Singing Guide: The O'Jays
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
In the world of soul and R&B, few names match the success and talent of The O'Jays.
With a group spanning decades and producing iconic hits, it's no surprise that aspiring singers would want to learn from their style and technique. Let's take a look at how you can sing like The O'Jays and enhance your own vocal ability with Singing Carrots.
Vocal Style
The O'Jays are famous for their seamless vocal harmonies, distinctive falsetto tones, and soulful delivery. At the heart of this style is a commitment to smoothness and control. The lead and backup vocals must blend seamlessly, with each note and syllable subject to precise timing and phrasing. For aspiring singers, this means practice, practice, practice! Developing the ability to seamlessly blend into the group and control your voice will be essential to singing like The O'Jays.
The Music
When it comes to songs that showcase The O'Jays' unique vocal style, it's hard to find a better example than their hit song "Love Train." With its sweeping melody and uplifting lyrics, "Love Train" is the perfect showcase for The O'Jays' impeccable harmonies and dynamic performance style. Other songs like "Use Ta Be My Girl" and "For The Love Of Money" also demonstrate the group's ability to deliver soulful lyrics with precision and control.
Singing Carrots Resources
Singing Carrots is an online educational platform that offers aspiring singers a wealth of tools for enhancing their vocal ability and practicing like a pro. Here are a few resources and exercises that can help you learn to sing like The O'Jays:
- Vocal range test: Take the vocal range test to determine your own range and compare it to some of The O'Jays' famous songs.
- Pitch accuracy test: Use this tool to assess your pitch accuracy and refine your singing skills.
- Pitch training: Discover pitch training exercises that can help you develop greater control and precision.
- Song search: Use the song search to find tracks that match your own style and unique vocal abilities.
- Singing course: Enroll in the Singing Carrots educational singing course to learn the theory and practice of excellent vocal performance.
Also, track your progress and statistics over time to refine your practice routine. Below are a few skill-related videos you can use:
- Twang: How to Twang Exercise
- Growling: How to Growl Exercise
- Vibrato: Beggars Bounce, Diaphragm Bounce
- Breath/Warm-up/Practice-starter: Farinelli Breathing, Humming, 3 Minute Warm Up
- Articulation: Finger Bite
- Chest Voice/Voice Registers: Mixed Voice, Chest Voice Explained, Singing Comfort Zone
- Voice Registers/Mixed Voice/Voice Break: Voice Break
- Posture: Good Singing Posture
- Emotion-control/Performing: Relaxing Breath, Stage Tips
- Breath/Sustain: Sustain Vocal
- Nasality: Soft Palate, Stop Sounding Nasal
- Onsets-offsets: Glottal Onset
In conclusion, singing like The O'Jays requires a dedication to smoothness, precision, and control. With Singing Carrots' resources and a commitment to dedicated practice, you too can enhance your vocals and sing with the effortless style and grace of this iconic soul group.