Vocal Range and Profile: Liam Payne (One Direction)

Vocal Range: C#2 - C5 - Bb5 (B5)
Vocal Type: Lyric Baritone (3 octaves, 4 notes and a semi-tone)
Vocal Rating: A-List

Positives: Robust, clear lower register that is projected well, often being the bass of harmonies in his group. This area is achieved with great technique and support down to F#2. A highlight of the voice.

Slightly brightening as he ascends, the middle register still maintains ease and displays a warm, masculine tone. Though he gains a slight (pushed) rasp above E4, his voice remains open, projecting well. Unlike the rest of One Direction, Payne has a well-developed mixed voice, allowing him to access a clean, head-dominant C5 belt. 

A light, warm falsetto that Payne has no issues staying in for extended periods. This area possesses a soft vibrato and is reached with ease until around Eb5 when Payne needs more volume to phonate.

Solid understanding of musical phrasing, being considerate to the music by changing vocal colors, texture, and dynamics.

Negatives: The upper extremes of the falsetto are unstable and undeveloped, and the chest register thins considerably as he ascends. Though he mixes at the extremes of his chest voice, the rest of the belting range could use a more even mix.

C#2 - G4 (C#5) - G5

Vocal Range and Profile: Harry Styles (One Direction)

Vocal Range: A2 - A4 - Eb5 

Vocal Type: Baritone (2 octaves, 4 notes)

Vocal Rating: B-List

Positives: A darker voice than most of his band mates. A moderately heavy voice coupled with distinctive vocal styling which comes with vocal drives and a slight edge. Usually opts for a soft head voice as opposed to a lighter falsetto. In contrast, Styles has a dark and husky lower register down to B2. Good rolling vibrato.

Negatives: Most belts are tense and pushed. Signs of damage and subpar technique show in belts starting at F#4. The lower register loses considerable resonance below D3.

B2 - A4 - Eb5 (An A2 is found in "Over Again")

If you have any questions or additions comment below!

Vocal Range and Profile: Zayn Malik (Formerly of One Direction)

Vocal Range: G2 - Eb5 - A5

Vocal Type: Lyric Tenor (3 octaves)

Vocal Rating: A-List

Positives: A voice that has distinctive tone and texture that can separate him from his (former) band members. A smokey texture is present throughout the voice, especially in the middle register. Good phrasing shows greater knowledge of musical ideas and phrase's context within songs. Able to execute melisma quickly, demonstrating control of his passagio. Good dynamic diversity as well.

His lower register though easily the weakest part of his range, is well supported, sounding dark and healthy down to Bb2. His mid-register gains a smokier texture as he ascends, brightening significantly, and showing off his vocal colors more so than other areas. His upper chest voice has been developing a more even mix, showing openness up to B4. Malik can stay in the Tenor tessitura consistently, showing off his incredible ease (Pillowtalk).

A beautiful falsetto with the ability to seamlessly transition from chest to head voice (see You and I). A light vibrato can be heard in this register as well. Malik can project in this register excellently without strain (BeFour and She). 

Negatives: Upper chest notes can sound tense as his mixed voice hasn't fully developed yet, struggling more with closed syllables. His throat and jaw have shown extreme tension while singing. Most notes lack vibrato, or the vibrato is very subtle. His diction has also been unpolished and awkward. Melismas may not be clear.

A2-Eb5-A5

G2 - C5 - G#5

Do you have anything you would like to add? Anything you disagree with? Add a comment below!

American Music Awards - Live Performance Reviews

Katy Perry - Unconditonally: Katy Perry blasted Lady Gaga 3 years ago for using blasphemy as entertainment, yet she does a similar thing by using a culture that isn't her own for her own entertainment. Not as offensive, but it does stick out a bit. She's calling back some of the asian elements she used during her One Of The Boys era, and sadly she brought back some of those vocals. Not nearly as polished as past Prism performances. Though her great stage and stage presence helped save an otherwise forgettable performance. B-

One Direction - Story of My Life: A mature song, mature performance. Solid, but not perfect. Harry was getting throaty/shouty in the bridge, Zayn had some register transition issues, and Niall missed a note or two during his solos, but it was still a vast improvement over their TCA performance. They kept it simple, and it paid off. B

Ariana Grande - The Way / Tattooed Heart: The inclusion of The Way intro made sense, but why Tattooed Heart? Is it the next single? Why not Right There? Of course the vocal performance was everything we have come to expect from Ariana, stratospheric belts, sweet head voice, but a noticeable lack of whistles. It seemed to be a very short performance, and it doesn't seem as if this could send her to the Top 10 again, but there's nothing that negative to say about it. And nothing great to say either. B
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