Vocal Analysis of Muse - Starlight (Voice Teacher Reacts)

Sam Johnson's analysis of and reaction to Muse performing Starlight Live At Rome Olympic Stadium.
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I hope this observation on how he sings helps you figure out how the voice works better, so you can learn how to make smart choices in your own voice.
Go to www.vocalease.net to sign up for lessons with Sam through video chat!
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[@deandrake2723]

Finally. Matt Bellamy's such an underrated vocalists. You should do more videos of him.

[@boristerbeek319]

Agreed! He's definitely not underrated though

[@hansachi_]

He's not underrated

[@ahsanm.5905]

Underrated? I suggest you to check Wikipedia, if you don't have much time to go through his discography 😬

[@LambriniSupernova]

Anyone who has seen Muse live does not think Bellamy is underrated. Not a huge muse fan. I'm more Oasis. But from when I saw then at Leeds festival in the late 90s/early 2000s. I have thought THAT is how you do live music. He's up there with Freddie Mercury on vocal talent. But when couple that with his talent and an instrumentalist he is obviously a Legend and one of the most talented musicians in history

[@UnstableTheory]

Honestly he’s and band himself

[@Volaths]

This rome show was fucking unreal, I was there and it's by far the bext experience of my life. Matt Bellamy's range is unbelievable too, covers 3 and a half octaves if I remember correctly

[@onedaysai0]

I'm so jealous that you got to see them, especially in Rome!

[@kemuelchavarria805]

I've read Matt's vocal range is around 4 octaves... His range is amazing.

[@jody024]

@@kemuelchavarria805 He's not listed as a 4 octave vocalist.

[@Projeckt]

When was this concert?

[@Volaths]

6th July 2013 iirc @@Projeckt

[@jennaln]

Yesss an analysis of Muse! Matt Bellamy is a spectacular singer and now I finally know more about why! Although it makes sense in my head, it still blows my mind slightly to hear how a slight vowel change can alter the sound so drastically. Thanks for appealing to my geeky need to learn how things work (in this case singing and vocals).

[@Norce555]

Muse is definitely one of my favourite bands so I love seeing this, but I'm also a bit sad that you managed to pick one of Matt's least interesting songs vocally! Would have loved to see some of his more challenging or varied singing analysed! For example Supremacy, Madness, Follow Me or Dead Inside from the later albums, or Micro Cuts, Citizen Erased or Bliss (live in 2005 or 2006) from the earlier ones.

[@reki76]

That's what I was thinking too.

[@adryanrosa4473]

Totally

[@amaracea]

Wasn’t thinking that at all. Starlight is actually one of the most interesting Muse songs vocally. It’s something that sounds easy when you listen to it, but go ahead and try to sing along. It’s completely impossible, unless you have Matt’s level of singing expertise. Mercy is the most interesting to me, still don’t understand how Matt does that one. Micro Cuts isn’t that interesting to me. It impresses everyone, but that’s really only because of Matt’s extreme screeching at the very end, which is more to do with his body than his skill. He’s just physically capable of going that high. Some are, some aren’t, there’s nothing more to it.

[@Norce555]

Amaracea uh, I’ve sung along to Starlight plenty of times and don’t see what would be “impossible” about it. It’s one of their easiest songs to cover. Oh and both choruses of Micro Cuts ascend up to G5, so it’s definitely not just about the ending (G#5).

[@iPyroNigma]

@@amaracea I agree, I've been singing for some time and Mercy is a piece of shit to sing. The chorus is so sweet sounding.

[@skann9048]

Thanks for this Sam ! I would love you (and I don't think I'm the only one) to analyse more Muse songs, as I think Matt is a fascinating vocalist. I would love to hear you react to Micro Cuts for example, it's a crazy song.

[@Souliona]

Micro Cuts ❤

[@amaracea]

Like I really don’t get everyone’s fascination with Micro Cuts. The only interesting part is the very end, and that’s just that Matt is capable of going that high. The entire rest of the song is ridiculously easy. It’s actually one of the few Muse songs I was able to sing without a problem (aside from the ending obviously).

[@fcukingalien]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKm6lKKKbpeppNk

[@Guusagi]

yas micro cuts is the wildest song I ever heard honestly

[@letiquia]

Oof Micro Cuts Live at Le Zenith (Hullabaloo) Matt was killing his voice but it was awesome lol

[@nerusonsanzenin2786]

Hey guys... Does Sam have the nicest comment section ever? I literally have seen nothing but love, requests, questions, anecdotes, congratulating Sam on the growth of his channel... I've never seen any vulgar or vitriolic comments. Why, I don't even think I would ever dare swear in a comment towards Sam unless it was overwellmingly positive.

[@egxonshabani2645]

Here's one : sam sux ! Kidding! I love him and I totally agree with you.. Such great constructive reactions. I always learn from him.

[@jonathanb1406]

I think a lot of channels like this kind of have that. Where they aren't loud, obnoxious, brash people and are actually just quite thoughtful and kind and informative. They seem to develop a core little community of people who are similar in the comments. It's always nice seeing channels where their comment section isn't an absolute landfill.

[@carolpiza1090]

I love Sam!!!

[@angeladeluna]

I'm happy you chose to review Muse, beautiful band. I find it helpful when you point out wide vs narrow vowels and how differnt choices change the style/sound. I'm not a vocalist but I'm finding your videos helpful in learning how to listen to music and appreciate it in a more involved way.

[@adillaafiani6921]

Saaaaammmm!! You did Muse?! Oh. My. God. THANK YOU!!!! Been rewatching your old videos too lately!

[@victoriaschaefer]

I absolutely love seeing you enjoying yourself while listening to Muse

[@amaracea]

Haha new KZbin challenge “Try Not To Enjoy Yourself” and you have to sit through some Imagine Dragons, Muse, TobyMac, and Mamamoo without getting into any of it at any point. Everyone would fail but at least it wouldn’t be eating tide pods right

[@amaracea]

Imagine Dragons - Boomerang Muse - Starlight TobyMac - Feel It Mamamoo - Yes I Am Guarantee you can’t listen to all four in a row without any expressions or music-induced motions of any kind. Don’t care who you are.

[@erinedwards2603]

The 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 🤗

[@marievemacgregor4624]

Anyone else want to take a singing lesson from Sam just to talk to someone this positive and uplifting?

[@amaracea]

🙋‍♂️ Only I’m pretty sure I’d wind up making him get really mean because A, I’m *extremely* curious, and B, it literally takes telling me the same thing like twenty times before I finally understand wtf is coming out of your mouth

[@TeaOnTue]

@@amaracea wait no this is me

[@aqu1r3]

@@amaracea wow we're all screwed... Good to know 😭😭😭

[@PARANOOB]

If you see this... REALLY makes a difference in these videos when you demonstrate. Not a singer these days but love watching your stuff, thank you. Keep it up! 😉👍🏻

[@Noir026]

Muse is my all time favourite band, I've seen them 5 times so far and the concerts are amazing... The atmosphere there is incredible and Matt really does sound like the records you listen to - no autotuning needed!! I've been waiting for a video on them for ages, so thank you for this!! Would love to see you do more of them :)

[@Captain_Terp]

I actually have to disagree on your point about Matt's singing, it's actually better live as he is able to use and express more dynamic range (to the tune of about a realistic 15-18dB) using a quality live rig in an arena compared to the average dynamic of recorded music (even with HD/CD quality). Not knocking your comment, just wanted to shed some light on why a good voice will do things to you live that a recorded voice just cannot. Go see them, they are spectacular guys!

[@Jimmy_Kiddo]

I love when u sing giving us an example.

[@Nightingalea]

You're absolutely spot on. Muse are a fabulous band. I've been to see them numerous times and they're always awesome. Come to Scotland, we can go see Muse together 💜

[@catherinering2079]

Going to see Muse is like going to the theatre. It’s a real show, the lighting, props, stage etc all tie into the music so perfectly. One of my favourite bands without a doubt! Matt is a beautiful singer, more Muse please!

[@Juliemarie311]

Just have to say thank you for introducing me to new artists. If it weren't for your channel, I would have probably never heard of LP or Panic at the Disco... and now Muse! Yay on hitting 500,000, Sam!!

[@pinkpolly88]

My then-boyfriend loved Muse and I didn't really get them - I just thought they were massively over produced and over the top. He wanted to see them live, I didn't, but I went anyway. Oh. My. Gods! I suddenly got them. I understood what they were about and they were just spectacular live. Matt Bellamy just has an incredible voice and his singing is effortless. Your video was so interesting, thank you.

[@TheInnerTempleOracle]

Muse are about to start a world tour, so if you've never seen them in concert and are inspired by this video, do yourself a favour and grab a ticket to hear them live if you can.

[@Kiki-reads]

Yesss! I saw them a couple of years ago and they blew my mind!

[@TheInnerTempleOracle]

@@Kiki-reads One of the best gigs I've ever seen.

[@ieatyourbrain8478]

Saw them in Japan in 2015!

[@TheInnerTempleOracle]

@@ieatyourbrain8478 Everyone should see Muse at least once in their lives.

[@GreezyShots-]

I saw them last year they play showbiz , blooows every mind , im gonna attend another gig this year ❤️😻🙌

[@nicknovakk]

Would love to see some Jeff Buckley. A big inspiration for Bellamy as well

[@nikamini6]

Nick Novak Yesss! Jeff Buckley please!!

[@Lundy.Fastnet.Irish_Sea]

Yes! Please do Jeff Buckley!

[@HeyRonni]

Congratulations on 500k! :)

[@negriana]

X2!!

[@monkeytongues]

i learned from this video that you haven't seen muse live--i hope you get the chance soon!! lol but for real sam, it still blows me away how clearly and concisely you're able to teach something to someone (me) who doesn't know a whole lot about the technicalities of singing. today, it was the classical-rounded-o vs modern-broader-aaa sound 😊 thanks!

[@Blarean50]

I love to hear you sing the pieces of the song!!! I love the way you feel the music and rhythm, also the way you refer to the music keys and actually pluck the key on the keyboard. You are awesome!

[@datalink7]

He doesn't have his "don't read the comments" shirt on this time so he's reading the comments everyone. Time to behave ;)

[@droppedoutof80s37]

Your video editing is becoming cuter and cuter with each video :3 It's the same feeling when you grow a bit older and when everything your mom does is just cute :D

[@G3Dem]

I learn so much from your videos! You helped me a lot to talk about singing in general. I have thanks to you a clear picture of what a voice teacher should be able to talk about and that my old teacher was far away from being capable of knowing how I felt while I sing. You restored my faith in being able to sing falsetto. Thank you Sam.

[@Auntjerri]

😍 You like Muse! I love their music & how even with such a driving beat, his lead vocal stays so young and effortless sounding. Your explanation perfectly illustrates the consistencies of how he sounds SO relaxed vocally! You’re cool.

[@nancybez]

Love your videos! I have always loved music as a whole, but watching your analysis and explanation has given me such a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of singers and the work and effort that they put in!

[@sunnybreakfast]

so happy you reacted to this!! i love muse💕

[@anbar]

Congratulations on 500K. So proud of you Sam 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@bluewave152]

Sam: *"AND analyzing"* Me: all is right with the world now

[@SuburbanErrorist]

I learn so much from this channel, keep up the great work. I love how you explain everything and put them in terms that I can understand for someone that can't sing.

[@MoonAndMidnight]

Thank you so much for reacting to Muse! They have been my favourite band for almost a decade now and I'm genuinely happy to see you do this!

[@tadejmarijanovic3263]

I was actually waiting for a Muse review and dude awesome job! You basically explained something i was trying to do for years in like 10 mins. GG cant wait for the next review!

[@Souliona]

I LOVE that your reacting to Muse, great explaining of Bellamy's vocals, I do wish youd react to some more fun Muse song though, this is by far one of the least experimental songs they do Haha. Hoping for more Muse in the future! :)

[@M_JackOfAllTrades]

This is your first video I've watched and I'm impressed. Your explanations are very easy to understand, especially when you demonstrate with your own voice. And watching people appreciate Muse is always nice and heart-warming😊

[@Daphora]

Thank you so much for this! Love Muse!!! Hope to see more reactions in the future!

[@littleebambi]

I love muse omfg I grew up listening to him and his voice still amazes me to this day 😩💗

[@pubscrubs5786]

Legit you are the best vocal teacher on KZbin. Your so informative and you really know what your talking about. (Has help me out a bunch two!!) You should react to Stevie Wonder singing - Lately. Would be amazing. Please keep this amazing content up!

[@TheTerriRunnelsTR]

Pubscrubs, I agree wholeheartedly! Everything about @SamJohnson is great! *Sam Johnson=AMAZING *Sam Johnson =TALENTED *Sam Johnson=HONEST *Sam Johnson =KIND *Sam Johnson =PASSIONATE *Sam Johnson =LEGEND from the very start! 🤗❣👍🤩🌠🌟🏆🏅🎤🎵🎶🎼🎙🎧

[@VioletFlowerz]

Once again, great video. A new band for me. Thank you for the introduction. I love your explanations of techniques and vowel choices. Best voice teacher on the web!

[@khim3rasaint-897]

Sam thank you for the videos you make, I'm a singer with very little formal training trying my best to stay in practice and hone my vocal intrumaent morr efficiently and every video you upload teaches me at least one more thing to make me better. You rock

[@lizzy1955]

I loved hearing your voice this much!Please sing more for us!❤

[@marywingard6446]

Muse is the best! Do more Muse! P.s. you're adorable and your voice was amazzinnnggg today

[@truskakwa]

Congrats Sam! More than 500 000 subs!! Way to go!

[@KeoniSoares]

Awesome video as always Sam!I saw Muse back in 2010 and they blew me away!😊

[@jordanpotts1267]

Please react to Stevie Nicks singing Edge of Seventeen or Rhiannon!!

[@isabelxavier6890]

You must have in mind that Matt Bellamy had already sang 21 songs that night and this was the 22nd and last of the concert!!!

[@aaronmorris960]

Thanks for making these videos. It is interesting to get working knowledge of how to sing and watching others sing and breaking down exactly how they do it.. Keep up the awesome work you're really a cool dude 😀

[@LauraJean3]

One of my favorite songs!!! Thanks for doing this.

[@jasmineguerrero9046]

Love this analysis, love muse, love you 🤩

[@fergq9529]

But do you love me?

[@kellysaunders6569]

Muse is one of the best live bands I've ever seen! They're incredibly buttoned up, and the production is exceptional. Highly recommend.

[@mahitris]

so cute to see you enjoying and living with the music, as well as professionally analyzing it. such a great combination! thank you, i really enjoy your videos, please keep em going :) ❤️

[@LauraMaliszewska]

Thank you for this video! I've been waiting for so long for you to tackle Muse, you're always so adorable and knowledgeable in your videos but in this one I could just see myself in the way you had so much fun watching them! Plus it's my favorite song ever and I've seen Muse 3 times live now, you definitely have to go see them yourself! Thank you Sam and have a beautiful day :)

[@kenzieshelley4172]

Probably one of my favorite videos of yours... and yes, it’s because I love Muse.

[@barneysannobleys6331]

Sam! please react to Madness - Muse Live at Rome. Its an amazing performance!

[@jishwaaa2029]

Barneys AnNobleys I second this

[@richjacob9140]

Absolutely love this video! Way to break everything down, and teach me so many new things. I didn’t really thing about singing having to do with muscle memory, and being able to relate on singing certain notes on only certain days. Practice and repetition creates a consistent product. Thank you.

[@darcyedwards4417]

I've been all up in the Muse nostalgia lately, and then I see you did this! Ah! You are a magical being, thank you for sharing your brain!!

[@jennyskaggs6736]

I don't know why I don't listen to more Muse. I really dig that guy's voice. I wish the video showed his face more so I could watch him sing what Sam's analyzing but I really dig the music.

[@shaedesigns2198]

Same here.....Every flippin’ time I see them live(especially THIS show in Rome),I spend the next week furiously/obsessively listening to MUSE & then it piddles out and eventually the cycle begins again🤷🏼‍♀️

[@RuthmarySV]

OH MY GOD MUSE??? IM SHOOK i literally screamed when i saw the notification JDJSJD

[@Samantha_Lee]

I haven’t even started the video yet but I just want to say I love your reactions and I’m so glad we have someone like you on KZbin

[@semperdeinceps7980]

Congrats on 500 subs! You deserve it.

[@writerintherye]

Man thanks for reminding me I need to listen to Muse again!!

[@cristiananthony1071]

please analyze Hozier's voice on NPR!! Especially the song 'To Be Alone'! I'd love to hear your opinions on his voice and performance! PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@MEDJAIVEGAN]

Yeah, really nice choice!!! Hopefully he will do it!😊😋

[@meaganmiller6093]

I love Matt's voice. It's cool to have you explain exactly what he's doing with it. Thank you for reacting. I look forward to more reactions ❤

[@TheChlobear]

Every single time you sing, Sam, I get chills. Your voice is amazing!

[@felkr3w]

They definitely are an arena/stadium band. It feels like it's where they belong. But they are at their best in small venues. It's well known among the fans of the band. Digging deeper in their discography and put them in a small venue and they will actually prove to you why they belong in stadiums! And great analysis! Edit : Also it's revelant to mention that this performance of Starlight was the last song of a 25 songs setlist ;)

[@TanguyBlanchard]

This is tuned down by a semi-tone. Thought it would be interesting to mention it :)

[@cynzix]

Thank you, thank youb THANK YOU!!! I love Muse and Matt's vocals. For me, the best moment every time I see them live is when he sings the "I need your love" part in Madness.

[@quietusplus1221]

I appreciate this. No nonsense, no ads, clear and understandable opinions .

[@Marwolaeth01]

I'm not a huge fan of live music, I just dislike it when it doesn't sound like how I expect it to sound (album version) and the heat and "pressure" of being there just put me off the whole experience. That said, I would definately go watch Muse live again. Saw them at Wembly Stadium when it first re-opened and they were simply amazing!

[@northtimo666]

Marwolaeth01 The problem is in overproducing the studio stuff above artist’s abilities and it results the live version to sound much different. I prefer both though. With live peformances you can feel the performer’s vibe better and sometimes when the artist is good enough it’ll be better than the studio version.

[@junehiott4831]

You know it would be very enjoyable if you just sang your review!!! Congrats on 500,000🥰

[@mariajosezanetti8805]

I've always kind of sucked at singing, but thanks to you I've became more self aware about my voice and breathing and everything about it. I think I even got a little better. Thank you. Your channel and work is awesome!! I really enjoy your videos.

[@elenaprivet2934]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with your audience - great information👍

[@irissampayo242]

I love muse! Thanks for the analysis!

[@sttommore]

I don't know how it it's that I've only just now started to latch on to some Muse songs. I'm a sucker for huge arena anthems and big shows (love U2 and fascinated by Coldplay), but only in the last three months catching Muse for real. Hope I get to see them live at some point.

[@nisrinarnouk4373]

David Dunst I just commented about Coldplay in relation to arena bands. I hope analyzes one of their songs soon!

[@vmcovers1]

They’re starting a world tour this year

[@elizabethsantersero9597]

Yet another great analysis of a band I really enjoy - I think your observation that they are a great arena band is spot on, their music has always felt "big". Hope you get to see them !

[@FannieBoisvert]

Love all your videos but this one is really awesome! Love Muse and I'm happy you covered it. Plus you seemed to have had a lot of fun doing it 🤗

[@zockor]

Nightwish - Ghost love score (Wacken open air 2013) Nightwish - The poet and the pendulum (LIVE AT WEBMLEY 2016)

[@green7apocalyptica]

Now I feel like going to a Muse concert😍 love this video ❤️❤️❤️

[@reki76]

Do it! It's amazing!

[@TheInnerTempleOracle]

Definitely see them live. They're about to embark on a world tour to support their new album. It'll be one of the best gigs you'll ever see.

[@amaracea]

This year looks like definitely an amazing idea to go to a Muse concert. The Simulation Theory Tour is looking like it’s going to be *really* weird.

[@SamanthaTritschler]

You won’t be disappointed! They are so amazing live 🙌 worth every penny if you get the chance.

[@Missflygirl87]

It was lovely to see you enjoy the music and your analysis! I'm not a performer not even a singer but I will love learning how to sing someday...

[@amoureusedebouffe]

I just love to watch you talk so much and listen to what you say and just hanging on your every word 🤗 You're not just entertaining but useful too !

[@husahallo]

Muse ❤ Excellent analysis as always 🙌 Would have loved to hear you do a comparison of the song "Hysteria" from early 2000s and now.

[@XxJoitchxX]

I'd love to see your reaction to Slash and Myles Kennedy's version of Sweet child O'mine

[@baAarong1938]

Or just myles Kennedy

[@t1gg]

Sam definitely needs to do a Myles Kennedy video! ❤️❤️

[@annemaried.8055]

@@t1gg Yes please!

[@patriotsuprising4897]

Great band, great review there bro. Style variations with the vowel changes was an eye opener. Song is one of my favs and you opened up a new level of appreciation for me.

[@sabinehotz5724]

Hi Sam, I really like your videos. I‘m an amateur singer and the vowel forming thing is really fascinating. I like when you show the difference in the sounds and since I‘ve been watching your videos I tried to find the right vowel placement for me in different songs... so thank you!!!

[@jamesyoung6145]

Would like to hear your thoughts on Muse's cover of Feeling Good.

[@frostasaurus2190]

I didn't realize Muse was this massive. That stage is nuts!

[@letiquia]

They have always been massive in Europe, specially England, France and Italy where they sellout stadiums. The US has taken longer to join in but we are getting there, I'm seeing them twice this week!!

[@ladydontekno]

Frostasaurus if you're American they're not super popular here. But they're going to be touring here soon!

[@miguelpereira9859]

Muse is definitely huge in western Europe

[@CountessGemini]

@@letiquia Poland as well. Just last week they were playing at a huge sports arena, which was packed and had sold out in a day or so. I feel like their live concerts are on a higher level than other artists.

[@holliswilliams8426]

They have fans in every country in western Europe (including Spain, Portugal, so on)

[@flirtybites]

Gratz on the 500k. Worth every sub!

[@chandlerbullard9313]

Seeing all the positivity towards you in the comments is so nice! Love your videos

[@cameron6368]

Hey love your videos. You should do reaction of Black- Pearl Jam Live. I love Eddie Vedder's voice!

[@riinareismaa]

I'm involved in brass instruments playing and teaching and have recently been noticing a thing. After long practice sessions or difficult rehearsals my voice gets tired but the thing is - I'm not singing or using my voice at all. Watching your videos has made me think about what connections are there between singing and playing...

[@darrendill825]

Your voice is so powerful! You're a beast. Been trying to think of something for you to review. It's a bit difficult honestly. Stay awesome!

[@vaughnquinlan6722]

I really liked hearing you sing with your examples. It helps with the learning aspect.

[@lvciab]

going down from high notes is The struggle for me, and I never knew why. probably too much pressure tho, and every time I see you explain that it sounds like you're talking straight at me ahshsjd very happy you reacted to muse, I love those guys!

[@amaracea]

The struggle for me is not going into “yelling” during the parts that sound exactly like yelling but aren’t

[@lvciab]

@@amaracea ohhh that's not super easy for me either! I think choir singing helped a little with that for me, bc you have to control volume in order to blend in with the other voices, but it's definitely not as effortless as some singers make it to be lol

[@aln-]

I'm a simple guy. I see Muse, I click like.

[@Rosannasfriend]

Awesome analysis and performance! Thanks!

[@CoreyHardin]

Love your vids, sir!

[@SchueyFan13]

So excited to see them in June!! 😁

[@SparkieNeisti]

Me too 🙂

[@helloimlilac]

I’m seeing em in March! So hypedddd

[@theroundaboutcat]

Would love to see you analyze something by Hozier, Sam.

[@milaces1323]

Thank You Sam!!! Looove Muse 😍

[@mhacker84]

So detailed and professional review! Good job! +1 subscriber