the live “unfinished” version of the same song too! So amazing.

[@ardialoneboy4299]

She's practice her voices while doing a treadmill, thats make her voice's so powerful

[@davemorris7678]

Never has there been a more deserving performance or vocalist of your praise and analysis! Su-Metal is on another world in terms of vocal skill and consistency when performing and doing choreography. Babymetal has just released a new album that easily deserves album of the year, definitely worth a reaction for one or more of the songs off of that new album. I would suggest Believing from a reaction stand point, and I would suggest Metal Kingdom from a vocal analysis standpoint! As always, love to Elizabeth, Su-Metal, and Babymetal! Thanks for the years of entertainment and support!❤

[@jaglemans6778]

You've picked a good time to analyse BABYMETAL with the launch of their new album THE OTHER ONE and appearance on THE FIRST TAKE. You'll have to check out Monochrome from TFT and possibly another TFT song this week! Worth remembering this Akatsuki performance is from almost 10 years ago and Su's voice has matured greatly.

[@russellward4624]

Japanese definitely focuses on different chord progressions than western music. The typical I V VI IV isn't popular. Starting with the IV is the bread and butter of Japanese music of all genres, especially the IV VII III VI and they do a lot of modulating as well.

[@SayuriAsahina]

Just wanted to add to the general clamor for you to react to the First Take piano version of Babymetal's Monochrome. Would, in fact, be happy to sit through a double feature if you wanted to compare the studio track to the First Take version in one go. I love the way you break down vocal performances and stay positive - I love learning from you!

[@timthomsonart]

As commented already, you should check out one of the new songs to hear how Su has developed over the years, her voice has matured a lot. Lots of training - Japanese idols start at a very very early age, worth looking in to the birth of Babymetal with the three of them graduating etc, fascinating!

[@tonygriffin_]

The recently released Monochrome, Piano Version, is a vocal performance with a little piano and strings, from Su. It's majestic. PS Kami means God and so The Kami Band are The Gods Band or Band of Gods (so, not God's Band, but a band made up of musical gods). They wear corpse face paint and a corpse shroud. 🦊🤘🤘🦊

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

Their Band is ridiculously good. Love Babymetal.

[@JustFiddler]

😇🤠

[@gregorynicoud6250]

for those who discovered Babymetal with this song there is a unfinished version... less metal but heartbraking....

[@LeglessWonder]

Yea I kinda prefer the unfinished version. Both are great tho

[@tommytomthms5]

I discovered them a few years ago with "gimme chocolate" and IDK, I think I prefer BabyMetal songs that have all the members.

[@react-o-mat]

So beautiful! Can only recommend to anyone 🤘🦊🤘

[@autohmae]

@@tommytomthms5 the solo songs are popular among fans, but the songs which have all the qualities: audience participation, great song, all members, etc. are the most popular among fans.

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

My heart never has brakes.

[@gomongio]

I love when you go all fan mode while listening to Su-metal’s voice. We’ve been there. We’ll keep being there too.

[@Singulitarian]

One of the reasons the musicians love to play for BABYMETAL is that they are told to play flat out and not back off for the vocals like they do for other groups/singers.

[@Un4GivNX]

Ahhhh yes you finally reacted to this gem! Her stance, her photon beam pitch, the stage, the emotions, the band, hell yeah! :D

[@johnnyandersson5622]

Singing without vibrato live accurate and on top of that with almost no effects is god damn impressive.

[@kevinramsey417]

Suzuka rocks a cape better than Superman. She is IMO one of the best live performers in the world. That is the stance of a 16 year old girl with 20,000 people in the palm of her hand.

[@superioist]

SU-METAL have been singing since they were young, captivating audiences in arenas of 20,000 at the age of 10. And, as pointed out, her vocalizations, especially her vowels, were clearly audible, and there were comments of appreciation that those with hearing loss could hear her. Now that she's 25, she's a mature vocalist. Please listen to her new song. Monochrome from THEFIRSTTAKE is recommended.

[@bradmenpes809]

I think this is one of the best live vocal performances I have ever seen from any artist. The clarity, strength, precision and emotion of Su's voice is simply mindblowing, while also holding her own against the frenetic, driving metal of the music. Easily the best version of Akatsuki. And she's 16.

[@Grington300]

Excellent reaction and analysis again, thank you. Live BABYMETAL is always the best choice if you are going to analyse Su-metal's vocals (just avoid the Glastonbury videos - the BBC made a real pig's ear of the audio .... and the camerawork wasn't great either). This was filmed at the Budokan in Tokyo, a martial arts arena built for the 1964 Olympics and now also hugely prestigious venue for concerts that Japanese (and foreign) artists aspire to play (think a Carnegie Hall or Madison Square Garden equivalent). It was early in March 2014 and BABYMETAL became the youngest average age female band ever to headline there. Su-metal was not long turned 16. 9 years on and she has just got better and better - I see the First Take piano version of their recent song 'Monochrome' has been recommended a lot ... I have to agree, that would be perfect for a vocal analysis (and it is a beautiful song).

[@onesonglory33]

I would definitely recommend their First Take version of their new song Monochrome. It really shows off how much Su's voice as grown.

[@UCJInlzu1DhjQOOc3omg0FtQ]

THIS IS MY FAV SONG FROM THEM because it sounds JUST as if X JAPAN wrote it! Thank you for reacting to it.

[@autohmae]

well, it's clearly inspired by X-Japan, it's right there in the name: Babymetal Akatsuki (red moon) -> X-Japan Kurenai (crimson moon). 🙂

[@KPSwistak]

There are a lot of X-Japan references in Babymetal because Koba (the brain behind Babymetal) is a huge fan of X-Japan. In "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" they do X with their arms for example. EDIT: Oh, I forgot to mention No Rain No Rainbow and Endless Rain :) And the neck braces symbolising Yoshiki :) Yeah, there is probably plenty more!

[@fvspirata784]

Love your BabyMetal reactions. Please do more!. And thanks! 🇲🇽🦊🤘

[@Scoobay]

I haven’t heard a lot of their music but I like what I’ve heard so far, especially “The One”. That’s a great piece of music, phenomenal guitar riffs and the vocals are nice, you get to hear her sing half the song in English too. He pronunciation is just as good, even better than a lot of Japanese people who are fluent in English. It’s all very epic.

[@christophert91]

Glad you enjoy our Queen this much^^ Babymetal is just so good, my most listened artist for years on my spotify :D

[@01devilsmilitia]

seen babymetal live 3 times, going to see them again when supporting sabaton just over 2 weeks from now, they are fantastic live as you can imagine by the live videos you analyse. i was surprised when i first heard of them the support they have across in the UK and it is well deserved.

[@gtmg22b2]

have fun!

[@bertg2779]

the First Take performance, our girl is grown up now.

[@Thessik73]

Going to add my vote for Monochrome first take version. You can see all the things she's doing with her throat and mouth and the performance is amazing.

[@dangermouseuk78]

I watched this before a great take on Su and the song, I never imagined seeing Metal Hammer talking about your video.

[@coryv5679]

If you like solos you'd love Babymetal's Rondo of Nightmare. There is a solo for each guitar and the drummer at the start and they each last like a minute it's pretty awesome.