Voice Teacher Reacts to REM - Losing My Religion (MTV's 10th Anniversary)

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.
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[@peach_total]

his stylistic choices with the warble and the slight yodel also work really well because they convey a vulnerability that really works with the song. it’s almost like a stylized version of a voice that’s on the brink of tears

[@Fragrantbeard]

peach_total yes!

[@przemysawzanko6700]

I love his vulnerability. It's teaching me how to be vulnerable as well.

[@amandas2639]

Yes, exactly! He does it in a lot of his songs, but he really leans into it in this one, and it totally makes sense. It's a bit like how Amy Lee can tone down the "cry" in her voice when she really wants to belt, but in her more mournful songs, she really turns it up for effect.

[@wtrlilypiggy]

One thing I love about Michael Stipe is that even back in the old days as a kid learning English as a foreign language, I always understood what he was singing. Thanks Sam for pointing out why 😄

[@Nightswimmer80]

Marjaana Lumme maybe you missed Murmur 😅

[@abesoloman6932]

I couldn't understand an entire song Until 1986

[@lesliehermanns615]

@Abe Soloman In the REM movie 'This Is Not A Show' Michael had songs printed out for himself and he said "I swear in all my drug filled 20s I NEVER said that!" It was quite funny because he couldn't find the correct lyrics.

[@llcometll7926]

Stipe is a legend, simple.

[@BubbaYak]

The little “e-nough” rant 👌🏽I’m here for it 🤣

[@kevinschultz4518]

I almost spit my drink when he did that lol

[@andrewmoldenhauer1664]

It's a good point he makes but the line is actually "I set it up".

[@thenealdog5343]

@@andrewmoldenhauer1664 "I haven't said enough"

[@andrewmoldenhauer1664]

@@thenealdog5343 Nope

[@thenealdog5343]

@@andrewmoldenhauer1664 I'm pretty sure he's basing his points around the line "i havent said enough"

[@angellacanfora]

I held my breath when I clicked on this, seeing that you were going to review one of my favorite bands. So happy to see you're a fan! As a musician, I've performed this song dozens of times, have analyzed & contemplated it for hours on end in total. What I've always appreciated about Michael's voice is the way it melds with the instrumentation, it doesn't demand center-stage, it doesn't say "look at me, dammit." His voice IS one of the instruments. It ducks and weaves and bobs in and out of Peter's mandolin & guitar lines. Throughout this performance, I love the catch in his voice like at the beginning of "thought" and "think" or in "just", it makes you feel that he's in this reflective state of anguish. One of his signature vocal affectations, holding the last vowel sound and morphing it into an "eee", came from Patti Smith, who he credits as a major influence. If you know Patti's music you know Michael. While I'm not a great singer by any means I love singing this song, as you can really infuse it with emotion.

[@HerbieRey]

So happy to see you doing more posts on artists who I actually know. I tried to be interested in the newer artists you reviewed but I couldn't. I love that you're mixing in more classics like REM

[@tabby73]

YES! Same here! Hope he sees your comment.

[@dierckeatlas]

Same!!! I'm just returning to his channel for that reason.

[@bekahw8704]

This song never fails to give me goosebumps. You brought some things up that I wasn't aware of & I appreciate the song even more.

[@Jill-ih9dq]

Love this song. I didn’t think it’d give you much to react to since the melody never leaves G3-C4, but it’s so interesting how much of that signature REM style comes just from his vowel choices. I’m also very impressed with the energy and magnetism of his performance, given that he only has those 4 notes to work with. Anyway, thanks for this analysis Sam! I know reacting to rock singers doesn’t get you as many views (since rock has effectively left mainstream music 😪), so I’m extra grateful you still take the time for these videos 😊🤘 Edit: Ayyyyy I got so excited when you mentioned Michael Chekhov! We spent a lot of time on his method in my uni acting program last year, I grew so much from it. I’ve had to take time off school this semester since quarantine and a recent concussion have depleted my physical and mental health. I miss it so much right now, so hearing you mention acting technique brought a smile to my face ❣️🙏

[@beckyschmidt8347]

I remember seeing REM live and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. Just so good live.

[@abesoloman6932]

I remember seeing them during the reveal tour and all the songs were sped-up and sounded so much better I wondered why in the hell were they so slow on the album.

[@gtrbri98]

I remember being hypnotized by their drummer. He had unique motion/flow on the kit.

[@abesoloman6932]

@@gtrbri98 yea he was like a jazz/punk drummer cross. They were never the same after he left

[@Florophase]

I love Michael Stipes's weird dancing. It feels like he is revealing something slightly intimate or vulnerable to us. When I get in the mood to listen to REM, I always put videos on rather than just streaming the music, because I want to watch his face and movements. The slight readiness his voice sometimes has is part of what I associate with being uniquely his sound and I love it. It can sound so poignant, along with the cracks, yodels, and twangs.

[@ps12_]

This is my favorite song of all time, I really really love R.E.M. and I'm glad you decided to give your feedback at this one. This made my day! Thank you Sam!

[@lesliehermanns615]

It isn't as popular, but mine is 'Beat A Drum' or 'Parakeet'. Belong is a very sad song, but still up there. 'Find The River' & 'Wendell Gee'.... amazing. 'Saturn's Return' is another. REM has so many hidden gems, I could keep going. However, pop quiz. Michael Stipe has a bullhorn. Which of 2 songs is he going to sing?

[@alexismuermann9603]

The best videos are the ones when you can’t resist singing along.

[@mcd5478]

In interviews, Michael Stipe has said more than once that he doesn’t think he’s a great singer, but loves singing.

[@Mizhiie]

Same, but I'm really really not a good singer😂

[@13strong]

He's such a great singer though

[@CellarDoor1970]

I totally get that. If you have a passion for music, singing, songwriting and music production but don’t have a strong voice you shouldn’t just give it up.

[@jenpogurl]

I remember making weekend treks from my north GA college to Athens to see them play either local haunts or the Athen Music Festival. He has such an amazing stage presence. The 90’s were a glorious era for music. ❤️❤️❤️

[@cova4218]

My sisters went to UGA in late 90s, early 2000s. Like many, they both have an I met Michael Stipe story. One of them actually met him at the 40 Watt. Also REM was my first concert at The Omni in 95'.

[@lesliehermanns615]

@Josie Sloan Nice, Monster tour, correct?

[@lesliehermanns615]

I've met Bill Barry and Mike Mills at their final release party in Athens. Bill is such a down-to-earth man. He was great! Mike parked behind me and we ended up at some random bar with his girlfriend and about 3 other people. It was easy to be around both of them.

[@staceybrowm]

And it sounds like the recording, every single time 👌

[@tabby73]

So true. I was confused for second .... thought it's the recording but video shows him on stage 😶

[@carag2567]

My first memory of this song: I was 11 and best friends with a girl named Jamie. This song was hugely popular on the radio and MTV but neither of our mothers cared to let us listen to it, Jamie's mother in particular. She thought it was sacrilegious just based on the title. So this one day after school, I went with Jamie to soccer practice (her mom was the coach) and did my homework in their car while Jamie practiced. She came into the car with me during a break and started it to warm it up and on the radio was this song. We both knew we weren't supposed to be listening to it but we looked at each other like "I won't if you won't" and just listened to it. She pretended to be stretching and I pretended to be doing homework. We both agreed that this song is NOT what our mothers thought it was. And we weren't wrong.

[@froncifresh]

You nailed the italian "o"s sam!

[@Yunuet]

Also the Spanish pronunciation is really strong for each vowel. Sometimes it’s like good but sometimes it’s like nope jaja but yeah he’s right

[@yadiracamacho499]

@@Yunuetbut we have diphthongs. In Spanish "uo" is a diphthong most of the times, unless the closed vowel (u) is stressed. "Continuo" and "continuó" uo is a diphthong (con-ti-nuo), in " continúo" is not (con-ti-nú-o).

[@Ciclopea2]

That's how you know Michael Stipe is an artist, his emotions were guiding his instincts and choices throughout this performance. He already knew he could sing, he just wanted to make you feel what he was feeling, and did so brilliantly IMO. It was fun looking at the technical aspect of this performance through your eyes.

[@bruresende]

R.E.M. is one of my favorite bands ever and Michael is a fantastic singer, so sure of himself, always delivering to the public...

[@lesliehermanns615]

Pop quiz: Michael Stipe has a bullhorn, what song is he going to sing? (2 options, no cheating)

[@lizdee2746]

For some reason this made me think “ohh please do a video on Talking Heads/David Byrne”

[@Cynful27]

Liz DeZeeuw Ooh yes!!! Good call!

[@cristinagarb2224]

This ☺

[@roux2502]

@Liz DeZeeuw OMG yes! Would love to see Sam analyze Burning Down the House.

[@boeing_opal]

Yeah. Would be great to hear about a voice that's, at least much more than most, about percussion and texture.

[@carstenschultz5]

Just such a great song.

[@azzamalnahed3566]

Diggin the hair, Sam.

[@dibutler9151]

Stipe sings with that "yodel" as you call it, for a simple reason-he's a Georgian, lol. We pronounce things this way, especially the YEWWW. Met him a number of times in Athens, GA back in the late 80s. He was so introverted and socially awkward, it seemed almost paralyzing.

[@saracoull6220]

One of my all time favourite songs 😍

[@anbar]

THATS ME IN THE CORNER

[@markeywestskies6503]

Night Swimming from their Automatic For The People is a gorgeous song that features Stipe's stylized enunciations.

[@simoneblue3982]

I love that song!!

[@Spawniiieh]

I love you Sam! So genuine and likable!

[@user-gu4ek3ks1c]

1:11 that's totally right! also what the hell!!! he sounds so good i'd never heard anything live from REM before i'm so impressed

[@lesliehermanns615]

Check out their unplugged episodes, yes there are two.

[@lesliehermanns615]

He actually said "I set it up" your quote is from a later part of the song. Michael is from Athens, Georgia. Michael Stipe is a story teller/singer. For example 1st verse "I set it up" 2nd verse "I've said enough" 3rd verse "Oh no, I said too much." A lot of the inflection in his voice is to strengthen the story.

[@TheGoofy1932]

Oh the shade for "Never Enough " 🙊🤣 REM, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Cure 😍🎶memories 🎶

[@milamnwalker4801]

I love Har E. M. 💋

[@mattharra7673]

Yes!! Does this mean Sam listens to R U Talkin R.E.M? 🤔

[@paulmedley596]

Really love R.E.M and Michael Stipe, love your reactions so this was a good surprise to come home to

[@droooooo]

Love this song and enjoyed hearing your thoughts!

[@humanormachine2936]

This is such a good song. There's no wide vocal range or elaborate melody, so it's the subtleties that make this song, and it's very interesting to hear you discuss those finer details. I'd love to see you react to more singers with nontraditional/interesting voices who many wouldn't consider technically phenomenal, such as Cat Power, Thom Yorke, and Joanna Newsom.

[@jessd956]

I love REM’s “The One I Love”... so good. Ty for your videos by the way! Always learn something even though I “can’t sing”.

[@ZobRombie13]

Would love to see Sam cover it, especially due to his "Eeee-nouuugh" talking point because One I Love has the classic Fire=Fi-yaaaaaaaaah-uhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@tabby73]

This is my go to song when I'm wary of the world and just exhausted ... Always makes me feel a little bit better bc I know I'm not alone. Thanks Sam for the commentary! Spot on! New to your channel 👍

[@kristinm411]

Speaking of pronunciations/tone, you should do a video on Blink 182 - I Miss You (or any Blink song). Tom’s voice is really interesting. I know a lot of it may be affected, but it’s still an interesting and really influential style.

[@ellesaaltjejenneke5400]

Love REM! He actually sings “I set it up” not enough, but I enjoyed the rant anyway 😂 I’m learning new things all he time

[@magssteele8724]

I always thought it was "I set it off"?? But yeah, love the video. 😄

[@searing7549]

“I haven’t said enough” alternates with “I set it up”, at the end of each chorus.

[@lesliehermanns615]

@Mags Steele 1st "I set it up" 2nd "I haven't said enough" 3rd "Oh no, I said too much" 4th "I set it up" 5th "Now I've said too much." 6th "Oh no, I've said too much, I haven't said enough"

[@RebekahTurner-ws8do]

I really enjoy your videos, Sam. I'm not a vocalist at all, but listen/watch them during work breaks.

[@liiset]

I never knew you didn’t say e-nough, it is how I was thought in school when I was learning English. You learn something new every day

[@jahmoon27]

You can say e-nough...its fine. But casually it sounds more like in-ough (in-uff).

[@Lannec10]

I already love Sam's analyses but when he reviews songs from my youth... praise the LAWD!!!

[@mirianv4656]

Omg the overclosing of the vowel. Years ago I was recording harmony vocals with a friend and he ended a line with "play" and I couldn't figure out why the fuck it sounded so stupid and out of whack on his recording. it is cuz he did PUH-LAY-EEEEE. I didn't know how to describe it at the time and I was like why are you dragging that shit out when I'm not??? On my end it sounded like a one-syllable word sung with one note (which is HOW WE WROTE IT), his was almost 3 syllables and several notes. I dunno man. I had years of vocal training and he had none so it took us like 2 hours to finally get his take right of that single line. That recording session still haunts me and it was nearly 13 years ago

[@judebogart]

Sam, could you critique the English band Suede's lead singer Brett Anderson. "So Young" is a good one.

[@izzystewart3868]

I got so excited when this video got posted up. This is one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite bands ever. Thank you!

[@karienoberholzer7978]

One of my favourite bands. The best song ever is "Everybody Hurts"

[@catharineafford9721]

How about E-Bow the Letter or The Worst Joke Ever. Good stuff.

[@cynzix]

Mine is "Shiny Happy People"

[@annahill99]

I love hearing analyses of whiny nineties bands! They’re my favorite and I’m fascinated by the wide range of sounds all the sad boy vocals gave us during the era

[@gfunkmedia]

Finally!! Yodel type "trying to keep" I have always called it his southern drawl. Best video yet. Lurrrve REM

[@Kay-vf8wu]

I think my dance skills are very much influenced by his dancing tbh. And Yannis from Foals. Love your take on this, it's one of my favourite songs. *ha just got to you talking about his arms

[@roux2502]

LOVE this song. Those lyrics when I was 13... omg I'm so old but LOVING IT!... were revolutionary for an adolescent. But as Sam said, it's a very easy song, at least in terms of range. Absolutely agree that it's a great song to sing along to and explore your voice for that very reason. And Michael Stipe is 100% legend.

[@Zombiepinup12]

Always one of my favorite songs! So good. He’s extremely talented and just makes me shiver when it comes on my playlist

[@carmencastillo7886]

Came here for Sam, stayed for the Chekhov Psychological Gesture shoutout

[@searing7549]

I sing for Dead Letter Office International Tribute To R.E.M., and this was a helpful video. Thanks man!

[@msimms1917]

i say it each time i comment but, you are truly my favorite on this platform. Watching you talk about and react to performances just lights up my whole day! Plus, bonus for R.E.M.

[@MadMarker]

Great job Sam! I always appreciate your "easy to relate" dissection of your clips. Cheers from Canada!

[@w.w.w.w.]

REM 💚💚💚

[@stevenniedermeyer7754]

Really like the videos where you break down a famous singer's style and also share it in a way that's informed by your teaching experience!

[@lorenzomeloni6088]

Great video Sam, you actually gave me a better understanding of this great singer's unique style in an intuitive way. Doesn't happen that often. IT'S THE DIPHTHONGS!!!

[@emdet2234]

Great analysis Sam! Epic song

[@paraboo8994]

Man flashbacks to high school ❤ I listened to Automatic for the People non stop, such a great album 👏 Edit: and I just realised its not even on that album...

[@anthonidanowski9404]

the bass sounds great in that video!

[@darraghfleming5532]

Love this. Michael Stipe singing Nightswimming never fails to give me chills. Please do some U2 or Sinead O'Connor! Arguably the best (or most popular) Irish voices out there 💜 (aside from Hozier obvs)

[@SirClownDad]

My favourite band. Also much love for Mike Mills on backing

[@KyleS.1987]

Mike's harmonies always sounded so good. Some voices just seem like they were made to sing together.

[@annabellej.8047]

Just love REM and this Song took a whole new spin on me last year. I enjoy singing along with Michael.

[@patrickfolger2817]

Im a Bass Player and ure videos help me..much to understand singing and type of singers..thanks..

[@vexatiouswind]

This is one of my favorite songs, always thought the voice quality was very unique but me not being musically inclined it was difficult for me to explain what I like about it. And here you are with this video explaining precisely the where and why of how it's being singed. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thanks!

[@Dante3085]

i remember hearing this song a lot on the radio when i was young.

[@Vimes78]

Oo, this was like an unexpected gift! I was just watching your older videos (Tool - Sober). Stipe is just wonderful, very personal voice. Btw, could you perhaps react to Tom Waits?

[@msimms1917]

Oh, Tom Waits is one of my absolute favorites. Great call.

[@valerievonskullz825]

I’ve only ever sung in front/ for my husband and you give me the confidence to be a better singer! I’ve learned so much from watching your videos. Thank you so much. Hopefully I can get you as a teacher some day 🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@saraa1741]

Omg I love love Stipe, his voice is so orgasmic! Yessssssss I said it! Thank you for this video. This brought back so many memories of my highschool years. Also I love that you're growing your hair out, I found your channel when you had the long hair and I really missed it lol

[@sandyleewhite]

What I love about songs like this, is the definition of the story, is up to the listener 💖💖💖

[@kansasgoldilocks]

I don't see Michael Stipe as a singer as much as a vocal artist. His writing and emotional delivery set him apart from most others. You could have thousands of other people perform this song, and it wouldn't hit the same way.

[@lesliehermanns615]

You are correct. But, comedians love to try! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnLKaJ-ja9ZsbZo

[@mjspyt7777]

Please do a review of Everything She Wants by George Michael VH1 performance!

[@berniebazzett7761]

You should do a reaction to The Smiths!

[@13strong]

Morrissey doesn't deserve the attention.

[@chief_mourner]

@@13strong seperate the art from the artist

[@13strong]

@@chief_mourner Nah.

[@cynzix]

@@13strong He doesn't, but the band doesn't deserve to be ignored either

[@chief_mourner]

@@MT-kx2uc i mean they arent bad but its not really my style

[@junehiott4831]

Love watching you enjoy what you do❤️ Great reaction... We are all at home practicing saying ENOUGH🙃 Your hair looks great!!!

[@GIjoeFan1976]

Awesome! Wow! Loved seeing how the acoustics of the Mouth changed the sound! Maybe my tone can still be saved....

[@sarahcampbell1115]

Thank you for doing some stuff from the 90s! I love watching you but sometimes I dont know the newer singers lol!

[@waldemarpierzchalski]

Now i wanna watch REM live videos.

[@christinamarie8]

I’d love to hear your reaction to Harry Styles’ cover of Sledgehammer!!

[@LauPulstar]

Yes please!!!!

[@organicprinciples]

Yes please!! Made me fall in love with his vocal ability. So so good! 🥰👏🏿👏🏿

[@jgquinton]

Yes please!

[@dinabernal3076]

Thank you. My favorite band of all time 💗

[@MissNatalonga]

I love what you said about how dancing or the positions you take while singing can affect your psychological setting while singing a song. It reminded me of times when I was singing and even if I wasn't feeling it at first, I went through the motions with my body and eventually my mind caught up and got into it. Kind of like a little hack ;)

[@peanutbutterjam9501]

Can you react to The Hu? (Mongolian metal with traditional techniques - they have an interesting Live Performance at Google from 2019). I find the vocal sounds to be really fascinating, and I have No frigging idea how they make those sounds and sing like that.

[@yourforbiddenfruit]

Peanut ButterJam second this. Would love to hear him review them

[@blossomatnight2864]

Ty! Now I have something else to listen to.

[@groomo]

Love REM and this react. Awesome

[@Marnee4191]

Please, please do Tori Amos!

[@nmernst]

Thanks for sharing. I noticed the lack of support when he missed a tiny vocal he usually does twice "...fool. Fool.". Still an awesome performance and nostalgic too. This was part of MTV's 10 year anniversary celebration.

[@donnamcmanus7360]

I've always thought Michael Stipe was fun to watch, he has his own type of stage presence & charisma that earns attention. His voice is unique as is REM's sound. Really enjoyed your reaction & all the good info. I was watching some older Pentatonix performances & they seem to use quite a bit of hand gestures as they sing.

[@Melodic_Soul_87]

I love R.E.M! Great video!

[@Nightswimmer80]

Very interesting analysis!

[@MrVvulf]

Some of the MTV Unplugged sets were the best music of the 90s. Especially Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Live. Live's album "Throwing Copper" was on of the best of the decade.

[@zachsmith6423]

Wish I could subscribe again. You’re great!

[@Zazzarismo]

Italian here, you are correct on the "o" sound. More close sound in some accents, more open in others, but it's always "o".

[@fabianabasciu9417]

I love Michael!! I love his amazing voice!! I love his songs!!I love all of him😉

[@lagg-alot8308]

I like your Reaction Videos. At 1:33 he did not say "Enough" he says "I set it up". Just a heads up. Oh, life is bigger It's bigger Than you and you are not me The lengths that I will go to The distance in your eyes Oh no, I've said too much I set it up

[@MadameCirce]

That's funny, I always heard that line as "I said it all." But he definitely does say "I haven't said enough" the second time.

[@theopkingdom3433]

Holy... I've heard that line as "enough" for 30 years... Lol!!!

[@anbar]

🤯

[@wesplybon9510]

Either way Stipe's pronunciation of both phrases are very similar so everything Sam said is still applicable to the "enough" of the chorus. But that's very interesting... it's almost like it's intentionally ambiguous.

[@73brook]

one of my favourite songs since i was a kid

[@laurenpost3843]

Jesus he sounds exactly like the studio version

[@LauPulstar]

I loved this video!!!! Michael stipe Sings high in a falsetto voice in an rem song called Tongue

[@anotherlemontree]

Loved this one! I'd LOVE to see you analyse Alison Mosshart, Alison Goldfrapp and/or Led Zep-era Robert Plant.

[@jessj7735]

Most epic song of all time

[@nicolevanherwaarden2472]

Hey Sam!! Take a look at Blue Rodeo please :) They are so underrated IMO

[@whyyouwannaknowmyname4598]

Hey Sam! Just wanted to say hi as I am watching your video!

[@jehan8860]

Does it sounds like he’s on the verge of tears? I listened to them as a teen, especially when I was really depressed (just a normal temporary thing, after a breakup). I love music/voices that express a lot of emotion.