Heroes and Thieves - "Just when I've figured out"

[HarmySandwhich]

I adore this song a lot but I can't help but think this that it's slightly off key. I'm no expert in signing but is it just me?

[KULPDOGG]

maybe because thats not what she's saying.


she says "and just when I figured it out"

[HarmySandwhich]

maybe because thats not what she's saying.


she says "and just when I figured it out"

Ah - that would be it.

 :oops:

Thanks Kulp. You've always been there for me  :cry:

[tylor2000]

I'm not following your conversation, but I figured it is in C#(or D flat) major who's minor is A#(or B flat,) which is probably considered the saddest or one of the most somber minor keys.  To make it even more pathetic she sings some of it off key.  That is my take on it.  Kind of a lame duck effect....or at least trying to make it sound that way on purpose.

[tylor2000]

Not only sad but also very weak.  Lame duck might not have been the right words.  It is a very somber song and the off key parts are always raising in nature.  so it is like it is so sad and weak that the melody can't quite reach the right note.

EDIT: maybe I'm hearing things that are not there.  But if there are any off key parts that might explain it.

[rainforestspirit]

I agree with you all....I like the song except for the parts where she cracks in her voice and it is REALLY off key. I hate to say it but when I first heard it, it sounded so off key that I felt embarrassed for her. I hope the studio version is much better. I know some of you like the crack in her voice but musically it just really shouldn't sound like that.

Sorry to say something kinda sort of negative but its unfortunately the truth. And every musician has their off day - I am sure V sounds beautiful singing this song normally and the version on the record will be great.

[LimeTwister]

Not only sad but also very weak.  Lame duck might not have been the right words.  It is a very somber song and the off key parts are always raising in nature.  so it is like it is so sad and weak that the melody can't quite reach the right note.

EDIT: maybe I'm hearing things that are not there.  But if there are any off key parts that might explain it.

I like this interpretation...plus, she sings it the same way throughout the entire song, so I am assuming she does it on purpose.

[HarmySandwhich]

That's what I was thinking. Does she know that she sounds pretty bad - or was it on purpose? On second thoughts, how hard is it to sing that line? I'm no singer so I can't really tell. Maybe it's just a really hard line to sing.

[LimeTwister]

Yeah, but if it was overly hard for her to sing, she could easily change it...she's the writer hahahaha.

[PianoGirl4444]

I honestly doubt she's doing it on purpose.

[Twilight_Angel]

it probably was just a mistake..i mean she cant be perfect all the time.
Just most of the time

[KULPDOGG]

i remember Vanessa saying something about purposly leaving music with little imperfections to make the music seem more real..

like she wasn't some sort of perfect pop production.

[portions.for.foxes]

i remember Vanessa saying something about purposly leaving music with little imperfections to make the music seem more real..

like she's wasn't some sort of perfect pop production.

Yeah, if you listen to the intro of Where The Streets Have No Name you can hear a note that is struck that sounds off... right at 0:56. I like the little imperfections she leaves in her songs, they're kind of like easter eggs.

[Twilight_Angel]

o0o0o its deliberate? well fair enough

[portions.for.foxes]

Yeah, but if it was overly hard for her to sing, she could easily change it...she's the writer hahahaha.

Since Harmonium Vanessa's been challenging herself vocally and learning new techniques. I remember she mentioned having a vocal coach while working on Harmonium, and her coach taught her some techniques which she used on songs like C'est La Vie, and you didn't really see anything vocally like that from her before on Be Not Nobody.

I honestly think she's challenging herself as a writer and as a performer by writing more difficult material, I don't think her mistakes are deliberate this time around with Heroes and Thieves though, I just don't think she can quite pull it off. Regardless, I think it's awesome she's forcing herself to grow and mature as an artist in ways that aren't necessarily easy or comfortable for her.