Always loved def leppard such a great band a killer band Joe Elliott was great he has his own unique style in his voice photograph one of their best songs def leppard rocks they had a lot of great songs and great albums love bites is one of my favorite songs I loved the rasp Joe Elliott had in his vocals your right his vocals are pretty stinking good it rocks def leppard rocks Joe Elliott rocks long live the leppard🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
I read or heard Ann Wilson from the band Heart talk about consciously recording the vocals on their first album in the middle of her vocal range so she wouldn't have trouble singing those songs later in life. Thinking that far ahead was brilliant. She can still hit those notes to this day with little effort. She is frequently out of breath because of her weight issues but she's still got the pipes...
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Elliot after a concert in 1999. I still remember the conversation like it was yesterday. I said one of the things I slways admired about their sound was the backing vocals, they were so melodic. I asked him if he was in a band just starting out today and you wanted to capture the best vocals without breaking the bank what would you recommend? His eyes lit up and replied "Oh! Fostex digital mate!" For the next 15 minutes we had the coolest conversation about song writing and recording. He talked to me like I was his new best friend. Great memory!
You have my utmost envy! Big Leppard fan here and Joe always came across in his interviews as a true fan of what he does, as well as a MAJOR fan of his influences. So I told myself that if I ever bumped into him after a show, I'd have to ask him about the vocal process, cause the only bands that came close, to me, in order, was Sweet first, then Queen. I would ask him how the hell Leppard managed to take it two steps above the next level, then I'd shut up and listen and learn from a true fan....but you kinda beat me to it!!!
After Adrenalize, Joe kind of got away from the screaming vocal. There are a few exceptions. When you hear him live from 1996 forwards, he can struggle with songs like Photograph. He said it’s becoming difficult year after year.
Def leppard have one of best harmonies in rock, back in black was Brian Johnson, joe elliot pauses more between his words than i think you show, quality vid though.
I never noticed how the bgv's have sort of a church choir sound. There is nothing wrong with an expert pointing out techniques and possible mistakes or possible improvements to a performance.
Puzzled by this one though: The original track of this song does not have "I gotta have you" leading into the first chorus but it's sung here. Why is that?
As a 12 year old boy when this came out, I can tell you that nothing sounded like this at the time. Photograph captured exactly how cool this band was at the time. And, I might add that to this day, I think Pyromania was by far my favorite compared to Hysteria.
Too late for love was the track on pyro that set itself above the rest....for me. It was their best song imo and if it was on high n dry, that would have been the perfect album.
I hate to admit this, but when I was a young kid and this album came out I stole the cassette tape from K-Mart and played it endlessly. Thankfully my thief days were very very brief as I was afraid of getting caught, but what a fantastic and powerful album start to finish. Thank you Ken and God bless.
To me I think Def Leppard really defined what 80's rock sounded like. Also, after 44 years making records and playing hundreds of live shows Joe still sounds amazing at 62 years old! Great analysis Ken, please make more with Hysteria album!
Def Leppard was one of the greatest Rock/Heavy Metal bands of all time, with great songwriting, vocals, and production. I always hate it when people lump them in as a "hair band". They were so much more than that. I've always thought that the way you tell if a band is good is if they are good live. Def Leppard is superb in concert.
Joe did an interview a while back and said that Mutt guided him to make his voice more appealing to the female audience. This song sounds like the segway to the sex appeal of the Hysteria album.
It worked ! They might have lost the admiration of the hair metal purists, but man look at all the millions of people they made so very happy...kudos to Mutt to know exactly what was the essence and true quality elements of the band and bring that to the forefront
They were a straight up gritty hard Rock head banger band. Listen to "Wasted" from On through the Night, Right ? Then fwd to "Switch 625". Mutt basically told them " You want to go from dudes bringing their rocker GFs, to Rah Rah GFs gushing & going in packs & throwing panties onstage & making gazillions, I'll show you how. Also cue Phil Collen & Vivian Campbell. Phil is a true axe slinger who didn't ditch his shirt for guys, & Vivian is a great guitarist. But Steve Clark & Pete Willis were a raw powerhouse pair together. RIP Steve Steamin Clark.
Ken, don't apologize, feel bad or walk on egg shells for calling out bad technique. Everyone knows you have the best intentions trying to help young singers not make the same mistakes. Your honesty and knowledge is what sets you apart from others. Keep it up!
Ive learned more about vocals from Ken than--ANYWHERE ELSE!! No Apology necessary to the one million subscriber, right?:) They do have an AC/DC vibe for sure, one of the reasons I liked them, guitar for sure using the AC/DC formula..
It goes to show tho, in rock music especially, a "bad technique" can be worked & fittted into a performance just the way it needs to be and make a #1 song.
Bon Scott didn’t do vocals for Back in Black, that’s Brian Johnson. Bon Scott did vocals on Highway to Hell, and he was lower in his chest with his mix than Brian J. A similar style, yet so different.
The harmonies in this song are so angelic. The harmonies are what hooked me as a kid. The imperfections are what made this song so special. It was gritty, raw, sexy, emotional, etc.. one of the best songs ever written.
THEY USED A FAIRLIGHT FOR THE BACKING VOCALS .LISTEN TO THE PHOTOGRAPH PARTS ... ITS A COMPUTER .JOE HAS A MUSICAL SIREN IN HIS THROAT ... HE'S A ONE IN A BILLION TALENT .
@@mollyhatchet7075That's not the case. The backing vocals were recorded by Phil Collen, Rick Savage, and Robert John (Mutt) Lange. They didn't want Joe Elliott's voice in the harmonies to make sure they were distinct from the lead. They were recorded as a four part harmony, with each singer recording 3-4 takes (using no vibrato) and stacking all of the vocals together. This meant that there were over a dozen voices in the harmonies, which creates the same effect as a choir, reducing discrepancies in pitch from any one voice. Mutt Lange also added several tracks of whisper vocals to give the high end a boost and add a bit of hissy distortion. All vocals were recorded using a U67 tube microphone, straight into the board. This was recorded on tape so there was no pitch correction or computer assistance involved. In fact, the entire song is about a quarter-step flat. Once all vocals were recorded, he ran them through a modified noise reducer and a compressor, then piled them all onto one track on the master tape. That's what gives the harmonies the buzzy but still impossibly clean sound that makes them seem almost artificial.
@@adamhester7294 ... hi. Brilliant answer. Are you sure 4 part harmonies were used? I have worked out: 1. Root note vocal line. 2. 3rd harmony up of the root vocal line. 3. 8th vocal line (which is the higher octave of the root vocal line). What do you think?
This was mind blowing to me. Thank you Ken. As a teen I tried so hard to hit those notes with my chest voice without success because I had no training. However, I could hit them with my head voice. I felt like a failure for not being able to hit them with my chest voice. I loved Def Leppard as a teen and our band was always covering their songs during our rehearsals. All of us being 15 to 16 years old, the guys I would sing with were amazing musicians and I always felt like I let them down. At 48, this is rather encouraging and therapeutic. Sincerely, thank you for this. Very educational and encouraging.
We can all let go of the trauma of not being Joe Elliot. It’s a bit like a secret that was known by nobody at the time, mixed voice as the centering of the entire vocal range. We need chest and head, but mix takes us to Chris Cornell, and pretty every other healthy great vocalist.
On the first album Elliot was not sounding like he was influenced by Scott/Johnson but more Plant influenced in a lower range……from the second album on it sounded like he was shredding his vocal cords
Love leppard, so this album had rock of ages and I think the album was 83 or 84 The first album was on through the night which did ok here in England but better in America and they were acused of selling out by the British papers the vocals are quite raw on that album it would be cool to see you thoughts on how his voice changed through the albums Second album high and dry same story had bigger hits like bringin on the heartbreak and let it go which I think was the one you were thinking of and the master Steve Clark’s instrumental switch 625 Then this was the third album pyromania which did a lot better Then Armageddon it was hysteria which was obviously their biggest success Loved the video as always 🤟🤟
My favorite DL song? I like so many of them, it's tough to pick. I've rediscovered "Armageddon It" lately. It's so damn hooky ... the middle 8 on that song just slays!
@@виталийлео-ф2ы Yes "Hysteria" also great. I like that song because technically it's a ballad, but it's not a cheesy ballad. And it's *so* well written. That's what I think separates DL from their peers (songcraft). ✌
Fantastic. Probably my favorite of your videos. Great comparison to AC/DC & Mutt Lange’s touch. Always loved Def Leppard. My first cassette ever was On Through The Night. Saw them a really long time ago & Joe was all business. Great analysis! Never realized how high Joe’s register was. The more of your analysis the better! Fantastic!
High 'n' Dry (1981) featured the AOR hit single "Bringin' On the Heartbreak". Pyromania followed in 1983. Great video, Ken. This is the one I've been waiting for. You're awesome.
He is special, he sounds amazing, always has he has a magical touch about him he gets better and better, he is the most beautiful and handsome man that I have ever laid my eyes on ! He simply sounds amazing! I hope he is able to read these reviews. Glad you were able to meet him Crystal, it’s been my dream to be able to meet him as well one day. ♥️
Imagine being a 20 something Joe Elliott and hearing the playback of this song for the first time....had to be some kind of revelation of possibilities...totally enabled the confidence they would all need before Hysteria ❤
Interesting, the background vocals sound off stripped down and low in the mix sounds like Joe Elliot had a mountain of vocals cool analysis Ken as usual Joe Elliot had so much emotion and passion in his sound and powerful vocals in that style you don't care about him being off a bit in pitch
An American trying to breakdown a British accent from Sheffield 😂😂 the UK has so many dialects, that's just the way Joes accent comes across when he sings, it's a northern accent.
Great video. To be honest they kind of lost me with Hysteria. I liked the harder, more raw songs, like High and Dry, Let it go, and some of the songs on the Photograph album.
I love Def Leppard and had a huge crush on Joe back in the day. I remember there being a movie about how Mutt produced them. I saw them live a few times and they were great! I love these break down videos on the isolation of vocals too!
I also had a huge crush on Joe way back when. He was actually probably one of my very first musical crushes, and even today his voice still gives me all the good kind of goosebumps. 💜
Great break down, Joe's voice is so raw young and full of energy! It gives me chills Everytime I hear it. It makes me weep for what we have lost and for what kids today will never know. The power of good music and a good voice can change a young kids life. Unfortunately that power does not exist anymore. Technology has it made so that having no talent is no longer an obstacle to becoming a star. So now you just have noise being made by talentless fools. No originality no innovation just garbage for simple minds made by talentless simple people. How tragic to see what has become of music in this day and age.
Despite the scooping, And the wall of sound I think the style fits the song perfectly. Joe Elliot is the undisputed master of sounding like Joe Elliot.
I think it’s a great exercise to try to analyze and even impersonate great vocalists. It’s good that you are warning people about how our wrong impressions of what’s being done can lead to vocal harm. Question. Do you think that most of the damage this generation of vocalists did to there voices came from grueling schedules, bad venues, abuse of the body and mind? Is injury just a random thing? Vocalists are athletes, there is a risk of injury in some of these things all the time?
Btw, I’m eventually going to do a TH-cam series on vocal pedagogy that tries to highlight the differences and similarities in the leading online coaches. You guys have definitely convinced me that most people can learn to sing beautifully. What an untapped source of blessing in our lives! A way to bring comfort, to worship.
Can you give me a short explanation of "scooping"? I know it might be rudimentary, but I truly don't know what it exactly means (something to do with midrange?)
Kara Brian definitely nailed the Back in Black Album !!! But I have always imagined how incredible the album & tour would have been had Bon not succumbed to his demons. His vocal delivery & that Court Jester Swagger defined early AC/DC before Angus really took his chops to the next level. Listen to "Dog eat Dog". Cheers 🍹🎸🎶
Joe Elliott is my hero, maybe because I was approaching some notes with simillar techniques (maybe because I wanted to sound like him). But after longer singing my throat was destroyed. It was very hard for me to be on pitch and to sing soft and clean. Few weeks ago I’ve finnaly “found my voice”, approaching notes is much easier when I don’t mimic Joe’s colour, I just sound as me, compression and distortion control is much better and finally (!!!) I go through my passagios with no bump when I sing (not practicing). I can finally apply what I’ve learned in Volume 3 of KTVA 2.0. Thank you Ken!
Saw them live in 1988. I wished they had of done more songs from the "High n Dry" album. I think they only performed "Bringin on the Heartbreak". It was still a great concert!
Alot of us that were teens gave up on singing when we tried to sing def lep, because we didn't know it was layered and chorused . We just thought we sucked.
Joe Elliot is one of the few vocalist that has lost nothing he still nails every song just as good if not better than he did back in the day Steve Tyler Steve Perry just to name a few that are in the still sound good now as they did back then class
What I want to hear on a set list is Breathe A Sigh, as well as some of the new stuff! Joe can belt it out! He has what it takes! The older he gets the better he looks 🔥💋 what more can I say I have the all OUT HOTS FOR HIM! In a bad kind of way ! 🫦!
@@kentamplin That would be good. I went to his Vocal Coach Elizabeth Sabine because of Michael Sweet. Axl went a couple times to her but Jizzy from Love/Hate was a star pupil too. Her best advice/break thru for me was "Say something to me in this room. Now how would you tell it to me down the block." That is how I found my Head Tone range.
I grew up watching MTV and the first track I was introduced to by Def Leppard was "Bringin' on the Heartbreak", which yes, was from their second album High 'n' Dry. And after I saw saw "High 'n Dry (Saturday Night)". I was hooked. And I'm a New wave "nut job" LOL Love me some Lepp. But that's the problem with intonation right? It's not sexy, and doesn't work for the mood/style.
I'd like to add a side note to what the band and MUTT were doing and going through to get this album the way it sounds.... every band member has stated many times, in different interviews, how GRUELING and arduous the vocals were on Joe. Joe was truly a kid, like them all at the time. But Mutt would have Joe sing and re-sing lines and songs so much, all the while Mutt was pushing Joe to develop his range and voice more. Joe would just absolutely fatigue his voice to the point of not being able to sing till he had some vocal rest. This went on for months and months to get what Mutt knew they needed. Joe was so frustrated and defeated at one point that he went next door, to where Coverdale was recording, and watched him do a complete song in almost one take. Seeing this really defeated Joe mentally at the time, to the point where he drank so much he passed out in Coverdale's control room. So I can only imagine that there would be vocal inconsistencies here and there, even on the record... love the channel Ken keep 'em coming!
My fav Def Leppard song. Impressive mixing. I was 13 when it came out and blows my mind every time I listen to it. BTW, Pyromania sold more than Michael Jackson’s Thriller at that time. Total respect 👊🏻
Rock of Ages is on Pyromania as is Photograph . 1983 , don't mean to be snob I'm just a huge fan of Def Leppard. Especially this era. Funny story I didn't know that's how he warmed up but I've done this my entire band career right after doing traditional vocal eases .
Mutt Lange also produced Foreigner 4 in 1980. Lou Graham said in an interview that Mutt Lange wanted Lou Graham to sing in a higher pitch. But Lou Graham told Mutt Lange that he doesn’t sing like that. I guess Mutt Lange liked the higher pitched voices.
Hi Ken, thank you so much for that lesson! I am a singer and guitarist in a coverband and was about to to drop Photograph in B, as I wasn't able to take all the high notes. But Photograph in Drop B sucks, no punch anymore. I always thought, I have to use my chest voice to sing "truely". You taught me I don't have to - and it now works, dropped to D. Opens up whole new world for me, so great I saw your video. Works as well with Accept covers. You are the man, thank you!
Loved the early Leppard stuff up to and including Hysteria. That had great backing vocals too. I was worried isolated Joe wouldn't sound as good but he was younger then. Great stuff, he was a great rock singer bitd. Interesting analysis Ken for the non professionals, like me !
Love these analyses I'm a big fan of Joe and Def Leppard. I remember when they released Hysteria and hearing the misadventures they'd had including their drummer losing an arm. . Another guy who handled the transition from chest to head voice seamlessly was Michael Hutchence; he could be way up in his upper register and you couldn't tell that he was up high. An underrated singer who wasn't just a pretty face.
Ken, you should hear his early vocals from "The Def Leppard EP". You can hear how bad he was. Mutt Lange nearly broke Joe's will singing on Pyromania and Hysteria.
I love the isolated vocal series. Really love this one, and your analysis. Would love to see Quiet Riot. Maybe Metal Health?
3 ปีที่แล้ว +2
I love Def Leppard music, but I never liked Joe Elliott's vocals. It always sounded to me like he is making fun of singing, kinda toying, imitating crying baby. God bless TH-cam so we can always find high-quality Covers.
This has been very enlightening. I've always suspected he sang this way. I've always been a fan of his voice. It never made a lot of sense to me how his voice changed so much after the first record. I always knew Mutt had something to do with it. What I'm wondering is, does your natural speaking voice have anything to do with the amount of power you get with your headvoice? Joe's speaking voice is deeper than mine. I get that power and support more in a higher range but it's frustrating not being able to get it in those mid rages like " i see your face every time I dream"
I'm really diggin your Vocal Instruction with Joe Elliot's vocal trax. That record really stood out among all other records stamped during that time. I'm a big fan of Def Leppard and like playing all the guitar riffs and solos. Chicago 17 was also an amazing record, David Foster was the Producer. Bon Scott Didn't sing Back in Black. He already crossed the rainbow bridge when that record came out. Brian Johnson sang on Back in Black. Bon Scott sang on Mutt's produced Highway to Hell. Highway to Hell, Back in Black and Pyromania were both Mutt Lang records. Also High and Dry was and amazing record! I'm liking your videos, I'm a fan of Joel Hoekstra. I would like to learn how to sing better too!! Keep up the good work!!
Def Leppard rules. But you are so correct I do sweep in some of my stuff. Since I’m taking your class I know I’ll get much better. My screaming is powerful and spot on but I know my vocals will improve tremendously with your class. I’m building myself up to hopefully get to your studio there in Flagstaff. I shall be there soon Dangit. 🎶🎤🤘
I just re-watched your version, which was great, i can see by the way you did it, you can sing that song night after night and keep and maintain vocal chord health for the long run of a career, thanks Ken!
I remember buying this album on vinyl back in '83 and asking my dad to transfer it onto cassette for me to listen on my walkman. He was showing me the levels on his EQ (badass system for the time haha) and saying that it wasn't a great recording cuz they weren't hitting the full range. He then played Fleetwood Mac and showed me the difference. I had never really thought about that before, but I think what Ken was describing as the "tubby" drums pretty much sums it up. Still an awesome album and great song.
I can remember back in the late 80s Joe Elliot was interviewed on Radio 1 UK at the time the DJ was Simon Mayo, as he was starting the interview with Joe, he said we have a very special guest in the studio this morning, and it's the one and only DEF ELLIOT, well Joe picked up on this straight away and said what did you say Simon, it was funny as F***k at the time Ken
Alot of layering, like Enya recorded, she used the same technique, but Joe has got this live, l don't know how, but he has still got a brilliant vocal range on a good day and can bring it live. Unique recognisable voice, many have tried to replicate and failed. Maybe it's living in Ireland helps him 😂.
I think there is an interview or article somewhere lamenting the fact that Mutt had Joe hit that gritty Bon Scott (at a high range)so much that it was too much..
I love Def Leppard but they played Photograph so much in the 80's I can't listen to it or Pour Some Sugar On Me any more. High and Dry still my favorite albulm by them.
Great Review (as always)👍 I wonder you never did a review to the Cult (sun king, soul asylum,...). It would be interesting how you assess the voice of ian astbury
I will say while there is something to be said about perfect pitch to me someone like a Paul Roger's sounds produced and dull, love Bad Company but what I liked about 80s hair metals bands is the raw ness. Great job though Ken love your insight. Much love for you.
Im gonna get pelters for this but Ill caveat by saying Im English and a Def leppard fan ...but Joe is not a great singer , he even admitted that in more than one interview and made up for it in strength and enthusiasm . Ive seen them live a few times and he was way off key, acoustics....maybe,...but the clincher was the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert where he just sounded horrible.
![ได้เวลา! พาน้องแฝดฉีดวัคซีนครบ 1 เดือน🫣 [cc] แดนแพทตี้ SS2 | EP.52 |](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IzeLtaXBLNE/mqdefault.jpg)
I listened to Def Leppard for every one of my cancer treatments🌸🙏🌸
I hope you are well now 🙏🏼
To me this is one of their best songs…if not the best! Love this song!
Always loved def leppard such a great band a killer band Joe Elliott was great he has his own unique style in his voice photograph one of their best songs def leppard rocks they had a lot of great songs and great albums love bites is one of my favorite songs I loved the rasp Joe Elliott had in his vocals your right his vocals are pretty stinking good it rocks def leppard rocks Joe Elliott rocks long live the leppard🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
I read or heard Ann Wilson from the band Heart talk about consciously recording the vocals on their first album in the middle of her vocal range so she wouldn't have trouble singing those songs later in life. Thinking that far ahead was brilliant. She can still hit those notes to this day with little effort. She is frequently out of breath because of her weight issues but she's still got the pipes...
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Elliot after a concert in 1999. I still remember the conversation like it was yesterday. I said one of the things I slways admired about their sound was the backing vocals, they were so melodic. I asked him if he was in a band just starting out today and you wanted to capture the best vocals without breaking the bank what would you recommend? His eyes lit up and replied "Oh! Fostex digital mate!" For the next 15 minutes we had the coolest conversation about song writing and recording. He talked to me like I was his new best friend. Great memory!
Omg that’s my dream!
You have my utmost envy! Big Leppard fan here and Joe always came across in his interviews as a true fan of what he does, as well as a MAJOR fan of his influences. So I told myself that if I ever bumped into him after a show, I'd have to ask him about the vocal process, cause the only bands that came close, to me, in order, was Sweet first, then Queen. I would ask him how the hell Leppard managed to take it two steps above the next level, then I'd shut up and listen and learn from a true fan....but you kinda beat me to it!!!
That is truly awesome! ❤️🎼❤️
👏👏👏 lucky You! 🤍
Wow I’m jealous 🙂
This chorus hits hard asf! Those bkg vocals... Dayum!
I love def leppard so much, I've been enjoying all your videos. Glad I found your channel.
That album! Man! Forgot how good that sounds!
I know that that kind of voice is being studied because of your help.👃💪🤩
I admit guilt free i still wear the shredded jeans😘
i still do too , and always will ;)
Great video. I love these guys. I’ve seen them about 5 times and they were awesome. Also, could you do this to Daughtry?
After Adrenalize, Joe kind of got away from the screaming vocal. There are a few exceptions. When you hear him live from 1996 forwards, he can struggle with songs like Photograph. He said it’s becoming difficult year after year.
Love this song! And which video program you're using?
Nelly xx :)
Def leppard have one of best harmonies in rock, back in black was Brian Johnson, joe elliot pauses more between his words than i think you show, quality vid though.
Yeah, but my goodness, The harmony is still there!!!
Question. What effect is being used for Joe's voice and the instruments. It almost had a synthesize sound.
I never noticed how the bgv's have sort of a church choir sound. There is nothing wrong with an expert pointing out techniques and possible mistakes or possible improvements to a performance.
Puzzled by this one though: The original track of this song does not have "I gotta have you" leading into the first chorus but it's sung here. Why is that?
Was the compressor making the vocal that big?
Would you be interested in doing a pop vocal? Simon LeBon, how has he kept his voice for decades?
As a 12 year old boy when this came out, I can tell you that nothing sounded like this at the time. Photograph captured exactly how cool this band was at the time. And, I might add that to this day, I think Pyromania was by far my favorite compared to Hysteria.
Agreed Pyromania is a classic !
Agreed! It Was So Massive And Brilliant. That Old 80`s Feeling When Yer Wait`in For The Next Tune On The Radio..And Its "Photograph" Incredible
I was 13 and even bought a British flag shirt like Rick Allen's shorts. Lol
Right on. Def Leppard hit the consciousness of adolescent boys with ‘Foolin’ in like 82. They were the blueprint from which hair metal was born.
Too late for love was the track on pyro that set itself above the rest....for me. It was their best song imo and if it was on high n dry, that would have been the perfect album.
I hate to admit this, but when I was a young kid and this album came out I stole the cassette tape from K-Mart and played it endlessly. Thankfully my thief days were very very brief as I was afraid of getting caught, but what a fantastic and powerful album start to finish. Thank you Ken and God bless.
To me I think Def Leppard really defined what 80's rock sounded like. Also, after 44 years making records and playing hundreds of live shows Joe still sounds amazing at 62 years old! Great analysis Ken, please make more with Hysteria album!
Bon Scott didnt sing Back in Black😎
Mutt Lange production techniques. The gift that keeps on giving. No matter how many times you go back to his well, it will be just as full as ever.
Def Leppard was one of the greatest Rock/Heavy Metal bands of all time, with great songwriting, vocals, and production. I always hate it when people lump them in as a "hair band". They were so much more than that. I've always thought that the way you tell if a band is good is if they are good live. Def Leppard is superb in concert.
Agreed, but they did end up being the blueprint for hair metal.
Not to nit pick, or be that dick, but I can't help it...Bon Scott didn't sing Back In Black. That was Brian Johnson
Joe did an interview a while back and said that Mutt guided him to make his voice more appealing to the female audience. This song sounds like the segway to the sex appeal of the Hysteria album.
It worked ! They might have lost the admiration of the hair metal purists, but man look at all the millions of people they made so very happy...kudos to Mutt to know exactly what was the essence and true quality elements of the band and bring that to the forefront
They were a straight up gritty hard Rock head banger band. Listen to "Wasted" from On through the Night, Right ? Then fwd to "Switch 625". Mutt basically told them " You want to go from dudes bringing their rocker GFs, to Rah Rah GFs gushing & going in packs & throwing panties onstage & making gazillions, I'll show you how. Also cue Phil Collen & Vivian Campbell. Phil is a true axe slinger who didn't ditch his shirt for guys, & Vivian is a great guitarist. But Steve Clark & Pete Willis were a raw powerhouse pair together. RIP Steve Steamin Clark.
Ken, don't apologize, feel bad or walk on egg shells for calling out bad technique. Everyone knows you have the best intentions trying to help young singers not make the same mistakes. Your honesty and knowledge is what sets you apart from others. Keep it up!
Ive learned more about vocals from Ken than--ANYWHERE ELSE!! No Apology necessary to the one million subscriber, right?:) They do have an AC/DC vibe for sure, one of the reasons I liked them, guitar for sure using the AC/DC formula..
It goes to show tho, in rock music especially, a "bad technique" can be worked & fittted into a performance just the way it needs to be and make a #1 song.
Bon Scott didn’t do vocals for Back in Black, that’s Brian Johnson.
Bon Scott did vocals on Highway to Hell, and he was lower in his chest with his mix than Brian J.
A similar style, yet so different.
The harmonies in this song are so angelic. The harmonies are what hooked me as a kid. The imperfections are what made this song so special. It was gritty, raw, sexy, emotional, etc.. one of the best songs ever written.
THEY USED A FAIRLIGHT FOR THE BACKING VOCALS .LISTEN TO THE PHOTOGRAPH PARTS ... ITS A COMPUTER .JOE HAS A MUSICAL SIREN IN HIS THROAT ... HE'S A ONE IN A BILLION TALENT .
@@mollyhatchet7075That's not the case. The backing vocals were recorded by Phil Collen, Rick Savage, and Robert John (Mutt) Lange. They didn't want Joe Elliott's voice in the harmonies to make sure they were distinct from the lead. They were recorded as a four part harmony, with each singer recording 3-4 takes (using no vibrato) and stacking all of the vocals together. This meant that there were over a dozen voices in the harmonies, which creates the same effect as a choir, reducing discrepancies in pitch from any one voice. Mutt Lange also added several tracks of whisper vocals to give the high end a boost and add a bit of hissy distortion. All vocals were recorded using a U67 tube microphone, straight into the board. This was recorded on tape so there was no pitch correction or computer assistance involved. In fact, the entire song is about a quarter-step flat. Once all vocals were recorded, he ran them through a modified noise reducer and a compressor, then piled them all onto one track on the master tape. That's what gives the harmonies the buzzy but still impossibly clean sound that makes them seem almost artificial.
@@adamhester7294 ... hi. Brilliant answer. Are you sure 4 part harmonies were used? I have worked out:
1. Root note vocal line.
2. 3rd harmony up of the root vocal line.
3. 8th vocal line (which is the higher octave of the root vocal line).
What do you think?
I think you meant Brian Johnson not Bon Scott for Back in Black 👍😎
👍
Great video though!
This was mind blowing to me. Thank you Ken. As a teen I tried so hard to hit those notes with my chest voice without success because I had no training. However, I could hit them with my head voice. I felt like a failure for not being able to hit them with my chest voice. I loved Def Leppard as a teen and our band was always covering their songs during our rehearsals. All of us being 15 to 16 years old, the guys I would sing with were amazing musicians and I always felt like I let them down. At 48, this is rather encouraging and therapeutic. Sincerely, thank you for this. Very educational and encouraging.
Yes sir Chris, I couldn't agree more! Well said ! .. you didn't let anyone down, covering Joe!
We can all let go of the trauma of not being Joe Elliot. It’s a bit like a secret that was known by nobody at the time, mixed voice as the centering of the entire vocal range. We need chest and head, but mix takes us to Chris Cornell, and pretty every other healthy great vocalist.
Very cool to see this. Joe's voice is so unique and your breakdown and explanation of his head and chest voice is phenomenal. Kudos!
On the first album Elliot was not sounding like he was influenced by Scott/Johnson but more Plant influenced in a lower range……from the second album on it sounded like he was shredding his vocal cords
I think in Bringin on the heartbreak you can hear that change of style beyond the first album and High and Dry
Love leppard, so this album had rock of ages and I think the album was 83 or 84
The first album was on through the night which did ok here in England but better in America and they were acused of selling out by the British papers the vocals are quite raw on that album it would be cool to see you thoughts on how his voice changed through the albums
Second album high and dry same story had bigger hits like bringin on the heartbreak and let it go which I think was the one you were thinking of and the master Steve Clark’s instrumental switch 625
Then this was the third album pyromania which did a lot better
Then Armageddon it was hysteria which was obviously their biggest success
Loved the video as always 🤟🤟
I think "Love Bites" is their best song..The vocals are so awesome..
Great song.
My favorite DL song? I like so many of them, it's tough to pick. I've rediscovered "Armageddon It" lately. It's so damn hooky ... the middle 8 on that song just slays!
I think "Hysteria"
In vocals yes but I think songs like Billy's got a gun or Die Hard the Hunter are better but for me every song of Def Leppard is amazing
@@виталийлео-ф2ы Yes "Hysteria" also great. I like that song because technically it's a ballad, but it's not a cheesy ballad. And it's *so* well written. That's what I think separates DL from their peers (songcraft). ✌
Fantastic. Probably my favorite of your videos. Great comparison to AC/DC & Mutt Lange’s touch. Always loved Def Leppard. My first cassette ever was On Through The Night. Saw them a really long time ago & Joe was all business. Great analysis! Never realized how high Joe’s register was. The more of your analysis the better! Fantastic!
High 'n' Dry (1981) featured the AOR hit single "Bringin' On the Heartbreak". Pyromania followed in 1983.
Great video, Ken. This is the one I've been waiting for. You're awesome.
I think that is my favroite Def Leppard song *;)
You forgot On through the Night which was first.
@@iamperplexed4695 you beat me to it with this reply!
My favorite De f Leppard song!!
I never noticed how amazing those harmonies sound.
The Def Leppard dudes sound great harmonizing!!
He is special, he sounds amazing, always has he has a magical touch about him he gets better and better, he is the most beautiful and handsome man that I have ever laid my eyes on ! He simply sounds amazing! I hope he is able to read these reviews. Glad you were able to meet him Crystal, it’s been my dream to be able to meet him as well one day. ♥️
Imagine being a 20 something Joe Elliott and hearing the playback of this song for the first time....had to be some kind of revelation of possibilities...totally enabled the confidence they would all need before Hysteria ❤
"Mutt Lange could make a fart sound good", OMG, I am still laughing! Another great video Ken, Thank you for making these!!
Haha you bet!
Interesting, the background vocals sound off stripped down and low in the mix sounds like Joe Elliot had a mountain of vocals cool analysis Ken as usual Joe Elliot had so much emotion and passion in his sound and powerful vocals in that style you don't care about him being off a bit in pitch
Was lucky enough to grow up in Europe when that album came out and saw them live on that tour as a teenage boy. The 80's rule!!
An American trying to breakdown a British accent from Sheffield 😂😂 the UK has so many dialects, that's just the way Joes accent comes across when he sings, it's a northern accent.
When I first heard this song, his vocals and the melody of the song went where I didn't think music could ever sound like. It was very captivating.
Great video. To be honest they kind of lost me with Hysteria. I liked the harder, more raw songs, like High and Dry, Let it go, and some of the songs on the Photograph album.
Thanks for weighing in!
Same here Bro!! Lady Strange is great too! And ty for explaining Dipthong/Scooping...needed to learn that.
Did you ever listen to Paper Sun? It's a tribute song about the Omagh bombing in Northern Ireland. Great tune.
Def Leppard is one those bands that will blow you away live. It's just incredible how good they are in concert.
I love Def Leppard and had a huge crush on Joe back in the day. I remember there being a movie about how Mutt produced them. I saw them live a few times and they were great! I love these break down videos on the isolation of vocals too!
I also had a huge crush on Joe way back when. He was actually probably one of my very first musical crushes, and even today his voice still gives me all the good kind of goosebumps. 💜
Awesome to hear Joe's isolated vox. His voice is unmistakeably killer!
High n' Dry is my favorite album. Let It Go, is my favorite DL Song. Great analysis Ken, Thank you.
Thanks, Rhoads!
Great break down, Joe's voice is so raw young and full of energy! It gives me chills Everytime I hear it. It makes me weep for what we have lost and for what kids today will never know. The power of good music and a good voice can change a young kids life. Unfortunately that power does not exist anymore. Technology has it made so that having no talent is no longer an obstacle to becoming a star. So now you just have noise being made by talentless fools. No originality no innovation just garbage for simple minds made by talentless simple people. How tragic to see what has become of music in this day and age.
I couldn’t agree more
Despite the scooping, And the wall of sound I think the style fits the song perfectly. Joe Elliot is the undisputed master of sounding like Joe Elliot.
Yes, Larry. No one sings more like Joe Elliott that JOE ELLIOTT! ☺
I think it’s a great exercise to try to analyze and even impersonate great vocalists. It’s good that you are warning people about how our wrong impressions of what’s being done can lead to vocal harm. Question. Do you think that most of the damage this generation of vocalists did to there voices came from grueling schedules, bad venues, abuse of the body and mind? Is injury just a random thing? Vocalists are athletes, there is a risk of injury in some of these things all the time?
Btw, I’m eventually going to do a TH-cam series on vocal pedagogy that tries to highlight the differences and similarities in the leading online coaches. You guys have definitely convinced me that most people can learn to sing beautifully. What an untapped source of blessing in our lives! A way to bring comfort, to worship.
Can you give me a short explanation of "scooping"? I know it might be rudimentary, but I truly don't know what it exactly means (something to do with midrange?)
Bon Scott never sang Back in Black. Brian Johnson. Also Rock of Ages was on this Pyromania LP.
Thanks for clearing that up, Kara!
@@kentamplin Armageddon It was on Hysteria
Kara Brian definitely nailed the Back in Black Album !!! But I have always imagined how incredible the album & tour would have been had Bon not succumbed to his demons. His vocal delivery & that Court Jester Swagger defined early AC/DC before Angus really took his chops to the next level. Listen to "Dog eat Dog". Cheers 🍹🎸🎶
Thanks!
Background vocals are big but limited to like a synth chord..?? big, but limited body??
This is a good explanation why this chorus always sounds weak live. Saw them twice.
You look Amazing in that DL shirt.
Ken doesn’t just talk it, he’s lived it!
I appreciate that, Max!
Joe Elliott is my hero, maybe because I was approaching some notes with simillar techniques (maybe because I wanted to sound like him). But after longer singing my throat was destroyed. It was very hard for me to be on pitch and to sing soft and clean. Few weeks ago I’ve finnaly “found my voice”, approaching notes is much easier when I don’t mimic Joe’s colour, I just sound as me, compression and distortion control is much better and finally (!!!) I go through my passagios with no bump when I sing (not practicing). I can finally apply what I’ve learned in Volume 3 of KTVA 2.0. Thank you Ken!
Congrats!
Saw them live in 1988. I wished they had of done more songs from the "High n Dry" album. I think they only performed "Bringin on the Heartbreak". It was still a great concert!
I know this is about Joe but I gotta tell ya, I got chills when that chorus hit with those harmonies!!
Alot of us that were teens gave up on singing when we tried to sing def lep, because we didn't know it was layered and chorused . We just thought we sucked.
High n Dry to me is their BEST ALBUM
Joe Elliot is one of the few vocalist that has lost nothing he still nails every song just as good if not better than he did back in the day
Steve Tyler Steve Perry just to name a few that are in the still sound good now as they did back then class
What I want to hear on a set list is Breathe A Sigh, as well as some of the new stuff! Joe can belt it out! He has what it takes! The older he gets the better he looks 🔥💋 what more can I say I have the all OUT HOTS FOR HIM! In a bad kind of way ! 🫦!
Yeah we go to all Defs tours when they are at home and he always sounds clear and sharp, his voice doesn't seem to age.
I hope someday, you'll do Michael Sweet. Love his voice, great voice. But curious if you'd say it's feminine and light. Great analysis as always.
👍
I second that. That would be a good one. A must watch.
@@kentamplin That would be good. I went to his Vocal Coach Elizabeth Sabine because of Michael Sweet. Axl went a couple times to her but Jizzy from Love/Hate was a star pupil too. Her best advice/break thru for me was "Say something to me in this room. Now how would you tell it to me down the block." That is how I found my Head Tone range.
I grew up watching MTV and the first track I was introduced to by Def Leppard was "Bringin' on the Heartbreak", which yes, was from their second album High 'n' Dry. And after I saw saw "High 'n Dry (Saturday Night)". I was hooked. And I'm a New wave "nut job" LOL Love me some Lepp.
But that's the problem with intonation right? It's not sexy, and doesn't work for the mood/style.
I'd like to add a side note to what the band and MUTT were doing and going through to get this album the way it sounds.... every band member has stated many times, in different interviews, how GRUELING and arduous the vocals were on Joe. Joe was truly a kid, like them all at the time. But Mutt would have Joe sing and re-sing lines and songs so much, all the while Mutt was pushing Joe to develop his range and voice more. Joe would just absolutely fatigue his voice to the point of not being able to sing till he had some vocal rest. This went on for months and months to get what Mutt knew they needed. Joe was so frustrated and defeated at one point that he went next door, to where Coverdale was recording, and watched him do a complete song in almost one take. Seeing this really defeated Joe mentally at the time, to the point where he drank so much he passed out in Coverdale's control room. So I can only imagine that there would be vocal inconsistencies here and there, even on the record... love the channel Ken keep 'em coming!
My fav Def Leppard song. Impressive mixing.
I was 13 when it came out and blows my mind every time I listen to it.
BTW, Pyromania sold more than Michael Jackson’s Thriller at that time. Total respect 👊🏻
Rock of Ages is on Pyromania as is Photograph . 1983 , don't mean to be snob I'm just a huge fan of Def Leppard. Especially this era. Funny story I didn't know that's how he warmed up but I've done this my entire band career right after doing traditional vocal eases .
Ken, please do a analysis of David Coverdale and Paul Rodgers
Mutt Lange also produced Foreigner 4 in 1980. Lou Graham said in an interview that Mutt Lange wanted Lou Graham to sing in a higher pitch. But Lou Graham told Mutt Lange that he doesn’t sing like that. I guess Mutt Lange liked the higher pitched voices.
Ken, you're right. This was released in 1983, and is off their 3rd album, Pyromania, which also included Rock of Ages, Foolin', and Too Late For Love.
Hi Ken, thank you so much for that lesson! I am a singer and guitarist in a coverband and was about to to drop Photograph in B, as I wasn't able to take all the high notes. But Photograph in Drop B sucks, no punch anymore. I always thought, I have to use my chest voice to sing "truely". You taught me I don't have to - and it now works, dropped to D. Opens up whole new world for me, so great I saw your video. Works as well with Accept covers. You are the man, thank you!
Loved the early Leppard stuff up to and including Hysteria. That had great backing vocals too. I was worried isolated Joe wouldn't sound as good but he was younger then. Great stuff, he was a great rock singer bitd. Interesting analysis Ken for the non professionals, like me !
Glad you enjoyed it!
who's this guy in the black shirt? Where is Ken and his impressionist shirts?
Just subscribed. I appreciate your honest feedback and opinions. It was very refreshing!
Love these analyses I'm a big fan of Joe and Def Leppard. I remember when they released Hysteria and hearing the misadventures they'd had including their drummer losing an arm.
. Another guy who handled the transition from chest to head voice seamlessly was Michael Hutchence; he could be way up in his upper register and you couldn't tell that he was up high. An underrated singer who wasn't just a pretty face.
Ken, you should hear his early vocals from "The Def Leppard EP". You can hear how bad he was. Mutt Lange nearly broke Joe's will singing on Pyromania and Hysteria.
I love the isolated vocal series. Really love this one, and your analysis.
Would love to see Quiet Riot. Maybe Metal Health?
I love Def Leppard music, but I never liked Joe Elliott's vocals. It always sounded to me like he is making fun of singing, kinda toying, imitating crying baby. God bless TH-cam so we can always find high-quality Covers.
Thanks for weighing in!
This has been very enlightening. I've always suspected he sang this way. I've always been a fan of his voice. It never made a lot of sense to me how his voice changed so much after the first record. I always knew Mutt had something to do with it. What I'm wondering is, does your natural speaking voice have anything to do with the amount of power you get with your headvoice? Joe's speaking voice is deeper than mine. I get that power and support more in a higher range but it's frustrating not being able to get it in those mid rages like " i see your face every time I dream"
Love the series. Your version is superb.❤
Ken, please cover Blackie Lawless from WASP, maybe the best metal voice ever!!!
I'm really diggin your Vocal Instruction with Joe Elliot's vocal trax. That record really stood out among all other records stamped during that time. I'm a big fan of Def Leppard and like playing all the guitar riffs and solos. Chicago 17 was also an amazing record, David Foster was the Producer. Bon Scott Didn't sing Back in Black. He already crossed the rainbow bridge when that record came out. Brian Johnson sang on Back in Black. Bon Scott sang on Mutt's produced Highway to Hell. Highway to Hell, Back in Black and Pyromania were both Mutt Lang records. Also High and Dry was and amazing record! I'm liking your videos, I'm a fan of Joel Hoekstra. I would like to learn how to sing better too!! Keep up the good work!!
Thanks, Todd!
Def Leppard rules. But you are so correct I do sweep in some of my stuff. Since I’m taking your class I know I’ll get much better. My screaming is powerful and spot on but I know my vocals will improve tremendously with your class. I’m building myself up to hopefully get to your studio there in Flagstaff. I shall be there soon Dangit. 🎶🎤🤘
Wasn’t it Brian Johnson that did Back in Black? I don’t believe Bon Scott sang that
I just re-watched your version, which was great, i can see by the way you did it, you can sing that song night after night and keep and maintain vocal chord health for the long run of a career, thanks Ken!
I remember buying this album on vinyl back in '83 and asking my dad to transfer it onto cassette for me to listen on my walkman. He was showing me the levels on his EQ (badass system for the time haha) and saying that it wasn't a great recording cuz they weren't hitting the full range. He then played Fleetwood Mac and showed me the difference. I had never really thought about that before, but I think what Ken was describing as the "tubby" drums pretty much sums it up. Still an awesome album and great song.
I can remember back in the late 80s Joe Elliot was interviewed on Radio 1 UK at the time the DJ was Simon Mayo, as he was starting the interview with Joe, he said we have a very special guest in the studio this morning, and it's the one and only DEF ELLIOT, well Joe picked up on this straight away and said what did you say Simon, it was funny as F***k at the time Ken
Alot of layering, like Enya recorded, she used the same technique, but Joe has got this live, l don't know how, but he has still got a brilliant vocal range on a good day and can bring it live. Unique recognisable voice, many have tried to replicate and failed. Maybe it's living in Ireland helps him 😂.
I think there is an interview or article somewhere lamenting the fact that Mutt had Joe hit that gritty Bon Scott (at a high range)so much that it was too much..
Love the production on def leppard songs , nothing better than a long drive in the car with Hysteria blaring out the speakers.
Definitely!
I love Def Leppard but they played Photograph so much in the 80's I can't listen to it or Pour Some Sugar On Me any more. High and Dry still my favorite albulm by them.
Bon Scott....Back in black...er...OK. Might have been Brian Johnson tho, he having written a lot of it. Product Knowledge.
Great Review (as always)👍 I wonder you never did a review to the Cult (sun king, soul asylum,...). It would be interesting how you assess the voice of ian astbury
I will say while there is something to be said about perfect pitch to me someone like a Paul Roger's sounds produced and dull, love Bad Company but what I liked about 80s hair metals bands is the raw ness. Great job though Ken love your insight. Much love for you.
Boy, for a moment I felt young again:) Thank you!
Im gonna get pelters for this but Ill caveat by saying Im English and a Def leppard fan ...but Joe is not a great singer , he even admitted that in more than one interview and made up for it in strength and enthusiasm . Ive seen them live a few times and he was way off key, acoustics....maybe,...but the clincher was the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert where he just sounded horrible.