SNSD, Red Velvet, Aespa: SM Vocal Analysis

Summary

This video explores the vocal evolution of SM Entertainment's girl groups, using SNSD, Red Velvet, and aespa as examples. It discusses how SM's approach to forming girl groups has changed over the years and whether the 'SM signature high vocal standard' has been maintained or lost. The video analyzes the vocal styles, harmonies, and individual strengths of the groups, highlighting the transition from a unified sound to a focus on individuality and unique vocal colors in newer generations.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The script discusses the evolution of vocal styles in SM Entertainment's girl groups over the years, using SNSD, Red Velvet, and aespa as examples.
• 🌟 SNSD, debuting in 2007, had a collective bright and smooth vocal tone with a focus on unity and harmony, aiming for a uniform sound.
• 💪 Taeyeon from SNSD was highlighted as the powerhouse vocalist, known for her strong belts and dramatic quality.
• 🎶 Red Velvet, with five members, showcased a more varied vocal tone, balancing warm, cool, and neutral voices to maintain a harmonious blend.
• 🌈 Wendy from Red Velvet was described as a well-rounded vocalist with a warm, bright tone, differing from Taeyeon's powerful approach.
• 🔄 The script notes a shift in SM's approach to vocals, moving from a focus on a uniform sound to celebrating individuality and unique vocal colors.
• 🌟 aespa, the latest generation, has four members with distinct vocal styles, trading lines and showcasing individual solo parts, reflecting a more individualistic approach.
• 🎶 Ningning and Winter from aespa are highlighted as main vocalists with contrasting styles, continuing the legacy of strong vocals in SM groups.
• 📈 The analysis suggests that while SM adapts to industry trends, it maintains a high vocal standard across its groups.
• 👩‍🎓 The script ends with a personal note from the creator, mentioning their busy life and studies, promising more content in the future.

Q & A

What was the vocal strategy for SNSD according to the video?

The video suggests that SNSD's vocal strategy was focused on unity and harmony, aiming for a uniform and clean sound with a seamless blend. The group's collective vocal tone was bright with a mix of predominantly bright, neutral to warm-toned voices.

How did Taeyeon's vocal style contribute to SNSD's overall sound?

Taeyeon, as the main vocalist and leader of SNSD, contributed to the group's sound with her powerful belts, strong vibrato, and a captivating dramatic quality. Her vocal style was imitated by some members, indicating her significant influence on the group's vocal identity.

What changes were observed in Red Velvet's vocal lineup compared to SNSD?

Red Velvet's vocal lineup showed more tonal variety with two warm, two cool, and one neutral voice. The group's strategy seemed to favor a well-rounded vocalist like Wendy over a sharp-edged one, which was a departure from the power-focused vocals of SNSD.

How does the video describe Wendy's role as the main vocalist of Red Velvet?

Wendy was described as a phenomenal choice for Red Velvet's main vocalist due to her well-rounded, consistent, and warm-bright tone. She was less belting-oriented and had a softer approach compared to Taeyeon, with a stronger lower register and more use of head voice.

What is the significance of the reduced number of members in Red Velvet's lineup?

The reduced number of members in Red Velvet allowed for more space for each member to utilize their voice, theoretically making it easier to create a balanced blend and harmonious unison due to the line distribution.

How does the video characterize the vocal approach of aespa compared to previous SM groups?

The video characterizes aespa's vocal approach as valuing individuality and unique vocal coding, with members often trading lines and enjoying solo parts. This approach lends itself to aespa's more fantastical musical concept and gives the group a recognizable vocal color.

What are the distinct vocal characteristics of aespa's main vocalists, Winter and Ningning?

Winter is characterized as a more belting-focused vocalist with a powerful and piercing sound, while Ningning has a more delicate delivery with an elastic and rounded sound. Their distinct tonal and stylistic differences are expressed and reinforced within aespa's discography.

How does the video suggest SM Entertainment has adapted its vocal strategies over the years?

The video suggests that SM Entertainment has adapted its vocal strategies by maintaining a high vocal standard while also reflecting current industry trends. This is seen in the evolution from the harmonious unity of SNSD to the individuality-focused approach of aespa.

What is the video's conclusion about the 'SM signature high vocal standard'?

The video concludes that the 'SM signature high vocal standard' is still present in their groups, as evidenced by the competent and capable vocalists in groups like SNSD, Red Velvet, and aespa. However, the approach to achieving this standard has evolved over time.

How does the video address the potential loss of SM's signature vocal quality?

The video addresses the potential loss of SM's signature vocal quality by arguing that while some elements have changed, the core commitment to high vocal standards remains. It suggests that SM has managed to adapt to industry trends without completely losing what makes their idols special.