Vocal Coach reacts to REM - Losing My Religion (Michael Stipe Live)

[@jafrazer]

I was in the music video for Losing My Religion. That's me in the corner.

[@ninomindajao9216]

😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@ninomindajao9216]

Bro ur look like canelo alvarez😂👊👊👊

[@edgeymon6290]

What a coincidence, i'm also in the video! That's me...in the spotlight!

[@corwin32]

Yeah. I thought I saw you laughing.

[@RussellColeman]

That was just a dream

[@Pushing_Pixels]

This was the first song of theirs I heard, when I was about 15, and I was immediately mesmerized by his voice. As you say, he doesn't do much here in terms of range or dynamics, but he just has a unique sound I hadn't heard before. Nobody else sounds like Michael Stipe. I went down the R.E.M. rabbit hole and was SO pleased to find they already had a decade's worth of music I could dive into. I spent the rest of my teens listening to their whole catalogue.

[@KathrynFortunato]

REM is one of my top five bands of all time. Michael Stipe has the keys to my soul.

[@DonPiruflo]

Michael Stipe is ART

[@lawrencegillies]

Mike Mills' backing vocals are so often overlooked in REM songs. I'd love to hear Beth's thoughts on Fall On Me for the harmonisation and Belong for the mix of almost spoken and almost yodel!

[@void0094]

I wish someone could explain how to sing Mike Mills

[@wadesworld6250]

IMHO, Mike Mills' vocals made the band so unique. My favorite example is South Central Rain.

[@happiness1772]

I don't think Mills is overlooked. He's hard to miss. Bill Berry's vocals frequently are underrated.

[@void0094]

@@happiness1772 his basswork for early R.E.M. is

[@happiness1772]

@@void0094 Really? Not in my neck of the woods. His bass lines are always great and imaginative, we all agree. As for actually singing like him, that's really just his voice. He's got a naturally warm and clean sound, with a nasal sound to it. He's not a trained pro, he can just sing like a natural. If you listen to something like "Near Wild Heaven" he's even kind of pitchy. So just do what comes natural to you if you have that kind of voice. If you don't, there's really no way to duplicate it.

[@RogerDidierM.]

"Losing my Religion" is really a heartfelt song...

[@guillermoperis1673]

R.E.M. is endless. Stipe's voice is as supple and and terse and true as you can find. Thanks for this.

[@stephendavidallen]

Great reaction! I could watch Michael Stipe every day just to watch him dance, such an original.

[@redhotchilifan98]

I've always really liked his voice one of my favorite songs of all time

[@rouxenophobe]

Great analysis. I'm a huge REM fan, this song is (as you say) defiantly driven by rhythm, there are very few notes in it (for the vocals). I saw this tour in Manchester (UK), it was great, but Michael's voice was showing the strain of touring, as is evident here. Just a note on the rhotic R, the greatest note of all time is in the greatest song of all time, which is the R in "river to the ocean flow..." in Find The River.... by REM 🙂

[@petersavieri]

✨Michael Stipe is such an inspiration. A wise and complex artist who nevertheless makes us feel safe and guided by his work. Even as a film producer he’s helped bring some incredibly special storytelling to light. I like your observation of the influence of rap on more rhythmic, word based songwriting, with less of an overwhelming melody structure, but I think it’s clear that Stipe’s primary influences are the rhythmic writing of the Beat poets and of the artists who took up their mantle to blend spoken word and the music of punk and rock, like the great magic of Patti Smith.

[@rbenusa]

Mike Mills' backing vocals is what elevates REM's music to the next level. Nobody harmonizes like him in rock music.

[@ryandotson5373]

And before he was forced to retire, Bill Berry added even another layer. They really were the perfect match.

[@RoddyBezerra]

As a lover of languages This is literally a song to my ears.

[@TheNOISENOISEZETLAND]

R.E.M. has been my favorite band for over 30 years and if you listen to Michaels's singing in the early 80s he really does mumble but in his very beautiful way. Also, Mike Mills voice so often goes unmentioned he has such a beautiful voice and the harmonies him and Michael make together are just heavenly. For a good listen check out the live version of "Dont go back to Rockville" from the 80s a song Mike Mills wrote and sings like it was sent from the Gods. ETA Michael is a lyricist Mike Mills, Peter Buck and Bill Berry were the instrumental writers I think a lot of people don;t know that. BEST BAND EVER!!!

[@jimbro.]

Beth the best at giving a comprehensive critique; always informative Thank you.

[@timhutchinson8485]

The textbook example of a “reedy” voice, but it fits the music perfectly.

[@ajoytfoyt5318]

This is a great video. I have never "thought" about Michael Stipes singing. I've just always really liked it. I do not recall him ever singing any extremely high or low notes. Just more of a conversational style and I can understand almost every word he sings. I'm just a shower or car singer singer and feel I can actually sing REM songs with some accuracy (probably not, but I can think so anyway). Thank you so much for this enlightening breakdown of his singing style.

[@Elevate09]

By far my favorite vocal coach to listen to. Always great breakdowns and explanations. Loooove it

[@kdc300z]

“Train like rhythm “. I think you just described what I’ve heard in my head when listening to songs I love that keep “moving” but have never had the words to express to other’s what I’m feeling.

[@brianwilliams9605]

I have a weird thing. I close my eyes and music is colours. REM is a just over dark blue with voice and the instruments go from light purple to yellow. Lyrics affect the colours. REM is really bright.

[@saschaschneider6355]

I think that's called synesthesia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia

[@valq10]

I'm the same. Very bright.

[@andrewsanderson3905]

What is it about Michael voice that makes you wanna cry every time I hear it?

[@RogerDidierM.]

Another band from Athens (GA): the B-52's with the wonderful Cindy Nelson and Kate Pierson. Of course Fred Schneider is there too....

[@Mourninghowl]

Topaz is a seriously underrated song by the B=52s!

[@AndrewSowerby]

All friends since the B52s went to see R.E.M. in one of their early concerts. The girls (mainly Kate) have provided fine backing vocals to several R.E.M tracks on Out of Time and also the incredible Fretless.

[@RogerDidierM.]

@@AndrewSowerby "Shiny Happy People", with Kate is a great song.

[@philscott1880]

Ahhh, Michael's orange monobrow stage. Great memories.

[@Inferiis]

Okay, now I'm officially in love with Beth. That smile when the music starts

[@billmorris8358]

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Thank you Beth x

[@-Heavy-]

Great Band,great song,great video! Thanks Beth!

[@rickdbranch4787]

I love REM! The official video for "Everybody Hurts" always brings me to tears,

[@arnodobler1096]

so true and saves lifes

[@timflemming4christ]

You make my soul happy. Thanks, beth.

[@markmilner842]

Stipe did mumble more on the early albums (especially Murmur and Reckoning), but by this stage he had become a much stronger and more confident singer. Great reaction. For a more melodic song, check out ‘Night Swimming’.

[@AndrewSowerby]

By Lifes Rich Pageant, Stipe seemed to feel very comfortable with his voice.

[@void0094]

the mumbling makes the early albums magical

[@markmilner842]

@@void0094 It wasn’t a criticism, just an observation.

[@void0094]

@@markmilner842 who said it was criticism?

[@ryanw6074]

Nightswimming is an amazing song. There are a couple live versions I'd love to hear your take on.

[@matthewjones363]

Agreed. I think Losing My Religion was not the best song choice for a review of Michael.

[@MAMODMAN95]

@@matthewjones363 I agree. His unplugged performance in 1991 would make a great reaction. Perhaps fall on me or half a world away

[@WolfyGanger]

What about Everybody Hurts or The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight? Amazing vocal performances. 🙏🏼

[@CharlotteTaylor-m3j]

This song is midrange, but on some of their other songs, Michael sings in falsetto (e.g., Tongue) or lower (e.g., the aptly named Low). You should check them out!

[@jean-baptiste6479]

5:00 you made a point. Stipes lyrics are not only about what they say, but how they pronounce, the sense is understood instinctively (sometimes incorrectly) by the listener.

[@jean-baptiste6479]

Ans yes, the band is fantastic, when you listen to isolated drums for example you see it is just what is needed to support the song, nithing to add, nothing to remove. By the what, non of REM's member are heroes in their category, but the band as a whole, OMG.

[@froudaid]

There's a great 12tone video that breaks down the instrumentation of this song. Watching both videos really increased my appreciation for it

[@leonelvillalba8506]

Esta chica es muy bella

[@Alec_Collins78]

Someone spoke in one of your podcasts about not limiting yourself but Stipe's clearly limited, but makes the best of it with such authenticity. Thanks Beth.

[@melgibbs34]

I have viewed many people posting these videos and making comments....some...good reviewers...some...perhaps lacking in understanding. You...continue to post thoughtful and knowledgeable comments about the artist and the music. When I watch your videos...I am also learning about music theory, melodic structure, and gaining insight into what makes a great tune and artist performance. So...you are the only one doing this and thus, I have subscribed. Please continue to post....continue to comment...continue to educate...continue to have fun! Thanks so much for sharing your musical talent...your musical interests....your musical insight.

[@rcpsammy7186]

Great band. Miss them. Very nice analysis.

[@amfatgus1437]

You are so right. It is fairly easy for everybody to sing. This is my favourite karaoke song.

[@bradgrant3338]

Love your reactions as you teach so much good info. Also besides being one of the nicest people on the web, in this video particularly, you are absolutely stunning. Hope you are well.

[@nicholaslever-naylor8315]

Well that was enjoyable, great group, great analysis, great vibe.

[@VotograV]

I was at that gig in Germany Wiesbaden in 2003. They made it a DVD later on (called Perfect Square). REM was one of my fav bands in the late 80ies and early 90ies. Never forget them. They disbanded too early in 2008.

[@Violentic81]

woooa some singers are not from earth, he started to sing, goosebombs all over

[@ScottDreyfus]

I always find it interesting to see whether a performer presses the vowels or the consonants. Brent Smith is the polar opposite pounding the consonants and smoothing the vowels.

[@carcharodoncarcharias9462]

Maybe my favorite video. I hold this band in high regards & close to mu heart.

[@bluejaysforever3627]

Love REM and could never imagine these classics sung by anyone else but always have thought he does not have a great voice but it works so well for REM

[@SoundsOfSushi]

Great reaction. I have many great memories of the 90s which includes this this song. Please do a reaction to Ikue Asazaki’s song “Obokuri”.

[@1monki]

Stipe mumbled a lot during the IRS recordings. His style cleaned up a bit after the change in lables.

[@themanmrjones]

If we’re being fair his style cleaned up a lot as he became more practiced and did less drugs. The largest part of their original subdued sound was because of the drug use, I’ve seen interviews with stipe in the past where he talked about going to record and barely being able to open his mouth because he was so high before he got clean in the late 80s. Years of singing like that just sort of had him in a place where muscle memory had him singing like that until he spent a few years clean and actively training his voice. But in the same sense, that sound worked so incredibly well with his writing and their overall sound, so oddly enough I’m glad he had a rough time long enough to find that sound. Having a label breathing down your neck in the 90’s to be better had a way of making a lot of people try harder as well haha

[@gpurkeljc]

It's not a voice that I would expect to hear on any of the TV talent shows and yet Michael Stipe sounds perfect for REM.

[@7vernessa]

Love ❤️ his singing

[@danielmeola3651]

Thanks you for this reaction beth, great

[@Jeremy-th5pt]

Great take on Stipe. His songs are conversational.

[@magicjackm]

the fact that Michael was ever described as a super clear singer just shows how much this band and he specifically evolved throughout their career, considering the words on an album like Murmur were debated over about as much as a Cocteau Twins record

[@Itay1360]

Great reaction and analysis! I think what I love most is that he has so much fun on stage, while nailing the performance - just like you said, it's like he feels at home up there. I highly recommend you check out Scardust next- their song Gone is amazing, and they have a new album out in 3 days! :)

[@UnkleJustin]

Loves me some rock n roll mandolin!!

[@norms1280]

That's peter buck

[@Blood-Talon]

Such a classic

[@stevenschembri1288]

One of the greatest songs of all time from one of the greatest bands of all time. I would like to see if Beth Roars could play this song on the Mandolin.......Uhhhhh.....No! Only the great Peter Buck can do that. Such an underrated player on guitar. One of the best and most well-rounded players ever. Michael Stipe (in my opinion) has the most beautiful voice of all time for a male rock artist. No doubt about it. Michael did not have much of a vocal range but he did have the ability to "massage his voice" into many interesting ways of singing things that is unmatched to this day. Incredible vocal talent.

[@DErshov]

This is their best concert video ever! If you haven’t, please check out Country Feedback from that DVD... it’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.

[@andrewsanderson3905]

It's hard to listen to him without crying 💯

[@iagovasconcelos1661]

Then, the music starts and she is smiling so beautifully...

[@jefffiore7869]

I LOVE REM!!

[@BethRoars]

📖 Get your signed copy of my album Fable here: www.bethroars.com/shop ☀ Pre-save my first single "Power Of The Wolf" on Spotifu (it really helps me out!): distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bethroars/power-of-the-wolf 🥁 Become a Patreon Supporter: www.patreon.com/bethroars

[@LordDarque]

I love the happy music for a Friday.

[@jamesdude4220]

love you cuzzzz Michael missing you all

[@hannah3250]

REM is a band from Athens, Georgia… the south. So he naturally has the more “Rrr” sound like most of us southern folk. At one point in time the R was less pronounced, my grandmother spoke with a soft R.

[@niverrtkb]

My very first concert in princeton nj was rem. Unbelievable,

[@donnellholmes6334]

I enjoyed this Beth they are very good together

[@ReeceyBoy_4]

Rem are so good

[@kkimberling]

So I’m waiting for the day when the little rawr at 0:11 becomes a full on fry scream “ROOOAAWWRRRWRR”

[@JensS94]

She's probably reacting to metal video's every now and then to find what sort of ROOOOAAAWWWRRR suits her channel best 😂😂

[@searing7549]

Thanks! This video helped me with my role as the lead singer of Dead Letter Office International Tribute To R.E.M.

[@BethRoars]

Thanks Chris!

[@moscoso77]

I love you desde Chile

[@meddem7060]

Your face and mimik are so sympathic to me, I like watching you even more than the music video

[@fknfenrir6822]

Would love to see you react to Kalandra - Borders. They’re a Norwegian band however the song is in English and I know you would love this song and this band.

[@patchoulicyanide]

Knowing her love of Nordic culture she would love that!

[@xibir]

It would be great to see your reaction to Majestica (Swedish power metal band) vocals from Tommy Johansson are majestic. Im sure You would love it.

[@AlbertoAntonio6]

I love these! I would love to see you react and explain Stephanie Mills live preformance of "Home" at the Apollo

[@rogeriofernandes138]

Another great reaction!! Fantastic REM... I suggest react to "Everybody hurts".... it's also amazing!!! Greetings from Brazil!!

[@StratsRUs]

His honesty and integrity is the diammetric opposite of vocal 'coaches ' reacting' to him. You don't need to analyse ANY voice.

[@Papima1975]

You should react to “Country Feedback” from the same live show. Awesome and Michael´s favourite song!

[@oscararzate7956]

Una canción que escuchado cientos de veces y seguiré escuchandola es de mis faboritas y supongo que para muchas personas también me gusto que la pusiste en tus reacciones mi hermosa pequitas 💙💜👏👏🍀🍀 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@euphorparkour]

I'd love to hear you react to "fair to Midland". Unique style, great writing, and incredible vocal range and talent

[@mssxwc]

I like your videos just because I like to hear what you think about songs written before you were born. Just so you know, they don't care what you think.

[@scottmackenzie6699]

As I understand, the band minus Michael wrote the music and Michael went into another room to write the lyrics. The one reason that the band has always stayed close is that the writing credits for their songs go to the entire group. So many groups fall apart when one or two members make more $$$ than the others due to songwriting credits.

[@JasonRyanWilson]

I pray that if I'm still alive, that I get to see a vocal coach react to one of my favorite all time songs. Into Dust by Mazzy Star.

[@spacemonkey4811]

Fade into You, would also be great.

[@matsjakobsson1376]

Great song! Great title! REM- Rapid eye movement = dreamsleep!

[@shoegazeforever8810]

Beth, I can't find your video of Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins signing either Lorelei or Pearly Dewdrops Drops. Have you made it yet?

[@randallbadgett4040]

What makes Beth Beth? 😀

[@florsanroman1827]

As people in the comments noted, he did used to mumble a lot more, but about the time the OUT OF TIME came out, the album with this single, he and the rest of the band were learning how to grow from an oddball college band to arena performers. I remember that era and how people were almost cross at REM's expanded popularity, but with the evolution of their sound and growth of their talents, they were able to expand what they could do through the coming years. Funny that you don't mention here, and I'm not sure if you're aware, but REM are from Athens, Georgia, a city in GA that is...um... very Southern. Several of REM's songs touch on life in the South and the phrase ¨lose my religion¨ is a sort of euphemism from the South for declaring that one is at wit's end about to lose their temper to wrath (the religion, perhaps, saying that one must ever love and forgive, making wrath a sin). Peter Buck's mandolin is a huge testament to the influence and I think you can find a lot of Southern inflection in Michael and Mike's rounded vowels and soft R-sounds. Thanks again for the input! The notes on composition offered me a lot of insight - and I've been listening to REM for a good 30 years and counting! 💖

[@ahmetsalim9984]

BRAVO 🌋🌻🌾🌻🌾🌻🌾

[@7vernessa]

He has a song out for this year

[@OnceUponAMidnight]

Great video. I would love to see you react to Sonata Arctica - The Misery (live). Tony Kakko is a great singer.

[@patchoulicyanide]

Damn right, that guy rules!

[@OnceUponAMidnight]

@@patchoulicyanide He's definitely my favourite singer.

[@timtactix6603]

Could you maybe react to Courtesy Call from Thousand foot Krutch?

[@Matt-oc2hp]

I think it would be really interesting to hear your thoughts on Joanna Newsome! Peach plum pear is a great example of her work.

[@nickparsons337]

Yes! Especially a live version.

[@nickparsons337]

Or Sprout and the Bean.

[@nofxer]

Definitely a strong recommendation for Michael Stipe showing what he has, however I can't help but feel that R. E. M. playing Everybody Hurts live at Glastonbury (2003) shows the passion he had on pure display during one exceptionally poignant song about getting through tough times.

[@limitededition3278]

Met him once back in a Bar called Dorian's in North Miami once. He asked me for a light. I told him I did not smoke but I asked this girl I was with if she had a lighter I passed it to him he said thank you and returned it. A friend of ours asks me if I knew who that was I was like No did not pay it any mind. He told me that is Michael Stipe. I looked back smirked he smiled and the rest was history.

[@LetsRaZe]

Thom Yorkes friends are my friends.

[@gepeto1993]

Would love for you to react to Mago de Oz - Gaia (live diabulus in opera)

[@shermanmi]

I LOVE Michael Stipe. He mumbled more in the early-mid 80s because most of his lyrics didn't actually exist on the first couple albums. By the 90s, everything was perfectly clear, obviously.

[@cleo6682]

Could you react to Alex Turner vocals?

[@lobomotores850]

hello could you react to the wonderful, beautiful, spectacular, majestic, perfect and angelic voice of Simone Simons from Epica in the song memories? thanks

[@SicnarF077]

Try this. Same ground by kitchie nadal

[@corwin32]

Totally off topic, but I always thought this song was a bit weird. REM has said this song is about someone :barely hanging on”. The lyrics sound (to me) like someone in despair because of unreciprocated feelings. But “losing my religion” is a US Southernism that means “I’m about to totally lose my temper”, like “Boy, you best shut your mouth before I lose my religion”. Being from Georgia, they’d know that. I get confused on this one.