Vocal Coach REACTS - BABYMETAL "Monochrome" (the First Take piano version)

[@Grington300]

Welcome back. As I understand it the whole premise of The First Take is that the artist gets one chance, one take and what they do in that one take is posted including any mistakes or whatever. I love that Su-metal uses no or very little vibrato ... too many singers just overdo it, like they're either trying too hard or hiding the fact they can't hold a note (I could point at some Japanese vocalists who almost sound like they're gargling when they sing). As a result of singing so straight and clear and perhaps because she does have quite a nasal tone, her voice cuts through or sits above the very loud and technical instrumentals that she is normally performing with. In this instance this is an acoustic (piano and strings) version of one of their songs and you can just hear the purity of her vocals. Her diction is also impeccable, every word is clear and understandable. Add to that the fact that she is able to express so much emotion that people are driven to tears in some songs despite not understanding a word of Japanese. She really is an incredible and ridiculously versatile vocalist who can turn her hand to so many different vocal styles ... and the variety of BABYMETAL's catalogue mean she does have to do exactly that from one song to the next. You could have turned on the closed captions on the video to get the English translation ... you may be interested in listening to the original song - the official lyric video (it is safe to use for a reaction, it is not being blocked at all) has the English translation and some very interesting visuals that may also enhance your understanding of the song.

[@bigfrankfraser1391]

well hello, fancy seeing you here

[@lovefrompraha]

Couldn't have said it better

[@highspeedstrongstyle9061]

Lyrically, this song is filled with symbolism relating to the atomic bomb falling on Hiroshima. Su is not credited for this song lyrically and clearly wasn’t there, but Hiroshima is where her family is from and I would imagine she’s heard the stories and brought that emotion into the performance of this song.

[@htusda1]

Great to have you back! Su sings,"Just smile" and I am crying... beautifully done

[@herryhubert2706]

waratte

[@Bones12x2]

Suzuka has talked about how she doesn't use vibrato very much, I think she is even a bit self conscious about it as often the average person considers things like vibrato as a sign of a good singer because its an obvious thing to appreciate. Yet, her very direct and crisp style really suits the band better. It's like how a lot of distortion and delay can make a guitar sound big and powerful even with simple chords while a clean tone can sound less dramatic but it actually takes more precision and focus to play a clean guitar tone without people noticing faults.

[@shawnlopez2317]

As of late, thanks to Babymetal and Aurora, I've redefined my definition of what is good singing, this is not to say Aurora doesn't have great vibrato but her and Su-Metal have made me come to really appreciate a good clean tone and how important that is, in fact I'm beginning to believe that a lot of singers absolutely overuse vibrato.

[@Bones12x2]

@@shawnlopez2317 100%, vibrato is often the vocal equivelant of a guitarist that uses too much gain to cover up a lack of precision. Vibrato sounds fancy to the average person who doesn't know anything about singing but it's often just fluff and masks an underlying lack of vocal control. Not always of course but its not a technique that is inherently good in all cases.

[@herryhubert2706]

@@Bones12x2 100% with you on this. When I was still singing in my band, I always had more vibrato in my voice by the time my oxygen became exhausted. Or when starting to sing, and I wasn't all too sure about how my voice was coming out.

[@PlezurBazar]

BABYMETAL is indeed "theatre" at its core. I am 59, a musician/songwriter (metal mostly, but i have been involved in projects that range from contemporary gospel to jazz and even country) and BABYMETAL is by far my favorite group and has been for 5 years now. Unique, emotional, well written, with sky-high production values. They are the Cirque du Soleil of metal. Nakamoto Suzuka's voice is amazing. Her power and razor sharp clarity cuts through, always placing it on top of the mix, live or in the studio while delivering emotion in a way few artists can. She has been on stage and in the publics eye since she was a child and her professionalism is absolute. BABYMETAL as a composition vehicle has an amazing spectrum of writing styles woven into their "metal" catalog and breaks all the stereotypes and tropes characteristically involved with the genre. BABYMETAL also single-handedly opened the door to the west for Japanese metal and rock bands by being the first to achieve super-popularity internationally, bringing many new eyes and ears to the Japanese music industry, which enjoyed very little international interest prior to BABYMETAL'S break-out success. BABYMETAL's live shows are huge productions, especially in Japan, where the staging for their concerts eclipses everyone but a few elite bands, rising to a level that approaches surreal. Their performances are evocative and performed with a polish that can only be described as near-perfection. One of a kind in every way. Kitsune dao!

[@Bones12x2]

agreed, I've always looked at them more as a metal performance group vs a "band" and thats a good thing in this case. It's what makes them work.

[@autohmae]

@@Bones12x2 even Babymetal see themselves that way as well, they recommend people to check out their live performances. The way I see the studio albums: kind of like listening to a movie soundtrack without having seen the movie.

[@i.shuuya3231]

Excellent comment

[@martinmetal7481]

Welcome back to the foxhole 😁i am a lifelong Metal/Rock fan . Seen some awesome bands but BabyMetal is my favourite and i have never been so invested in any band as much as BabyMetal. If BabyMetal where mainstream i think they would be bigger than they are . Definitely do not get the recognition they deserve and Su would make a lot of mainstreams big stars look ordinary in comparison. Her voice so powerfull and still clear you can hear everyword and it just makes you feel good . Moa is also a great talent and with the addition of Momo making it 3 again they just feel complete again . 😁 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼

[@GenTzu]

Some insights into this performance. Normally First Take videos use a white background to symbolize the "purity" of the vocal performance with minimal musical accompaniment and/or backing tracks. I believe BM was allowed to use the gray background to emphasize the theme of Monochrome. AJ Hartley did an insightful breakdown about the meaning of the song. According to him the three verses talk about how the world can be changed; verse one is how the singer can change the world into something more beautiful (light the sky with fireworks), verse two is how you can change the world, and verse three is about together how we can paint the world in our own colors. The reference to Ragnarök has a dual meaning it is the end of the world and beginning of a new world. Interestingly, this song was first recorded (but not released) over five years ago. Many BM songs have a long gestation, being reworked until it reaches the right tone and quality.

[@road-runner]

Nice reaction/analysis, thanks Su-metal's singing voice is very special and it's perfect to cut through a wall of sound like the one produced by a loud heavy metal band. The almost lack of vibratto is something you get used to and you finally end up appreciating it as a positive trait. After al,l she's not trained as a classical or opera singer. And she's not pretending to be what she isn't. I consider myself a metalhead, old-school. Suzuka Nakamoto is, by far, my all time favorite singer.

[@emilyporter1186]

It's also very difficult to belt without vibrato like that - theres no rest that vibrato would provide. It really demonstrates her vocal stamina

[@jakemuller8626]

Welcome back to the Foxhole and now with BabyMetal's metalverse 🦊🤘🌐 It's been really a long time since your last reaction, glad to see you're back with this song, hopefully you'll come back soon to hear the whole album or at least the new singles. BM fans already know this type of unique acoustic version like Akatsuki Unfinished Version live at Legend 1997 or The One - Stairway To Living Legend, so we're used to this SuMetal's vocals power to reach and melting our hearts. Also fans at Sabaton's Europe Tour were enjoying the original version of this song at every show and having a magical moment. Next suggestion: - Monochrome live at Makuhari Messe 2023, you can find this clip with watermarked logo probably safe to react at Babymetal Reactor Resource, but if you go for the official lyrics or any clip from official you won't get blocked, so don't worry about it. The three white figures dressed in white are probably a reference to old BM era when YuiMetal was still part of the group or maybe a reference to the new young BM unit they previously performed along with them and are part of this new metalverse project. OTFGK. Thanks for sharing this analysis and see you next time 🦊🤘🌈

[@Warlundrie]

My own understanding is that it's a happy thank you for the time I got to spend with you towards YuiMetal while also being sad it ended, a thanks to the time she is getting right now with current Babymetal and a hopeful view of the future with more wonders to come

[@tonygriffin_]

That last "Just smile" moves me every time I hear it.

[@kitkat6407]

When the pure existence of Suzuka Nakamoto plays SU-METAL, she can fit perfectly into the container called SU-METAL without any gaps like water. Her performance can transcend acting. That is the difference between her and a musical actor, in my opinion.

[@specificsoup]

When you were talking about straight tone and Su not using vibrato it clicked for me - her performance here reminds me of modern musicals - that kind of singing seems to emphasize enunciation and clarity and usually there’s less vibrato. I think that style of singing works really well here. Even her sounding “nasal” I think it suits the song and that style

[@kirariniwa3948]

I think unique is a good way to describe Sumetal's voice. She never ceases to amaze me, at first I thought she wasn't that good a singer because she didn't use vibrato or some vocal embellishments, but when I started studying more singing, I realized how difficult it was to sing as clean as she did. She also doesn't hesitate to experiment with her voice and every concert I hear her sing makes it very different. Like the song BxMxC that at first he sang with power and depth, but now he sings it with more falsetto and with a more nasal voice, which surprised me at first, but in hindsight it sounds great.

[@jeffschreifels8651]

I wouldn't call myself a metal head but, I do primarily listen to metal, and I absolutely love Babymetal. They somehow manage to hit all the right buttons for me. I have always loved how Su sings so pure. She sings for the song itself, putting it forward instead of showing off her own self.

[@randoomy1520]

She mentioned in an interview back then that she was conscious of her voice due to not having or using so little of vibrato back when she was young. So, she created a technique on her own to sing their song without any vibrato but still very powerful. But as she got older, her vibrato's getting noticeable, and her technique's getting better. And I never really noticed back then how she never uses vibrato. Fans were right, her voice was pure. For me, listening to her for the first time, her voice was so unique and powerful, but also so pure. Her voice is the reason I became a fan.

[@schneider1112]

As someone who is studying Japanese, I appreciate Su-metal's uniquely clear singing voice. I can hear each and every word, which I can't say for almost any other artist, not even those who sing in my native tongue. 🙃 Watch the official music video for the regular version of Monochrome to get a better idea of what the song is about. The hooded figures are wearing the same outfits they had for their last concert before Babymetal became an independent group. This video was released just before the announcement of their new third member, so it could have been a way to hint that change was coming.

[@watcher2554]

The way many Fans have, including me, described Suzukas Vocal Style is "Pure" as many Many of her vocal lines use little, if no Vibrato at all...though she can seriously lay it down when she wants. Thanks for the reaction and as always.... Put your Kitsune UP!! Po!

[@jeffwotherspoon3867]

this song is about the bomb that dropped on Hiroshima that ended WWII and the 3 hooded members scene was a teaser to the introduction of the official 3rd member Momoka Okazaki (Momometal) who you will see in the second song "The One" unfinished version they did on the First Take

[@METALSKINMETAL]

Su-Metal's voice just resonates with me, all their songs do and i just love to feel it. BABYMETAL FORVER 🤘🤘🤘

[@johnbedinghaus2390]

Su is amazing at what you're referring to --- the clarity of notes without the need to hide behind "safe" vibrato or unnecessary inflections.

[@zilch634]

The three members of the chorus wearing white capes who appear in the middle of the song may symbolize BABYMETAL at that time. ...... The three girls' backs are ....... It makes me cry. .... We fans are so happy for the miracle of BABYMETAL 😭😊😊😊 we are so happy!

[@Codametal]

The three figures are most likey what the fans are calling Chibimetal. They appeared in Babymetal's latest 2 concert series earlier this year representing alternate universe version of Babymetal. The one in the middle is Miko Todaka, Kokona Kato on the left, and Sakia Kimura on the right. Miko and Sakia are also formerly from the jpop group, and the birth of Babymetal, Sakura Gakuin as Su-metal, Moametal, Yuimetal, and Momometal were.

[@autohmae]

They might symbolize both the past and future of Babymetal at that point.

[@Codametal]

@@autohmae In a sense, yes! That is a really good way of looking at it.

[@autohmae]

Thanks for this reaction, you are not wrong, Su-metal is trying to sing pure and straight. It's kind of unique. Babymetal life for the live performance, in some sense, this is a live performance as well. And yes, the idea is: 1 take, just like a live performance (although before putting it on a Blu-ray they can fix some stuff, Babymetal fans often post fancams online and they make very little mistakes, etc.). I'm certain they practiced it many times before recording. They also deliver with precision, as you've seen, and normally Su-metal's vocals soar over the loud metal music. Here we get to hear it without all the metal and the precision is palatable. And still, she can put emotion into it as well. The 3 probably symbolizes that Babymetal is going to be a trio again (Babymetal lost one member due to health problems), which they did a month or so later (Su-metal, Moametal and now they also have Momometal, who already performed for multiple years with them as a dancer).

[@Grimbur]

I'm a metalhead and I really like Babymetal. They're a mix between japanese idol culture and metal, and have made something awesome out a combination that sounds extremely strange to begin with. I think my love for the Yakuza series of video games made me enjoy them a lot more, as there is a lengthy section in the later games that explores this while idol business, what goes into it, and what makes a good idol. Makes you appreciate what they do, and how well they do it a whole lot more, and let's you see past the "Haha, funny joke-band" kind of first reaction many western metal fans have when first encountering them.

[@seregamolodets5286]

Kiryu-chan !!!!!!

[@GOT_Clips]

That mental hangup of yours is literally the purpose of this channel and what makes it so beautiful. These performers are given the 1 chance to give it everything they have, this is as pure as it gets. Everything you are is on your sleeve in a first-take performance and the bravery, the passion that has to go into your craft to capture what's inside of you in one swoop.. few things have moved me like this channel and fewer things have moved me like Babymetal.

[@SydneyEV]

I LOVE this version. so much emotion, according to the Fox God, 3 have been chosen. and yes, the lyrics english translation, (CC on) the sone is beautiful. and this rendition is just perfection, also i am life long metal head, and absolutly love Babymetal, and the Kami band are a powerhouse in their own right, also, they have now done "The One" as a first take as well with all 3< Su Moa and Momo, in English! worth a listen

[@cliveklg7739]

The song is about the bomb dropped on Hiroshima... which is where Su is from.

[@MacTaipan]

I have heard this dozens of times by now, and it still hits me deeply. There are a few points in particular that have a huge effect on me: One is he way she connects the notes with a slight "dip" (please excuse my unprofessional terminology) during "kara" at the end of the second verse. Then there's the power of the "bokura wa" in the last chorus, which to me feels like her vocals are breaking through a wall. In general I simply adore her voice, and I think she does a very good job at filling it with emotion. I actually like that she uses vibrato so sparingly. The only point where I wish she would use some is at the very end of the last note. In classic Japanese music, singers often use a very fast and wide vibrato on almost every note, and it completely ruins it for me. It annoys me within mere seconds.

[@andrewcanuck6417]

Great review. I like the band, and think that it brings something fresh and new to music.

[@BlackArr0w]

I'm not a metal head, and i love BabyMetal 😂😊 Regarding blocks, BabyMetal Is pretty consistent with them. This video Is considered safe, and i can tell you some more safe ones: Every performance live at Budokan 2014 and live at Legend 1997 in 2013 are safe. Also their live performance of Karate at download 2016 and Distortion at download 2018 are safe . For newer performance you have to go with compilations (but some are bad) or put a logo on top of the video.

[@turbozed]

You could've turned on the subtitles in the actual First Take video :)

[@jaykanou7331]

Su’s from Hiroshima, this song was said to be about the fallout of the nuclear bomb

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

This video always tears me up. The symbolism is supposed to be them saying a final goodbye to Yui and welcoming Momo to the band. That’s the symbolism of the 3 shrouded figures, at least. Ghost of a time that is gone. And ghost of what’s to come. It’s beautiful🤘🏼the lyrical symbolism and meaning has to do with Hiroshima(and Nagasaki). No need to embellish on more.

[@Killem911]

That's the beauty of the F1rst Take. You get one shot, no matter how you perform. As you saw, Su and Moa didn't make any mistakes (at least non that I was able to spot). Su very rarely uses vibrato, her singing style was and is always straight forward with some nasality to it. And her pronunciation is always impeccable. The three hooded figure provided the background vocals/harmonies for the oohhhh oohhhh ohhh parts with Moametal. They could be a reminiscence to the past Babymetal when they were a trio or an outlook into the future when they became a trio again (welcome Momometal!). PS: Fair use doesn't exist in Japan, which is why Babymetal videos usually get blocked. Recently, since the release of their concept album "The Other One", Amuse seem to be more relaxed and let reaction videos, especially for the new songs, untouched/unblocked.

[@garysaunders3922]

Su is from Hiroshima which explains the song.

[@Busterle]

Finally this video dont get blocked. Amuse can be asshole,,, (i really dont understand why they block, but thats another thing) Great react, i really love Su´s Voice and, for my ears, i think shes better and better since the beginning. Hope you can react to more and it dont get blocked. Have a great day ❤🦊🤘

[@Luana6350]

I like this Piano version👍

[@Marty-Metal]

great show Ken-Metal, she is the Goddess of the ONE and the Queen of the Metal Kingdom, and the messiah of the Golden Generation, I am just a disciple of the goddess, the MV is a visualizer lyric video that has some imagery that eludes to real life events in Hiroshima (Su's hometown) and the tree has double meaning with the Nordic Mythology tree and the Hiroshima tree, and the live version is the best with the choreo and call and response and the light show, it's just breathtaking.

[@theerayundar6204]

I think the three figures in the white robes are looking back to when they were a trio with Yui and forward to becoming a trio again with Momoko. Momoko is in the second First Take video for The One.

[@kylec1411]

Babymetal is my religion

[@jason7120]

It is the first take, there is no second, they only have one to do it right nothing else.

[@polskabob359]

The monochrome firework is the dropping of the atom bomb on haroshama

[@elvesrus]

Knowing what this song is about makes this version almost haunting with the presentation. As for how I feel about the girls themselves, a friend from Finland sent me a link to Doki Doki Morning as a joke in December of 2012. Jokes on him as I still catch their new stuff within hours of release, not one of the first, but I've never seen an M by the views on a first watch.

[@IAMisLove]

Subscribed. The voice of an angel. Su has said that she believes that this an uplifting song. 🦊 🖖❤

[@VegetaRabbit]

Normally her voice has to be heard over a very loud metal band, so that probably has an influence on her vocal choices.

[@jeffwotherspoon3867]

as far as it goes with Babymetal there will always be the haters, but what they need to understand is Babymetal saved and brought a renewed interest in to the metal world that was dying and stale, because of them more new/younger people started to listen to metal again sparking a whole fan base in it, so rather then hate on them they should be thanking them otherwise metal would have all but disappeared

[@ChiliConCarnage]

I Love that she didn't lean on vibrato in this performance, just like she doesn't do that for almost all of her singing. I can't stand vibrato. The laser focused voice is so much nicer to listen to. One of many reasons why Su is my all time favourite singer. IMO vibrato is just vocal masturbation.

[@seregamolodets5286]

🍅💀🍅 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼 " Just smile " x 100 !! !!

[@Hymnodic]

I am a metalhead, and Su is by far my favorite singer of all time. The First Take is one take with one chance to get it right, and some people have cracked under the pressure. The key to unblocking a video is a watermark or blurring it. Amuse blocks video, not audio almost all the time.

[@onigiri9964]

About time you came back to babymetal;) It seems all the songs from the new album dont get blocked anymore. The original version of this song might explain the song better.

[@HanMoP]

Lyrics translated to English. Not by me. I'm just the messenger. [Verse 1] The sky decorated in a spectrum of dreams I wanted to look at it forever Even the bright star that was shining yesterday (I don't know what to say, I don't know what to say) Is fading away [Chorus] That monochrome Firework What color can we imagine the night sky? [Verse 2] Being drenched by the rain and freezing in the night I wanted to be by your side even just for a little while The warmth I want to feel until tomorrow (You don’t have to say it, you don’t have to say it) Will vanish eventually [Chorus] That monochrome Firework, we will Imagine the night sky in rainbow colors [Bridge] During the dusk of Ragnarok What are we to see No matter how long the night The morning will arrive [Chorus] Monochrome Firework, we will Illuminate the world in rainbow colors Just smile

[@HanMoP]

And Japanese in western letters. Sora o irodoru nanairo no yume Zutto konomama mite itakatta Kinō made kagayaite ita Kiraboshi de saemo I don't know what to say I don't know what to say Iro aseteku kara Ano monokurōmu no Hanabi nara bokura wa Naniiro de egakou yozora o Ame ni furarete kogoeru yoru wa Sukoshi dake demo soba ni itakatta Ashita made kanjite itai Nukumori de sae mo You don't have to say it You don't have to say it Samete shimaukara Ano monokurōmu no Hanabi nara bokura wa Nijiiro de egakou yozora o Ragunaroku no tasogare ni Bokura wa nani o miteru Nagai nagai yoru datte Yagate asa wa kurukara Monokurōmu no Hanabi nara bokura wa Nijiiro de tsutsumou sekai o Waratte

[@BoneyardBrigade21]

Some of what you are catching on her singing technique is due to the dialect and natural emphasis on speaking the Japanese language compared to English and other languages. Japanese is my second language and the dialect and inflection just speaking the language had to come in time living there and being around it.

[@ヤマネユキオ]

As I read the comments section of this video I wondered why no one suggested watching the official version of this song. The official version should help you understand the poem. I think the video work of the official version is a kind of art work. I highly recommend watching it. By the way, she does not use vibrato very much, and many people love her singing style. I believe that if she had used vibrato, Babymetal would not have been so successful.

[@lookingatsunsets636]

Yui-Metal was one of the original trio but had to leave due to health reasons.

[@terryshampoe]

What I noticed was how Moa grounds Su. Then Su can build back up. Even when Su stays up, Moa elevates slightly to still provide that grounding but maintain Su’s elevation

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

My interpretation of the three hooded figures is that it represents Su and Moa as seen in this video and original member Yui. It’s like saying that even though she’s not present, she’s with them in spirit and that she hasn’t been forgotten. It may also be a final goodbye to Yui as the other First Take performance has the new third member, Momoko.

[@CraigDantoin]

It's such a piercing and pointed tone... My 2 year old sums it up interesting, and keeps saying "she's so loud"! But he asks for the "black dress girl" over and over again.

[@kc62301]

Gotta keep in mind these women sing for a metal band. They sound great to me in this video, but a soft piano version is not the typical style of a Babymetal song. Their vocals have helped make Babymetal a very popular band.

[@modiglian]

Well, now we know that the three hooded figures were a hint on what was going to happen a few days after, Momoko Okazaki ascending to Momometal status and Babymetal being three again. 😊

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

It has double meaning. Momo being added to the band but also saying a final goodbye to Yui.

[@nickydexgg4579]

In case it hasn't been mentioned, Suzuka Nakamura (SU-METAL) is from Hiroshima and the "Monochrome Firework" is a reference to Little Boy, the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city in 1945. Thanks for bringing your insightful review!

[@JL-go3]

There have been many great female voices over the years and personally think the RnB/gospel style pop singing has been popular for so long in western culture, many of the top40 type listeners don't really get to hear anything different. Her approach to vocals can feel unusual at times from the western pop culture perspective. Rock on friend 🤘🎹🤘

[@kovian101]

a bit fact about this particular one take video is drop at the 10 march which is when the allies do a firebombing at tokyo that killed 100.000 people and the song is basicly about the devastation on war . so its an anti-war song

[@kornival117]

the song is basicallly about the Atom bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima and su-metal's reflection of it as she was born in Hiroshima hence , "the dust after the ragnorak and the monochrome fireworks lighting up the sky".

[@kurtsnyder4752]

Kinda crystaline on the notes and runs.

[@dirkschwartz1689]

Thanks for this great reaction! Yes, this one made it out there. It seems to me that Amuse Inc have toned down their copyright strikes quite a bit since the publication of the new album. Afaik the First Take video reactions have not yet gotten any strikes.

[@rexeros8825]

that forward bright tone good for heavy music mix. This is why her voice cuts through heavy music and is still clearly heard

[@robote7679]

I'm recently introduced to the Babymetal experience and am totally smitten. The genre blending, total dedication to their craft. I like you-apparently-am still trying to get up to speed with the whole Babymetal mythos. I've loved music my whole life-I'm almost 70 and Babymetal has been such an energizing breath of fresh air. Plus I've been a fan of metal for years and it's a really nice twist to have such a bright flower bed of music growing in the middle of that often so dark universe. I've really enjoyed all your reactions to them. Thanks.

[@Dragon-Believer]

The musical theater comment isn't off base. Suzuka Nakamoto did two seasons of musical theater before Babymetal.

[@ShowTheReal]

It's ok to admit that they are perfect

[@xmetax]

I think her voice is perfect for piercing through a thousand decibels of metal blasting from a wall of speakers right behind you

[@johnschultz7765]

While Su- is certainly known for her strong, clean, clear belts sans vibrato she uses it a lot more than seems to be recognized. Makes me wonder if folks can't hear it unless it is wide enough to drive a truck through. Su's vibrato is narrow and relatively fast. You can hear it in the opening verse, where she sounds uncharacteristically nervous to me. Resolved well before the first chorus. Su- has been using vibrato in her singing since her voice would support it around age 14. The studio recording of Megitsune, made around that time, is full of her sweet and narrow vibrato just coming out of her voice change. She was encouraged to sing the song in Japanese Enka style. Although her voice does not support that characteristic melodramatic wide vibrato, we still get to hear her wonderful voice with little restraint. Oh, she still does a lot of the clear pure belts with no vibrato. But there will be plenty of notes in any given song where she will add the decoration at the end of a phrase.

[@chikaraudon6854]

What i love about Su is that even though she doesn't have glittering vocal technique, she's able to evoke so much emotion in her voice 🤘🦊🔥

[@BadEnd98]

Her vocal techniques are glittering right there, and in TOO album. It's more to her style that focus on emotion and power, less "decorative" most times

[@nomusician4737]

It would be fascinating to see her voice on a spectrum analyser. I imagine it is extremely tight in overtones. To me it seems it is common for female Japanese singers to use a LOT of nasality. Listen to Mami or Tomomi in Scandal for two examples. In English this piercing tone would probably be almost painfully nasal, but in Japanese it works for some reason. The last couple of years that seems to start changing. As Japanese music have gotten a bigger international audience it seems the influences for singers have changed a bit at the same thing. In the case of Babymetal it works extremely well when it is the full band. It cuts though the music like a laser.

[@stevechevy3382]

GJ on the reaction. I always thought that Su is an amazing vocalist because she doesn't put in all the bells and whistles that other singers do and yet conveys so much emotion with her voice. Su said she had a much lighter take to the song then the fans did. But I tend to think that happened because they worked on the song for some time, and it may have started out that way. But with the lyric video which is how many fans first got exposed to the song. it's clear there that the song is deep. With many references to the atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima. Which is Su's hometown. Her grandmother is a survivor of it. On a side note. For some reason there seems to be an extraordinary amount of singers who come from there. The healing power of music to me. The robe figures who most likely are singing those back up harmonies with Moa. also represent a few things. When Babymetal first started there was three of them. And they did a show wearing white robes. So, for one it represents them in their youth. Su is 25 now and Moa 24. Them holding hands shows how even though Yui left they're still connected. It also gives a hint at what they just created. No one knew it at the time this video was released. Amuse their parent entertainment company who does all the blocking of their videos. Has created a Babymetal cover band called Metalverse. These three little ladies still young did performances with Babymetal for Doki Doki Morning (Babymetals first song) Karate and I think another song I can't seem to remember at the moment. But they will be opening at a festival on the same day Babymetal is performing there. Evanescence is headlining that night. Should be a great show. It's in Japan so I wouldn't be surprised if that changes. They did another First Take with Momoko who became an official member after this first take was done. I know, why didn't they just wait until Momoko was an official member? As they like to say Only The Fox god Knows. Babymetal has always and most likely always will just do things differently. I don't know if you've reacted to the song. and it is difficult to get it passed. But even if you just watch it one your own. It is well worth it. No Rain No Rainbow from the legend S concert for Su's 20th birthday. One of the best rock ballads I ever heard. And this performance of the song stunning. Moa has said that when Su sings it's like an angel came down. Testify. Moa would know being the angel she is. The foxhole is deep and full of surprises.

[@Chibanah]

The three figures was just a sign for the fans that they will be a trio again soon. :) They started a trio, and in that time they still had no officiall third member after Yui left years ago, but now they have officially a third member on the stage.

[@The_Original_Geoff_B]

Your comment at the 2:45 mark regarding the 'fragility' - that's part of the nature of the lyric. The emotion of trhe song at this phase IS fragility, vulnerability and being unsure. Su captures that beautifully. The 3 hooded figures are Su and the other two members represented spiritually. Yes, I admit to being a long standing Babymetal fan, having been introduced to them right back with Doki Doki Morning before the video had hit 10k views. Su's voice continues to mature and evolve. For a fun "First Take" video, check the ATARASHII GAKKO! entry . . .

[@満士雄佐々木]

この曲を全世界に発信してほしいです。❤

[@paulbroady4141]

I think you were kind of missing the 3 backing vocalists to Moametal were ....... backing vocalists to Moametal. You're welcome. 🦊🦊💥🦊🦊

[@DaElfer]

I keep thinking her nose is going to pop through the pop filter. She has such a lovely voice here

[@wakeofangels]

❤❤

[@tk72231968]

As an old school metalhead(started in the 70's), BabyMetal is a real metal band and has great productions. This version is not something I enjoy, but I still appreciate the talent. The original official music video for this song is more to my taste, and gives me the impression that the song is about the atomic bomb at Hiroshima and it's aftermath.

[@kevinwilson455]

It's amazing how good her voice has become. To think I first seen her when she was 14, sounding like a chipmunk... and now putting out elite-level vocals. Su has matured and she has experience playing live which is important. She knows her range inside-out at this point.

[@darcmadr6500]

I hope you’ll consider revisiting this performance in the future. We value your opinion, and we understand that the initial exposures to their music can create some dissonance.

[@Artwr]

Gotta hear Suisei's first take now!

[@cjkoehler]

🤘🦊🤘

[@jonabitstream]

I think it’s about the time after the bombing of Hiroshima. Suzuka comes from there

[@brianmassey7563]

from a noob....why do we care about vibrato? What makes that the "defining" thing a singer must do to meet the requirements? Is there no emotion without vibrato? As a metal head, vibrato would seem to play 0% in to my enjoyment of metal vocals. The fact that we can convey emotion with pure power seems a win for me. Hmmmm....grrrrrr. Good reaction though.

[@jybrokenhearted]

It's about Hiroshima where she is from

[@ktcworks]

First take really is one chance of recording, as there are some artist that have mistakes.

[@Beluga_Too]

so yeah, the video is very referential to the bomb dropping.

[@Nick-mc9et]

Some have mentioned they believe the symbolism of the three hooded singers in white and this performance is meant to be a bit of a love song/farewell to Yui, the third girl who left the group due to health reasons and who isn't shown in the performance. Its supposed to be the three of them and the time they had together. The part where they hold hands is especially cute if you view it this way, coupled with some of the lyrics. I believe the next time they went on First Take they introduced Momo Metal, the new addition who replaced Yui. No idea if its true or not but its nice to think of it that way.

[@lookingatsunsets636]

Would it be accurate to say that the harmonics in her voice are all close together unlike Diana Ankudinova who seems to have harmonics from one end of space-time to the other. :)

[@ThomasWinget]

2:53: "not entirely sure how to get out of it if you wanted to, ya know, bring in some different colors" so...obviously I know that you're using the word "color" in a musical context (and I 100% don't have the requisite understanding there), but the irony of this statement with regards to a song called MONOCHROME is amazing. :D Edit: you noted later that recording in a studio lacks some of the immediacy and ephemeral nature of a live performance. *That* I actually understand I think despite my lack of musical education, but (and you may say this later in the video, I paused to edit) I think part of what makes this particular format special is that it kinda reclaims a bit of that. It really is "the first take", and they *know* that, so it *is* both ephemeral and immediate, as it were. Edit 2: ok yeah, of course it's produced and rehearsed and such. The assumption *I* make with respect to this channel is that they invite artists on and say "produce, rehearse, record how you want...but we're going with the first take in our studio". I hope I'm correct there, as that does give the "every performance is unique" effect, like watching a live show. Edit 3: I...am actually surprised that you didn't at least make some reference to the song title and the "lack of color" of the music/singing. Of course maybe that's just me reading too much into it, but whether or not one finds my interpretation valid I find that hilarious. :)

[@BadSerialChiller]

I miss Yuimetal. I always liked her the most in Babymetal, so sweet and yet badass.

[@daniel_Keelh]

I don't know if anyone has explained to you about the 3 figures with their backs turned. Baby Metal were 3 girls, one of them, Yui, left the band for unclear reasons, there was talk of a possible illness, very little is known about this matter. I think those figures symbolize what the group was and what it is again, they talk about Ragnarok in the song that is both an end and a beginning, of recoloring the world, you can see how the figures shake hands at one point. Shortly after this First Take they announced the incorporation of Momo. For me the figures were the farewell to the Yui cycle, even several years without Yui (Moa and Su alone) and the beginning of the Momo cycle. After a few years with only Moa and Su on stage, they are 3 again.

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Thanks again from Japan 有難う💛。[FYI : In the electric version of this song at the Yokohama venue on April 2, the audience (including me) sang that ♪ oh oh ohoo ♪ part with Moametal and Momometal, new official 3rd girl, while Su humming the melody in the sea of phone lights. What a bliss! ] The girls proved that they can do anything. They have forced people to headbang with their heavy music and sharp choreo. Now they can depict various images by just singing and project them into the listeners' brain to move people emotionally. Thank you BABYMETAL. And thank you Koba, the BM producer, for your serendipity. Some 13 years ago, you certainly discovered something amazing and sacred for us. Speaking of the three figures in white hood adding some background vocals, they are certainly homage to BM's girlhood with original three girls. I assume, however, they are the same girls who performed Doki Doki Morning and Karate as clone BABYMETAL (Chibi Metal) in Makuhari and Yokohama this year. The combination of their heights reminded me of them performing face-to-face with Su, Moa and Momoko.

[@Whi8ky]

Its filmed in one take but they will have rehursed it plenty of times before

[@MrJoeandJenn]

I believe they said that the vocals are monochrome single colored.

[@squeedum4893]

(Not my own research) The three hooded figures alludes to the Karate video and is a representation of the original 3 members: Suzuka, Moa, and Yui. Apparently, this song was written 6 years ago with the original lineup. Yui left in 2018. This performance was shot before they were to officially announce Momoko as the newest member. But I believe the three hooded figures are the actual current lineup. An homage to Yui.

[@lovefrompraha]

Tbh she does has a lot more depth and can be way louder, but don't forget the fact this is just like a studio unplugged kind of thing lol

[@rah2287]

👍 👍 Information already submitted by others concerning the three figures so I will leave that be. Suzuka. in my opinion has such a unique vocal approach because since the beginning she has had to have her voice trained to be heard and understood above the raging guitars and double bass drums. Her lack of vibrato is mentioned by most every “trained” vocalist that has reacted to her LIVE performances (and by the way Suzuka is always better LIVE). She can do vibrato if the song requires it. She has an unmatched ability to adapt her voice to do many different genres. Shanti Shanti Shanti LIVE (please not the MV) is a prime example as she nails Bollywood while her and Moa (along with I believe Momoko in most LIVE performances) are spot on with the Indian dance choreography.