THIS is my FIRST EVER exposure to Yoko Ono's voice! But... CAN she sing?!

[@fragilegods]

Yoko has the subtlety and expressiveness of a Dalek about to attack. Full marks to Fil for keeping it constructive and positive.

[@sonnyandcobi]

So true lol. Love this comment. You made me laugh since I understand your reference to a Dalek. I am a Dr. Who fan too.

[@SnowMonkeyCantSing]

😂 Attacking Dalek Ono 😂

[@jobo1053]

Ha ha! Perfectly put, I was wondering how to say it ;-)

[@alansmith4748]

...and trying not to laugh

[@pootthatbak2578]

IMAGINATE IMAGINATE IMAGINATE😅😅

[@stevencurtis924]

You deserve combat pay for this one Fil

[@Water_is_Sacred777]

Hilarious! Cut her mike haha.

[@A.Briggs628]

😂😂😂😂😂 Yes! Fil is our newest War-Hero! 😂😂😂❤

[@A.Briggs628]

@@Water_is_Sacred777 Ohhh, that’s been done before! Her mic was turned off a few times. Thank goodness for the people who made it happen. 😊

[@Water_is_Sacred777]

@@A.Briggs628Yup the Yoko effect.

[@A.Briggs628]

@@Water_is_Sacred777 Hahaha! Thanks, my friend! Happy Holidays to you, and yours! 💕🥰🎼

[@HamiltonRb]

I saw John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band at the 69 Rock & Roll Revival Concert in Toronto, with Eric Clapton as his guest guitarist. When Lennon took the stage the crowd erupted, and after doing a half dozen songs, Yoko screamed through two songs. Horrible would be an understatement, and thankfully we brought enough weed to get through it

[@kjones7561]

Lol 😂

[@Bmwguy2011]

That’s awesome that you’re there. Love it. After suffering through hours of current top 40 at Starbucks I’m yearning for anything pre 1977.

[@carlasainz95]

If you endured two songs of her screaming it had to be the weed. Good on you for being prepared. LOL

[@candydale8380]

omg whatta crack up, on the weed saving you guys during those couple Yoko screeches!! I can imagine❤

[@candydale8380]

​@@carlasainz95😆

[@A.Briggs628]

Fil, you’re such a GOOD person! I love that you find goodness in everyone too! I loved John and could listen to him all day long. I’m sure I could not do that with his widow. Thank you, Fil 😊

[@DawnLenn]

Your analysis is so positive and fair, and I appreciate that. Personally, I would be fine with never hearing this version of the song again, haha. A cover by you, on the other hand, would be beautiful 😊.

[@M0odyBlue]

Yes, please add this to your repertoire!!!

[@KenTeel]

You said word that other reviewers have left out. And, that word is "fair." I think that you are fair too, in addition to Fil's fairness. Both of you gave Yoko's singing a chance, and that is great. Most of us were not fans of Yoko, but give credit where credit is due. The woman actually can sing. Too bad she just made a bunch of noises when she was with John. She could have complimented his voice with real singing if she had applied herself to that.

[@dankingjr.2088]

Dude, as a guy who grew up with this when it came out............ I have never wanted to mute one of your videos Fil, but damn. 😃

[@cathyf.2672]

Yes, I had to turn off the sound and video.

[@dmcarp2807]

Perfect example of an objective analysis in assessing a vocalist's technique and skill level. On point about the bilingual factor contributing to delivery and style of performance.

[@davidh1970]

You need to look up Yoke ruining Chuck Berry and John Lennon's duet on the Mike Douglas show. The look on Chuck's face when Yoko jumps in is priceless.

[@dosrios9517]

The sound engineer cut her off in that video

[@michaelholycross2633]

​@dosrios9517 the hero we didn't deserve. Lol

[@mightyV444]

Coincidentally, I'd come across that clip only only 1 day before _this_ video was posted! 😄

[@martyndawson7484]

Seen it!

[@WhiteCamry]

Yoko: starts to screech. Chuck: (⊙ˍ⊙)

[@ly776]

You are spot on about the pitch correction. I'd rather hear a not great singer than the over auto-tuned fake music forced upon us nowadays.

[@cportage556]

She is adept at using the vocal dynamic of a person who is hailing a cab on a noisy, hectic, city street, combined with the enthusiasm of a tour guide.

[@popogast]

If a woman can really sing, like Annie Lennox, Chrissie Hynde, Beth Hart, Montserrat Caballé etc. I get tears in my eyes. Yoko makes me snort.

[@PFNel]

Annie Haslam!

[@A.Briggs628]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@barbaramilone2800]

She reminds me a bit of Ethel Merman!

[@popogast]

@@barbaramilone2800I hope I got the joke. I'm not a native English speaker.

[@GOLDESCAFLOWNE]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Marcel_Audubon]

my sister had to spend a whole day with Yoko related my sister's work ... said she couldnt have been nicer and more selfless throughout the day

[@lauraallen55]

I have heard that she is a very nice person! Yours is sadly the third comment here that is not putting her down for one of many reasons.

[@Prehab224]

A friend was a minor cog in a professional meeting in Yoko’s apartment. She said she looked prettier and softer in person.

[@lauraallen55]

I've heard that about her, and also about Janis Joplin@@Prehab224

[@aDogNamedHandsome]

A friend was a minor cog at some sort of meeting at Yoko’s. She said she was much prettier and softer looking in real life.

[@marinaugo4069]

@@lauraallen55 This is not about her person but about her singing. Being nice doesn't make her a good singer.

[@Morticia1313]

Oh Fil what did we do to you to deserve this punishment? Did you see the video where John is singing with Chuck Berry & she just starts shrieking? Chuck is like WTF is that??? Sorry Fil you can't convince me on this one!😂😂😂

[@Hollylivengood]

The look on Chuck Berry's face.

[@Lilah1754]

😂 I was just thinking of Chucks reaction. Priceless!

[@jeannadysart5243]

I was about to comment about that Chuck Berry performance, also. If I remember correctly, as soon as the stage people saw Berry's face, they unplugged YoNo's microphone.

[@Yesica1993]

I had to look it up. YEGADS! What in the actual blazes?! What is wrong with that woman?! For the life of me, I have never known what he saw in her. What hideous shrieking! Why would she do this? Absolutely sickening.

[@Morticia1313]

@@Lilah1754 😂🤣

[@snowbirdlady7221]

Oh my. You are a brave man Fil. I have never heard this before, thankfully, but it wasn't as horrifying as I expected. I will never heard it again. I did get a giggle every time you cracked a smile while Yoko "sang".

[@oubliette31415]

Phil, you're just too nice of a guy, there should be more people like you.

[@DavidHolliday]

Fil seems he would be a great guy to go to the pub and talk music with.

[@assininecomment1630]

He's being _objective._ Rather than falling in with the (weirdly) still resonant bitterness toward Ono, he has considered and explained the _context_ of this performance, explained some of the features of her voice and her style, qualified his judgements accordingly - and pointed out all the evidence that shows Ono did indeed sing in tune. Yep - her style is very different to what we've been used to. I'd like to see how so many critics here would go, just tapping their toe along to a jazz piece in 7/8 or maybe 5/4 time - much less when it changes.

[@tammydoolittle6054]

I'm not into Yoko Ono and I don't care about her singing, but I do appreciate you pointing out all the good things about her voice, as only you can do. Thank you Fil, that was a great analysis! 😉👍

[@alansmith4748]

Yes, I agree, he's probably the only one who can

[@Hollylivengood]

Well, both of them, anyway. The time she was in tune, and the time she quit making noise.

[@avlisk]

It sounds as if she is trying to do a comic interpretation of Ethel Merman. But man, it's tough listening to her any time.

[@barbaraflagg5380]

Now I can only hear it as Ethel Merman….LOL

[@pootthatbak2578]

Oh wow..i posted ethel, then saw this afterwards.. we must both be old😢

[@KennethMoyer-t3y]

Ethel Merman! That's the name I was looking for! Ethel Merman with no redeeming qualities!

[@SuperAnimelover100]

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, you tell it !

[@1rsalc]

Yeah, a PARODY of Ethel Merman. Ouch!

[@margelacosse6502]

I was really surprised by her singing. And she sang Imagine very respectfully and I could understand her words. I only seen videos of her that she was making a statement but not singing. Seen a video where Chuck Berry made a face. The thing too, is John loved her. She was that comfort for him in his world as a music star full of people who weren't all that trustworthy. She sang it as her self and she sang it the best she could with the voice she had. Thanks to your analysis of her, some of us have gotten to see a side of her most people didnt see including me 👍🙂👍

[@KennethMoyer-t3y]

No

[@tonynew3047]

Mary Pang ?

[@michelewelch5319]

Oh dear. Ok. 🤔 you’re so objective and respectful of performance, Fil. But…😱 Appreciate what you do. 🙏❤️

[@1BJM]

It's the quality (?) of her voice that grates on my ears AND my last nerve. Thank you Fil for giving her a free voice lest

[@HeidisHereAndThere]

😂Sorry Yoko, Like nails on a chalkboard!! 😱 Her last name is "O-NO" for a reason!! 😂 Fil has got a heart of gold, and ears of steel!! ❤💋

[@davidcatalano3781]

Thank you Fil, she just sang like she is from an Asian culture as how they hear and express notes and tones. Many blessings to you and your Family. Fil I really loved your singing of the line not the only one

[@jdjohnson7299]

Thank you. Because she is from that culture.

[@M0odyBlue]

I have heard Japanese folk songs and pop songs from Asian cultures and none of them sounded like her.

[@davidcatalano3781]

@@M0odyBlue now that I read your comments I believe you are absolutely correct

[@jdjohnson7299]

@@M0odyBlue She is much more Kabuki than folk songs or pop songs.Kabuki uses sounds, yelling, etc, much like her performance art pieces in New Your when she was around John Cage

[@M0odyBlue]

@@jdjohnson7299 You’re right. I never spent much time with Kabuki. I really like Japanese folk music, though.

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Actually this is the best I have ever heard her sing. She did some crazy stuff 50 years ago.

[@PFNel]

Listen to "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" from Some Time in New York City.

[@poorthing]

​@@PFNelplease please NO!

[@stewarttrickett3033]

That Japanese yodelling thing she did was horrible.

[@bettyparker3317]

That’s exactly what I was thinking. All I remember was really shrieking, painful sounding, nonsense.

[@khill6510]

Good for you for sticking to the analysis and not wading into judgment. ❤

[@johnatyoutube]

Bless your heart for enduring hours of listening to Yoko Ono to create this video and for being so kind and generous in your analysis. I hope you gift yourself with a good singer for your next video. I only listened to this because I respect you so greatly. BTW, I can't top the Dalek comment. It was spot on, unlike her performance of this beautiful Beatles song.

[@lauraallen55]

It's a John Lennon song that she helped him write. She's on the credits. This performance was probably performance art because that's what she did. I suspect it was purposely done in a harsh manner for a very personal reason; one that impacted the world. She does know how to sing less forcefully and harshly as I've heard several songs where she is very light and soft, pretty even.

[@katherinewelling6026]

Can’t say that I’m a fan of Yoko Ono’s singing but I certainly appreciate your professionalism, Fil. Hard to listen to her but you were heaven on the ears. 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@SandraLeeSchubert]

I have heard Yoko sing in person a couple of times in New York, once with John Lennon. Yeh, I wouldn't buy her album, but I appreciate her enthusiasm. I sing in a choir of three in a tiny church. i can't read music, don't sing well, but I give it my all. Yoko and I are soul sisters though she is more on pitch then I am. Fil I think you are the kindest soul. You analyze each person/band with such care. I have learned so much from you.

[@PamK36]

The Yoko can't sing stuff comes from the early Plastic Ono Band music where she was deliberately doing all sorts of strange vocalizations while John was playing noisy guitar. She did do later recordings where she sang more conventionally. She could write songs as well and actually co-wrote "Imagine". (Quote from Wiki: "Shortly before his death, Lennon said that much of the song's lyrics and content came from his wife, Yoko Ono, and in 2017 she received co-writing credit.)

[@davejones1226]

Yoko was Johns wife, he was being nice.

[@PamK36]

@@davejones1226 Or maybe she really did co-write it. She had a career as an artist before she met John.

[@lauraallen55]

I think she helped him write it, truly. She has never been lacking in artistic/creative talent. Ftr I am not a fan of her singing.@@davejones1226

[@M0odyBlue]

I think he wanted to give her something (royalties).

[@marieuzes]

@@davejones1226and Imagine was hardly one of John’s more sophisticated songs.

[@jdbonderman7342]

Why is "Wings of Pegasus" so compelling?? Incredible entertainment. .... Anyway, Team Yoko here, personally I love when she makes those crazy f*cking sounds.

[@rccolaandamoonpie]

Lennon appreciated art in an abstract context from an early age, and that stretched him as an artist both before and with Yoko Ono. Yoko was a significant element of his growth in his later Beatle days and for the remainder of his life. Respect art and you respect Yoko. Only the shallow and childish take a piss on Yoko.

[@lauraallen55]

Well there are lots of childish people here in the comments who don't realize that she most likely deliberately chose to sing this particular song at that period in time in a harsh and abrupt manner. However, it seems unnecessary to ridicule her and make tired jokes at her expense, but that's what has been done in droves here.

[@12thDecember]

Maybe it's just me, but I can't bear to listen to her sing. You have eardrums of steel, Fil. Seriously.

[@HeidisHereAndThere]

😂Sorry Yoko, Like nails on a chalkboard!! 😱 Her last name is "O-NO" for a reason!! 😂 Fil has got a heart of gold, and ears of steel!! ❤💋

[@SuziQ.]

It’s not just you! I vaguely remember a video Fil made years ago of the worst songs ever. Someone in the comments mentioned a specific Yoko song (I don’t remember which one, and my ears can’t bear to search for it). One of her aural assaults is called “Why”. I think that defines her “music career” in a nutshell.

[@ZebZanko]

:::::::Plugging Ears::::::: One exposure is enough. Thank you. Great Job as usual Fil.

[@jeffmckee1825]

@@SuziQ. And the word "why" seems to be the only lyric that she shrieks.

[@SuziQ.]

@@jeffmckee1825 , 😂 O, no. See the video with Chuck Berry and John Lennon, where she interrupts (a live broadcast) with shrieks, and other odd sounds. The audio tech finally pulled her plug. 😂

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Well I can mark this off my list! Thanks Fil.

[@johnjohnson6061]

Very cool to hear your analysis and see the graphs of the notes. I hope any new singers find your website and learn these great tips!

[@LOL-Can]

To me she has a grating voice that I personally find irritating. Imagine my surprise that she can actually sing with accuracy. Thank you for this analysis. I think lol.

[@donnatregaro7375]

I’m right there with ya!!

[@SuziQ.]

It’s irritating. The Dalek comment was spot on.

[@assininecomment1630]

Not _liking_ Ono's style, and not _grasping_ that she sings in tune.... One is a subjective view - very easy and convenient. The other is an objective view - and that's too hard for some folk. 🙄

[@LOL-Can]

@assininecomment1630 I am grateful to hear at all. I will admit that my ears lack the acuity required for detailed hearing. After several years of not being able to listen to music at all I am amazed. I stand by my right to enjoy or not to enjoy what I do hear .

[@SuziQ.]

@@assininecomment1630 , Grasping that she can sing in tune does not negate the reactions of most listeners’ ears that her voice is physically painful to hear for a lot of us.

[@STnation77]

Chuck Berry video with John and Yoko singing is priceless!

[@scottbreseke716]

So is the video of Eric Clapton reacting to her singing.

[@julzy3]

It is a testament to you that I am listening to this. Yoko Ono is an incredible performance artist, but this... it is a no for me.

[@jeanflora-nn7ix]

It's a no for me too

[@allennewborn936]

Incredible performance artist? Name what performance of hers is incredible.. please.

[@p165711]

When you say incredible, I blv you actually mean just credible. Not to my taste either.

[@carlosgaspar8447]

captain j.t.kirk sounds better.

[@julzy3]

I was trying to say something nice. Since you asked though Cut Piece. @@allennewborn936

[@ravenrozze3]

This was such a respectful and unbiased analysis. Thank you for doing this one!!

[@1SeanBond]

Fil lol Bro what a great view! Appreciate you covering this one,what a excellent job Ty . Cheers! To continued success friend! What a blast it has been friend watching you Grow. It means alot to me (us) as I spent years teaching and sharing the knowledge of music, Absolutely the best content on this subject on KZbin & that's a fact! Ty, Luv&Peace 💛✌🏼💫

[@kayakchrispy]

You are so good at analyzation.. you made this a great learning experience instead of 💩

[@MissJensk1]

*analysis*

[@paulmackenzie1850]

Thank you Fil for a constructive criticism of Yoko Ono. While it would seem she has room for improvement, I get the impression she is giving it her all in her singing. I believe she has the passion for singing, even if somewhat flawed. The fact that she seems passionate about her singing, gives a respect her for her efforts. Kindness is the key to analyzing a singer that is a bit imperfect and you have demonstrated that in your analysis . Thank you again for professional, caring analysis...Rock...

[@lauraallen55]

Check out her song Death of Samantha to hear another side of her - they light, soft, airy side.

[@tomvalentine4928]

I'm absolutely no Yoko fan but I know a lot of popular vocalists who aren't a lot better but are compensated for by their fans' blind devotion.

[@mattfoley6082]

I hate autotune but in Yoko's case I'll make an exception.

[@lyallg7925]

I was going to comment something similar.

[@webman1956]

I would watch a video of her being autotuned just to see how damn good that program really is because as she is, it`s fingernails on the chalkboard.

[@vjc812]

😂😂😂

[@Pabz2030]

Autotune wont help because she is basically (mostly) in tune. Her problem seems to be one of having two volume settings: 0 and 11.... Every note hits like a truck.

[@Lilah1754]

Yes, 😆 Would be a good idea!

[@candydale8380]

While I don't care for Yoko's vocals, it is interesting to hear the tone of her voice like this. Thank you for this piece of musical history Fil❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@glamgal7106]

Bravo, Fil for your open-minded approach in your analysis of Yoko Ono's vocal performance. I was surprised to hear that her voice was accurate pitch wise and used vibrato--as you mentioned, she was consistent. I'm more used to hearing her making these Tarzan-like sounds. Just my opinion--I thought she sounded like Ethel Merman, maybe a rock version of her. Thanks Fil for maintaining a constructive perspective in your analyses. It's always a true pleasure to learn from you!

[@jilcooper9619]

I also thought of Merman, lol!! Giggles

[@carolynb.7455]

Thanks for the fascinating analysis. For me Yoko Ono isn't the easiest listen, but at least uses her own voice. I don't think it could be mistaken for anyone else!

[@lauraallen55]

Have you heard her songs where she's actually intending to sound pleasing? She was trying to sound harsh here I think.

[@paulinecrystalline6125]

Fil, I recommend giving Let Me Count the Ways a listen (and the whole Milk & Honey album!)

[@roxorange6022]

Great fair comments. But I do think to be even fairer, one of Yoko's solo songs could be analysed, such as Nobody Sees Me Like You Do, or Hell in Paradise where comparison with a certain John Lennon is less likely! Without his long and much-loved shadow and THAT song Yoko is much like other punk or Indie voices of their era, albeit a bit ahead of her time! She is of the Neo Dada school of thought - kind of anti-art, deconstruction of the normal aesthetic for political or ethical reasons so is she actually succeeding in her aim? I think so. Yoko sings according to her belief system, some works I enjoy, others not so much 😊

[@lauraallen55]

Well said!

[@MichaelSheffield-ox8yd]

Try to listen to the B side of 1969's Plastic Ono Band's "Live Peace in Toronto." I had a cat who actually attacked the stereo because I played it for a minute or two.

[@SoundofSilence492]

😹😸😹🙀😹😸😹

[@Hollylivengood]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@atxroque]

😹😹😹

[@sherrybirchall8677]

But why overly criticise this because you hated that?

[@MichaelSheffield-ox8yd]

@@sherrybirchall8677 What did I "overly criticize?"

[@JustAFocus]

I'm not a Yoko fan at all, but "Listen, the Snow is Falling" (the b-side of "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" is a really nice song, and she sings it pretty well. When I bought that 45 single back in the day, I flipped it over expecting something unlistenable, but was pleasantly surprised. Also, "Kiss Kiss Kiss" sounds kind of like a cross between the B-52's and Lena Lovich.

[@dianebuzek723]

You have a good heart, Fil. Bless you ❤

[@massagechairwellnessinc.al4889]

All I hear are the emotions of a woman grieving the brutal slaying of her love. It isn't sadness, it is "you'll never break me", rebellion. She is pleading and pushing on every note. Screaming into the heavens "WHY!".

[@jimwillis9356]

You are so kind! You are so generous! As to this "performance," you are the Job of God's abject sense of cruel humor! You will be repaid one-hundred fold for your measured analysis. O Deus Meus!

[@jeanreed1975]

Uses her chest voice and even high notes in her range, pretty good. She doesn't want to have a light, trained sound, she wants to convey words.

[@lauraallen55]

Very true. It's got to be deliberate here to express the pain and anger at her husband being murdered. She can sing in a pleasing manner when she wants to.

[@sabocikotic7632]

Brilliant analysis of Yoko Ono`s singing

[@longsnapper5381]

God bless you, Fil. I couldn't make it to the end......

[@pcollenyt3683]

Yoko's raw, intense avant-garde vocals are derivative of hetai, a Japanese vocal technique in Kabuki theatre which requires straining of the voice. She also emulates a woman during childbirth.

[@lauraallen55]

My take here is she is meaning to convey anger and pain.

[@WildflowerNJ1]

You are so kind, Fil.....

[@8saltman]

Too kind in this case.

[@djdissi]

This was a superb analysis. For sure, people's appreciation of vocals can vary, and yes, her sound is harsh, but your breakdown of Yoko's singing managed to be fair and objective... and bang on! Thanks Fil

[@slimcat2656]

Actually, in my opinion she does a great rendition of this song. Her husband sung it gently with soft onset, trying to make this world a bit better. Her husband was murdered. So she sings his song, yelling harshly, not allowing to forget what was done to him. Brava!

[@kathypeacock6466]

That is an astute observation.

[@roryblake7311]

Fil, You are so kind...

[@RosaKay55]

In some places Yoko reminds me of Ethel Merman. As usual, your analysis is thorough and well thought out.

[@Psalm1267]

Yes! That's who she reminds me of!

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Yes, I knew she reminded me of someone. Definitely Ethel Merman. Only Ethel was better.

[@nealpowell7104]

I've read some of the comments and they made me sad 😢 The comments reminded me of John Lennon commenting in 1968-1969 that the press/media were calling Yoko Ono ugly. I thought we had grown up since then. Thank you very much Fil.

[@lauraallen55]

I feel the same way.

[@Jasper_the_Cat]

I think so much of singing is finding the right kind of music that fits your voice and style (there are some great versatile singers who can sound great in multiple styles, but I believe that's a rare breed!). So to be fair, I went back and listened to Yoko's songs on John and Yoko's "Double Fantasy" album. It seems a bit unfair for me to listen to it with John's songs interspersed, because it's putting one of the world's greatest songwriters (and beyond that, some of his greatest work) back-to-back with Yoko's new wave dance-oriented tracks. But, if you're willing to disconnect momentarily from that context of John's outstanding songwriting and judge Yoko's singing and songwriting against other new wave/alternative music, it's actually not too bad (esp if one considers it as ambient/dance/mood music, and not music intended to last for all time), and she is capable of carrying a tune. I think if she had had a bit less reverb and maybe a little chorus or something on her voice, it might have softened the effect into something a bit closer to what subsequent new wave artists were doing (with the rather neutral delivery and quirkiness of it being the point). When John Lennon talks about Yoko Ono being a precursor (if not an influence) to the B52's, I think there's actually some merit to that. Anyhow, I think your assessment is more than fair- pity she didn't have a vocal coach because I do believe she had some potential (within a sort of new-wave/artsy genre).

[@lauraallen55]

She had vocal training as a teenager in Japan

[@MusicLover-yo5rs]

Thanks Fil for being so fair and unbiased in your analysis of Yoko Ono’s performance. You brought a positive air to something I otherwise liken to nails on a chalkboard. After your analysis, I agree with some of your points, she is able to be on pitch. But she does still need a lot of work. Thanks again, Fil.

[@lauraallen55]

Honestly, she was probably trying to sound unpleasant because that's her art, and also because I know she is quite capable of sounding pleasing to the ear. The work mentioned that she needs, she already probably knows how to do. She didn't choose to here. My guess is she intended to sound harsh and abrupt to convey anger and pain at her husband being murdered a few years before.

[@AdamSmith-wq2cj]

I’m more impressed with her voice than I thought I would be tbh. I’ve seen footage of her wailing away and assumed she couldn’t hold a note!

[@umarae27]

But, TBH, I also lost all respect-love for John, too, after hearing him try to sing along with the protesters on the street below their apt. (Im referring to that 1st? documentary about them).

[@kjones7561]

I liked her vocals on Oh Sisters and several songs on the last album John recorded with her. Double Fantasy LP. It’s her screaming that sometimes irritates me. But they call it art. She’s expressing herself. Good analysis here. Thank you. 🫶🏼

[@mightyV444]

@AdamSmith - It was only last night that I'd come across a clip with a live performance of her doing her famous 'Rock Lobster' noises while on stage together with John, Chuck Berry and some others - and that's kinda also what I'd expected to hear in this video and am pleasantly surprised by being wrong! 😀

[@AdamSmith-wq2cj]

@@mightyV444 it was the Chuck Berry concert I was thinking of, and also some of the Live in New York 1969 music.

[@mightyV444]

​@@AdamSmith-wq2cj- Ah! 😄 Maybe check out Yoko's song lauraallen55 had pointed me to meanwhile, 'The Death Of Samantha'! You may be just as surprised as I was! 😊

[@lorichaslot7601]

I learn so much from your videos. You’re a very good teacher. I’d love to spend a day with you just learning and sharpening my skills.

[@michaelmoore7975]

@9:32 Fine tuning dynamics. I think that's the biggest issue here. John didn't always hit the right notes either. However, he was an expert in dynamics, expression, nuance, and feel of his vocals. And he intrinsically knew when, where, why, and how to apply them.

[@aureliande2659]

Absolutely. And he could sing in a very soft but perfectly controlled voice. It was all about expression. Yoko has one register only. Some of her records are listenable because she uses double-tracked voices and reverb and other production tools (I like Season of Glass, in fact), but as a rule she tramples over the melodies like the proverbial elephant. Yes, I do have almost all of her records.

[@marnaehrech1223]

Boy, good on ya, Fil, for taking on such a controversial character! So many of us baby boomers who grew up w the Beatles, still harbor resentment, whether we realize it or not, toward Yoko for "breaking up the band," forgetting her voice for the moment. Of course, SHE didn't break up the band, they were going thru their own journey, but her influence was seen w suspicion by many. I'm afraid her talent hasn't earned her many fans, at least in the west. I'm not much of a fan of Japanese music, anyway, as i would guess many Japanese may not enjoy western music; there is a huge cultural disparity there. Anyway, very interesting analysis, and you show your heart thru & thru. Love from Vermont!

[@helenalderson6608]

I love the diplomatic intro 😃

[@GloriaNak]

Very fair and instructive. Thank you Phil.

[@davidwhitfield6432]

My singing voice is very similar to yoko and when someone makes me really mad, ill sing and make them hear it.

[@poorthing]

Now that's wicked......I approve, as another Yoko-infused 'singer'

[@taun856]

Me as well. I get lots of requests when I sing, but it's mostly for two songs that I don't know, they are "Shut up and go away" and "Stop that or I'll hurt you".

[@HeidisHereAndThere]

😂Sorry Yoko, Like nails on a chalkboard!! 😱 Her last name is "O-NO" for a reason!! 😂 Fil has got a heart of gold, and ears of steel!! ❤💋

[@caterinasims6154]

I love your analysis. I wish more people were like you, the world would be a much better place. Kindness and civility are sorely lacking nowadays.

[@TheUnknownSophy]

Oh the irony.

[@Brookspirit]

It may be worth looking at why John Lennon liked the way she "sang", he had an idea about a new way of singing, which is why he liked the B-52's Rock Lobster. It's complicated. Listen to his interview about the B-52's. There is a video of Fred Schneider explaining it.

[@Hollylivengood]

Rock Lobster was actually in tune, and with good harmony. Just saying.

[@RobinTig]

Very professional and classy breakdown. I appreciate how you pointed out english is not her first language and it changes the vocals. I cannot stand her singing ,but the need for folks to rip her to shreds is too harsh. Nice work as always 🎸☮️

[@anthonymaccherone]

She planned every sound she made. The avant garde style is all worked out. Her third album, Approximately Infinite Universe, is all sung without sounding like......well Yoko. I rather like it. Not the avant garde stuff.

[@colleenmelton6735]

She isn't to my taste, but I am sure there are some that would like it. You are always very kind in your reactions, always finding something positive. I would say you should check out Julian Lennons "Valotte". He sounds so much like his dad. I think you would really enjoy reacting to his voice and would probably enjoy his piano playing. As always fantastic reaction.

[@christianoazzuro6711]

Valote is a beautiful tune.'Too late for goodbeyes'./''Saltwater" too.Julian is such a sensitive creature.Personally i prefer his voice better than his father's.Possibly because i also appreciate his personality.

[@debbier938]

Hi Fil, Oh My… if Tiny Tim and Ethel Merman had a baby I think it would be YOKO Ono! Lol… You are truly the Master of The Video Analysis Illusion… cuz this was painful! Kudos to you for trying to find anything good about this woman’s singing! Good to look at: NO, pleasant to listen to: NO, Singing technique: ZERO! Oh please let them autotune and pitch correct her! Great job sitting through this nonsense and trying to find a silver lining…!! You Are The Best, love ya’ Debbie☮️

[@tonympv]

Fil, major props to you for keeping a somewhat straight face throughout most of this audio onslaught.

[@languay1]

Yoko oh no! You are such a professional, Fil to analyze this objectively. I can only imagine the outtakes, though😅

[@KayEl58]

Eeek, do you think there were out takes 😱

[@dianebrown964]

You are so good, I just had to watch this because I didn’t know Yoko could carry a note. Actually you have a nice voice!

[@thatsrich944]

Her voice is 80% of the way there. But the 20% that's lacking leaves it really harsh and abrupt, especially when isolated. It's also a very dry vocal track and not well engineered on the recording. I'll have to watch the original video with the backing track to get a better idea of how it fits together in the mix. A Lennon, she is not. But, it takes a lot of balls to go on tour with that vocal style. I have to give her credit there. UPDATE: After watching the original (a few times), it isn't nearly as bad. It comes across that she is singing proudly with John in mind. She speaks at the beginning as well and has a very heavy accent which she clearly struggles with while singing. Can't say anything bad about her. She is 90 years old now and likely to see John again soon. I'm sure he's proud of her.

[@rootsiebee]

In her Yoko way, she brings respect and relevance to this Iconic Lennon song. My thoughts go to her being there as John wrote this., possibly giving feedback in her presence. ❤ Yoko the artist of many media and a warrior for peace is singing in a unique way that isn’t moving so much as pouring on more endless perceptions about life.

[@lauraallen55]

What a well thought out response. Yoko was/is a conceptual performance artist above all else, and if she sang this (and she did) in a harsh, unpleasant, abrupt manner, then she did so very deliberately. It was a few years after John was murdered, and that specific song called for her to sing it that way, is what I expect. According to John, she helped him write it. Writing it with him, then watching and hearing him sing it, well, it must have been painful as can be for her to sing it at all. I know she can sing in a pleasing manner too because I've heard her.

[@rootsiebee]

Thank you. I’ve always thought Yoko was used as the scapegoat for the Beatles break up. I think John was possibly deeply moved and humbled by her willingness to play along without acting out in ways that would take attention away from their efforts for peace.

[@lauraallen55]

She was and still is used as a scapegoat, and people love to repeat how she broke up the Beatles and can't sing while laughingly ridiculing her. One person said to me 'us Beatles' fans think 'x' about her. I'm a bigger Beatles fan' than most anyone I've met, and I don't think those horrible things about her. In any case, I know John was wanting out of the Beatles before Yoko, and I also know that Paul had Linda and her child around the studio just as much as John had Yoko there. There is one thing I know about her that I don't like and that's how she treated Julian, but they've made up so who am I to hold a grudge. @@rootsiebee

[@brendahhstiles9992]

On the Double Fantasy album she sang on “Yes, I’m Your Angel” and it was lovely, she is also an accomplished pianist.

[@lauriebarnes2999]

Wow, Fil, I'm still in shock. I'm immediately going to revisit your analysis of my wonderful Robin Gibb's ethereal voice to remember what perfect singing is truly all about! 😊

[@quicktastic]

Oh no no no no. I listened to a little bit and just couldn't take any more.

[@fourortwelvestrings]

I am glad to see that you're still posting videos after this one: my first exposure to Yoko's singing very nearly killed me. However this was much better than what I heard ;)

[@lauraallen55]

Try listening to her songs where she is trying to sound pretty (here she is trying to sound harsh. Maybe you can guess why. It's pain and anger). Walking on Thin Ice and Death of Samantha or anything she sings in her language are quite nice.

[@ricardo_miguel13]

Maybe better react to a studio version not a live version, she isn't used to that. She can soud very soft like in "I Have A Woman Inside My Soul" and "Listen The Snow Is Falling"

[@kenthomas4668]

I fully support the use of any and all available editing equipment in THIS instance

[@janice234]

Filistine! You are way too kind. But because of you, I now know why Yoko just sounds like she is yelling instead of singing. I could not listen to her for any extended period of time. Other people have suggested analyzing another song she did, but please, I couldn't take any more!

[@HeidisHereAndThere]

😂Sorry Yoko, Like nails on a chalkboard!! 😱 Her last name is "O-NO" for a reason!! 😂 Fil has got a heart of gold, and ears of steel!! ❤💋

[@janice234]

For sure! @@HeidisHereAndThere

[@moeb4348]

Authoritarian shouting in key. Spot on! That is how I sing. Gotta let a little hot air out to soften me. Great analysis. Very diplomatic!

[@nickholland6537]

This is only my personal opinion but I’m very glad that Yoko has released albums. I love music so much that I’d be in danger of not getting anything done….ever…. I’d just be listening to music all the time. Whenever I need to get stuff done I listen to Yoko. That’s just enough of a jolt to make me think music isn’t that great for just long enough to do what I needed to do. Then I snap out of it, my ears recover and then I go back to the stuff I love and slip back in to my old ways.

[@fredvalencia2205]

Right on FIL I've been waiting for months for you to pull the trigger on this video I know it's difficult to put nice words together for Yoko Ono but thank you for attempting I know it wasn't easy😅

[@faustbos]

I'm glad you took a look at Yoko. I take a lot of razzing for actually (running and hiding) liking Yoko's music. Not all of it mind you but when she is good she is quite good. I don't think this is one of her better performances. Have a listen to some of the early 70s stuff, Death of Samantha for instance. And her stuff on Double Fantasy is not bad/listenable. . Funny thing, I listen to Yoko when I'm at the gym hehe. Also I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on her vocalizations for which she is well known. She's not everyones cup of tea. She does have a very abrupt chest voicey delivery but I think a listen to Death of Samantha can show another dynamic. The studo remixes are great, there is a video out there as well but the audio isn't as good.

[@lauraallen55]

Finally, a comment that isn't saying how awful she is! She is not a singer I listen to but I do appreciate that she can sing. Her cultural influence to her singing is a turn off to many, including to me, but I don't find that a reason to diss her singing.

[@rotagorretni]

Agree. Her singing here seems to be about making this more of a militant protest song. It's a different interpretation; of a song she co-wrote. She has a wide variety of voices, and can imagine Patti Smith and Tom Verlaine and maybe even Lyndsey Buckingham having been influenced by her more or less radical singing styles in the early 70s. Her song-writing, too, has been innovative, can be very simple or cryptic, but touching and meaningful, and you can hear her influence there in Lennon's writing, as he acknowledged. One of my favourite American artists

[@lauraallen55]

Nice to read a few comments that aren't all about being 'funny' talking about how horrible she sounds.@@rotagorretni

[@rochellekissack8132]

Fil, you are so impressive with your analyses! I just had to watch this one because I immediately wondered, “How will he find a positive way to describe this one?” But you did! It’s positively painful for me to listen to Yoko, but I persisted and of course learned that there are less obvious techniques to look at. Great job!

[@1dantown]

Dear God help us.

[@Morticia1313]

😂

[@shiroibasketshoes]

God did help us, and Yoko Ono is it. :-)

[@shiroibasketshoes]

I've detected loads of intelligence and wisdom in your titles and descriptions. I'm just bewildered by your asking if Yoko Ono can sing. Of course she can and does.

[@roberttriptow5635]

Yoko Ono was sharing an intense emotional experience with a crowd of thousands at Giants Stadium. Let's see the people making critical comments here try to pull that off. And while she doesn't have the most pleasant tone to her voice, she can sing in tune. But the thing is -- with all good singing -- emotion is what it's all about.

[@lauraallen55]

I believe she was expressing her emotions by singing it the way she sang it, tbh.

[@Silverhaired59]

@@lauraallen55, I agree. Yoko may have what we would call a beautiful voice. I am not sure that she wishes to please our ears. She wants to disturb and disrupt and make you think differently about things in our world. Performing in a traditional way in order to better get her point across is exactly what she does not want to do. She wants to challenge, not bow to convention.

[@lauraallen55]

Very well said and describes her personality very well too!@@Silverhaired59

[@Retaile23]

Imagine if she could really sing, I jest. Her improvement from her earliest performances are listenable. Great video Fil!

[@lauraallen55]

She really can sing in a light and soft head voice. She chose not to here. I expect this is because of the song's meaning and her husband being murdered, and the fact she's a conceptual performance artist. Was probably expressing anger and pain with the performance. This one was in 86 I believe, and she sang some earlier than this that sounded much nicer (when she was trying to sound nice). The Luck of The Irish she sang with John is very nice for example.

[@ScribblyPoppo]

Now that you've isolated her vocal, you can cage it and send it elsewhere.

[@brt5273]

😂😜🤪

[@12thDecember]

OMG, that's brutal! 🤣

[@atxroque]

😂😂

[@M0odyBlue]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@earthcat]

Yassss...put it on a rocket and launch it into space

[@wallnut6666]

Fil, Yoko is not known for actually "singing" a lot of song melodies. She is most known for her primal "warbling" which is some sort of Japanese method used for release of tensions where you scream and make all sorts of guttural sounds to cleanse your mind of bad memories etc. She incorporated a lot of that in some of the music she did with John Lennon. Check out the video of John Lennon and Chuck Berry live on the Mike Douglas show and you'll see her in action. (and note the expression n Chuck Berry's face when she starts You can see it caught him totally by surprise to hear those noises in the middle of his song.) Also, I believe she does some of that on the "Two Virgins" wedding album with John Lennon (of which they are famously photographed standing nude on the cover). John himself incorporates some of that primal screaming on his song, "Mother" where at the end he sings the line, "Mama, don't go, Daddy, come home" over and over again, gradually screaming louder and louder at the top of his lungs. Yoko influenced other bands most notably, The B-52s as heard in the song "Rock Lobster". If you take a listen to that you will hear exactly the kinds of warbling sounds Yoko is VERY famous for.

[@lauraallen55]

Yes to all of that! Also, the singing she is not famous or well known for is like heard on Walking on Thin Ice where she sings very softly and is quite good, almost pretty. She didn't normally want to sound pleasing to people. Just like in this video for example.

[@paulwatson1507]

LA Times music critic Robert Hilburn once advised us to buy Yoko Ono records even though she sometimes “sings off key”. No thanks.

[@janeteitsworth8824]

Fil you are such a positive approach person love your explanation and analysis far more than the singer.