'Why is the melody so hard?' Because Tuomas composed it for Floor's voice. He didn't have to compromise his vision because of having a mortal singer to perform it.
I showed this song to my mom yesterday (she doesn't know any English, our native language is Spanish) and after it ended, I asked: so, what do you think? And her answer was: it's like a beautiful dress, made out of the finest silk (Floor's voice) and topped with a beautiful, soft, delicate layer of sparkle (Troy's voice)
@@lujalainen1 My mother was 74 when she died earlier this year. She always loved hard rock from the 70s and 80s, and she became a huge fan of Floor recently... So this song is for mom, and all moms in the world...
sorry to be offtopic but does someone know a method to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid lost the login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me
Absolutely, really makes me look at it different as just a consumer of music. I remember Floor said she had to do a lot of practising for his album and this video shows why.
The thin I respect about Elvann reactions above others is that they actually feel like they have a point beyond of telling us how she feels. Her deconstruction of the performances are constructive yet still give the credit for masterful artistry. I don't think there is much to be learned if one simply fawns over how brilliant the musicians on display are (and this is a masterclass of performance in my opinion). And nobody is perfect, but it is the humanity of imperfections and pushing against ones boundaries that makes music worth a damn. I think. I'm not in a state of mind to be objective.
I'm not a vocalist, but to me it seems like lot of those things she put the "brakes" on seemed like decisions to control the tone, keeping it warmer, more intimate. The Belted power at the end was gorgeous...but it also didn't feel as intimate. Seemed like she held back also to keep the build up for the end. I know Floor says this is her favorite track and Tuomas wrote it with her and her child in mind, so I think for her, keeping the emotion for the song is the main goal?
Floor has stated in an interview that the vocal melodies on Human Nature are some of the hardest she has ever had to do and they required a lot of practice, as you correctly assessed. Tuomas used her voice as "just another instrument", which means the vocal melodies are all over the place.
I gotta admit i was a bit skeptic about this version before i heard it but that skeptisim was blown away quickly when i realised it was better then the studio version, now we just gotta wait how it sounds live with the whole band
@@572Btriode Tuomas said that about all the other band members too, and all the other band members stated in their interviews that they were indeed challenged. Especially Troy, who seems like he just wants to play his pipes and flutes (and the other dozen instruments he brings on stage every time) somewhere in the background in peace, and then Tuomas made him sing in so many of those songs, and sing one on his own and do this crazy stuff with his Uilean Pipes and what not.
You are the only one who realizes how difficult the vocals are in this song and on the album in general, so congrats on that. Me when I first heard this acoustic version, 'With the finger picking style, this would be perfect for Elvann to cover on the harp!', after hearing how difficult you find Floor's vocals, 'Maybe not!'. 😉
Difficult, but maybe not impossible. Very difficult probably, but I had the same thought. This version of this song seams perfect for harp. Maybe Elvann will try it. I would like that.
It sounds to me like she uses that high, back placed, airy voice placement in several places on Human :||: Nature, but I don't really recall her doing so before this album. Based on that I had inferred that it is intended to be performed that way. I assumed it was one of the ways Tuomas challenged her with the vocals on this album.
you may like to listen to what this man says after first listening, then analysing this video in particular but the whole album as a whole. he is so right in understanding the meaning of words and lyrics... you will be surprised.. start with this video first ua-cam.com/video/ZxUOBbipexE/v-deo.html, then go to his site and listen to the analysis. but don't forget to enable the subtitles, because he is bilingual.
You see the communication sometimes on big Nightwish productions, too. Often Marko and Emppu make an eye contact to the drummer in the end of the song to mute their strings exactly at the right millisecond. Or watch how in Poet and the Pendulum official live the drummer lifts and arm a moment before the live instruments are meant to kick in. I guess it's something like 'the next click is GO'.
She changes her voice placement like no other singer I've seen. She kinda masters this soft approach. Take a look to what she did to Shalow from Lady Gaga... She chooses very carefully the intention in her voice.
This is super! Floor's smile in the beginning is so inviting. You noticed the Troy's nod. It's like: "Your turn, big girl" or "Let us start, your Highness". Ha ha, great. This is so utterly emotional for me, that I'm chopping onions every time when seeing this. There's maybe a little challenge for you to cover this, but I really like to see you doing this. You could arrange it to suit for you at the best. Floor is a divine from out of this World and we are just regular immortals. Your reaction to this virtuoso performance is thoughtful and so beautifully presented. Thank you! 😋👍
I love Floor...but I also really love your videos! You know your stuff, you're very talented, and I so enjoy your expressions that are a mix of enjoyment, admiration and sometimes a little bit of sweet jealousy... adorable, honoust and hartwarming...thank you!😚
Floor is a music teacher herself. Means if she sings a part of the song in a certain way, it's done on purpose. People often try to analyse her ways of singing and start fantasies about "oh yea, she is careful, she is maybe afraid", not knowing, what range this woman has and what she is really capable of. There is nothing she can't do if it comes to singing.
What you're picking up on with the difficulty of the lyrics is Floors absolutely amazing ability to switch between chest, mix, and head voice as if it were nothing. A lot of vocal coaches want to call it a "Flip" but it's not... because she does it seamlessly, effortlessly. As if it's all one thing. . NORMAL people to switch between chest voice and head need to "reset'. To pause and adjust the larynx. MOST songs are even written to allow for such a pause. This song was tailor written for Floor to exploit her abilities to the fullest -- and you generally hear it across the whole album. Take the the paired triplets whilst in head voice. It doesn't sound THAT complex to the "normals", but those of us who know music are thrown into pure amazement; I saw it on your face every time she got to the parts like "underneath the silence" or "drowning in the mire" -- tightly coupled triplets that almost sound like she switches into 6/8. . I've never heard anyone as talented as Floor... and that's coming from a Lisa Kelly fan. . There's one for you to react to. Lisa Kelly, "The Voice", Celtic Woman, live at Slane Castle. Of course it has Maired Nesbitt on violin who I've adored since she was touring with Flatley. . Oh, and your part about her being "naked" up there reminds me of something one of my first music teachers told me. "Simple music is the hardest music to play". . When you're blowing along in a busy song, if you're off by a sixteenth or 10-20 cents on a note it can get lost in the rest of the band. When it's just you, a guitar, and a backup harmony even the slightest mistake is painfully obvious. The simpler the song and the less orchestration, the more you have to bring your A game. It's why I'm often less impressed by bands that drown you in instruments at insane tempo's. Like I do like Slayer, but there are times where they get... sloppy because it's going so fast "normal" listeners won't notice the cockups.
Its unfair how easy she makes it look! She have said in several interviews and livestreams that she had to practice alot for some of these songs. Tuomas really did challenge her on this album and Floor being Floor nailed it ofc!
Every time I see this version I wonder if she is a human or a Terminator Robot built to kill us with heartbreak rather than bullets! How can she make something this beautiful and complex sound so easy?
Well our beloved Mr. Holopainen did say, he wanted to challenge the singers especially Floor on this record. And he has certainly kept his promise ... so to speak. Judging from what Floor did on the Beste Zangers show, she tends to pull back when the song has that softer feel, as this acoustic version certainly has. And from what Floor has said in interviews and on social media she really had to practice the songs on Human Nature a lot in order for her to be studio ready. As you say Elvann she's very precise, and from what I gather a consummate perfectionist when it comes to her singing.
Floor does what she wants. To you, some of the thing she does makes no sense... But to her, she knows exactly what she is doing and why she is doing it. Still, great reaction and analysis. And yes for the younger more amateur "un-trained" students, built your foundation first.. Floor has been singing for over 20 years and is an absolute professional. She knows how to protect her vocal cords and sing in a healthy way.
I love your reactions and commentary, Elvann. Your perspective as an artist and vocal coach really brings that extra special something to your content.
This version, even more so than the album, always gets to me. The reason why is that I feel like Floor is comforting those who have dealt with pain -- and hide that pain so well. And what she is saying is, I think, is "Don't be discouraged -- don't give up. Come on in, warm up by the fire -- because we truly do care about you." As somebody who hides a lot of emotional pain every single day, to have someone simply ask how you're holding up, how you're doing -- literally, that simple act of kindness can not only encourage someone who is having a rough day, but that act of kindness can even save a life.
The golden question: why did it HAVE to be so difficult?.. (Coming from a singer who knows what she's talking, no less.) Well... a lot of fans and critics, after "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" album, voiced the opinion that the band had not used Floor's vocal abilities to full extent. I would assume Tuomas (and Floor) took it as a challenge. :) Insofar the previous album was "safer" vocally (not REALLY, but I could see where the argument was coming from), this one is just out-of-this-world level. Today when I hear/ read someone opine that this is "not featuring Floor enough" I can, and will, attest to their incompetence. :)) EVERY song on "Human. Nature" is close to impossible, but she and the boys still nail it, often in complex harmonies! The more hard-nosed critics still say vox are "all over the place" or "unsingable" as in, not good - those are either simply talking rubbish, or disappointed with a different aspect (maybe not enough heaviness or powerful belting lines), and missing the target. Difficulty-and-harmony-wise, the new NIGHTWISH LP is among the most advanced performances Floor has ever recorded. P.S.: I really liked your analogy about driving two wheels in a thriller race... started getting that image when you commented Floor was keeping back a bit, maybe not to go full tilt before the climax - at which point raising the bar of virtuoso risk was, of course, appropriate. Even if you have superpowers, they are best used discreetly! ;))
She has turned her voice from the battle ship, to something of crystal fragility. Which is PERFECT for this setting. Brava! The battle ship is fine for arenas, but this is a small venue with one accompanist. And a darn good accompanist.
Thank you for the great explanation of why the one vocal segment sounds the way it does based on her placement. It makes perfect sense now ...and good lord how she does it that well is a testament to her ability. Also, I read your letter about “fans” giving you hard time...that’s ridiculous. I really enjoy your reactions and I have my favorites as far as singers , etc but I also can appreciate others and also acknowledge when my fave isn’t perfect (because NO ONE IS!!!). Keep doing what you enjoy and I’ll keep watching.
Thank you as always Elvann for the lovely reaction. It would be far easier to analyze this song after hearing it many times but you gift us with your immediate reaction even if it sometimes ends up with teary eyes and a struggle to find the exact words to explain what you are hearing. All completely understandable when trying to immediately decode Floor's mind blowing performances while hearing them for the first time.
Hearing you explaining it from a singer's point of view makes me appreciate it even more. I don't know enough to tell where something is really complex, and it's lovely to find out from someone who knows!
You are my dearest in the way you give comments. You are so honest and dare to compare yourself with the artist and by Floor you admit that you admire her vocals and that you want to learn. You are not jaleous at all. Again, in other words, I love you.
Oh wow, this is so incredibly beautiful! I agree with all people who have said it before, this acoustic live version is even way better than the studio version, which is already amazing too... And as always your precise analysis, dear Elvann, makes me understand much better now, what a challenge Tuomas made for her with this vocal lines...and Floor accepted the challenge...:-)
Tuomas' genius is limitless... this album seems to be created with the mindset of 'I'll make it a near impossible composition, just to prove a point, we can do anything if we try hard enough'... and then they went and made it look easy for themselves...
Hi Elvann. Nice metaphore: the videogame car race! I see an alternative for what you experience as awkward/careful. I presume she has a build-up in mind from singing 'small' to singing her heart out at the end of the song. It is almost a signature approach we see her take, viz Beste Zangers. And sometimes ending real small again. Well thought out I believe. Pity the concerts cannot go on! On the proceeding tour we'd be able to find out if she keeps on being careful or will sing the first parts more freely. Thanks for your fine reaction! ♥️🤟🏻
I loved the reaction, especially the last part of the song. It was very nice to see how your feelings flourish, Elvann ❤️. I like more this acoustic version 🙌🏻
Yeah I like Troys nod to let her know he was ready for her. Then at the end when she finishes singing he gets this big smile like saying "yeah we nailed that." I am about as far from a singer as you can get so I don't really know which parts are harder to sing. However the part that impressed me was going from a classic Celtic/European Folk sound on one line to a full Ann Wilson rock belt on the next line.
Wow! I had the same reaction exactly in that part, I don't know how but when I realized I was already cryng... Thanks for that beautiful reaction Elvann! Grettings from México!!
Great reaction 👏👍 I heard a interview of Floor with an american podcast and he asked about the vocals in "How's the heart?" Floor said they weren't that difficult for her she had trouble with 'shoemaker' and 'music', hearing you explain how difficult this track is too, makes me even more impressed with her abilities🤘👏😍
Can we take a moment to appreciate Floor's posture? Speaking of which...what do you think about making a video related to to that specific matter? Of how much, and how exactly, does a good or bad posture affects the singer performance in general? Maybe giving a few examples to pinpoint it?
Yes, that would be interesting! I'd like to add to this the importance of core, diaphragm and overall body strength in order to help producing those notes with ease. Floor must be one on the physically strongest female singers out there. She's impressive in so many ways!
@@kimstrom7793 I have seen this commented before in several places by pro singers and Floor is fit, not the colloquial sense, but she is in very good shape and works out a lot I understand.
@@ElvannReacts Me too some there songs work well with an acoustic version and I'm sure Toumas could think of some songs designed around acoustic style of music.
This song is so hard to beginn with, because Tuomas, the one responsible for this disastrously incredible gem of an album (as well as all the other ones), is a savage. Just kidding, in the interviews that were published here on youtube just before the album releas, he stated that his goal was to challenge each of the vocalists and each of the musicians (and from the interviews with all the other band members, they totally were challenged, alright). As for Floor holding back, as you mentioned: I agree about her holding back. But I absolutely think that it is intentional, not due to 'stay safe'. And I do that because of the other song that they performed in this session, 'Nemo'. There she does the same kind of holding back, despite the melody being far easier (for her repertoire, that is). In direct comparison it very much seems to be a stylistic choice on her part, which differentiates this accoustic version in comparison to the album version even more.
You asked why is the melody so difficult. I saw Floor say (either in a live or an interview) that Tuomas always pushes the boundaries of the abilities of his musicians and vocalists when he writes, and at first she was like... wow, is this going to be possible? on some of the songs... but that it also helps her to become an even better singer, to have to actually really work to be able to do it.
Floor scared/holding back/careful? Nope! It’s superb control. Everything is planned. Other people sing what they can sing. Floor sings what she wants to sing.
Troy & Floor should just sing together.... That magical duo complement each other so well and his guitar playing and their voices are made for each other exceptionally....
Really like your work, your approach, your way of explaining things! Staying yourself, natural and so professional at the same time. Thanks and have a wonderful day! :)
Another incredibly classy reaction by you Elvann, just a beautiful breakdown and informative look at a vocally complex song. Enjoy your weekend and thank you.
It was already when Noise was released that I thought that "Oh, that's not easy to sing", but when I heard Music the first time it immediately clicked what Floor had meant by saying she really had to work with these songs. And it's beautiful when it sounds so easy, but if you try to sing along...
From the moment I saw the acoustic version, I thought about you and imagined you playing it on harp. You actually sounded pretty good on your attempts to dissect it. Practice makes perfect, also, you don't have to copy it but make it your own. Maybe slower, maybe more.... You! Thank you for your reaction, it was great as ever.
I'd looove to make a cover at some point, but I'll definitely need more practice, I basically tried it multiple times yesterday after editing and I couldn't get it right 😂
Moi Elvann i have look over 50 teachers listen and so and so videos. Now i found you, ilike your style i'm i guitarist and i really like that you really listen and show your emotions. I like you tell people how ....... hard is new NW record . I like your style, i love when you show how hard is to go brest voice to head. Jessie j training that still everyday.
The emergency rescue of the 2012 Tour, worked out very good for everybody involved. You have 48 hours to learn the setlis,t is the proof that they knew they were asking a real pro to help them out.
He cues her in with that head nod when it's time to come in. It could mean that he might be improving the melodies around the chord progression and then nods to Floor like ok im done your turn. I'm a guitarist not a singer but when I first heard this I could tell this was a challenging song even for Floor but man she nailed it! A real pro.
Yes. I'm definitely crying 😅 Also I'm not sure if this was the song or if or was another one that she commented in the making interview that this album really tests her vocal abilities because there is so many different techniques and lyrics that she jokingly asked when she was going to breathe. I believe she said this was a really complex song. She's just amazing. Good review.
Nightwish always performs with a clicktrack, so they have to be on point every time. Tuomas said he was gonna challenge Floors vocals with this album. Listen to Procession.
" Shes doing it so well! " Uhhhhh .... yeah .... she is one of, if not the, best female vocalist of our generation. I have been alive 39 years and been into music for 34 of those and I've heard about 5 voices like hers in my lifetime. And that is a big maybe there. I really havent ever heard a female lead who can growl, sing Operatic / classical with beautiful ethereal tone and hold a d6 for 7 seconds. People will often say something like " Well X can hit a higher note ". Its not about that, and never is. A Floor Jansen only comes around .... uhhh ... ... yeah not often lol. Enjoy it Sometimes it sounds like you are envious / jealous lol. She is an artist, a vocalist, a seasoned expert. Anything that is happening with her voice is by choice and command, not some sort of freak accident or by some sort of limitation.
It seems to be Floor's entire thing to add as much emotional story-telling as possible to the music, even if it makes her job harder. So I think that at the beginning of this performance she's adding that vocal vulnerability to add to the story being told, which begins in a vulnerable place. By the end of the song the teller is on a much stronger footing, so you hear that reflected in Floor's voice. I know that she's said in interviews this one took some time to work on, but it was also one of her favorites.
Yeah, interesting commentary on this song. I love Nightwish's heavier metal songs, but this is such a great change from that. Shows how versatile they are (yeah, I know, just two members of the band here).
I sang in choir for almost 8 years. When I heard this all I could think was this song is a b#tch to sing. It's kind of like when my chorus teacher told us we were doing Alleluia in 6 parts. In highschool. Soprano one and two, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass. I think she eventually split the Altos toward the end of the year. Note we only had one chorus class. So kids just getting into highschool were dropped into that class. Yeah our teacher pushed us. We never did do it in public. It was more of a personal training exercise. I think this as Tuomos daring other singers to give it a try if they think they can.
I have been waiting for this... as always, your reaction/analysis did not disappoint. Personally, I like this version of the song better than the album one. Stay safe, stay healthy!
@@ElvannReacts I'm trying to put together a tracklist of Nightwish songs suitable for the acoustic album I want them to bring out one day. So far, we have "Nemo" and "How's The Heart?". "Our Decades In The Sun"? "Elan"? "Over The Hills And Far Away"?
He leído algunas criticas sobre el ultimo álbum que apuntan a que Tuomas no habría escrito un trabajo aprovechando el potencial de Floor y que seria una especie de oportunidad perdida. Concuerdo con ello en cuanto podríamos haber tenido un álbum mas metal centrado en el poder de la voz de Floor, pero discrepo en la idea de que Tuomas no pensó en Floor al componer, de hecho creo que pensó justamente en ella, solo que en lugar de centrarse en el poder tomo una de las características mas increíble de Floor que es su capacidad de alcanzar y representar con precisión y fuerza la complejidad de cualquier composición. Habiendo dicho eso, si hecho de menos mas Metal en lo que por otra parte es un excelente disco.
I don't think she sounded like she was holding back because of fear of messing up. I think it is intended for the power progression of the song, like most songs of Nightwish, they have a build up and an explosion to them, just like this one. First half, delicate and held back, then into a complicated part and then belting the end. Just the way I thought of it when first heard it. :)
I love this rendition of this song... takes my breath away. But regarding your discussion @ 4:41... she's not precisely on pitch her first couple of runs through that sequence. At 6:33 she's perfect and continues to nail it through the rest of the song. She's really fantastic.
I'm sure this is one of the songs when tuomas first showed it to her she was like "how will I be able to sing this". I know there's some of the new album she really had to work at and was challenged by.
I had the same feeling you had. It is such a beautiful song and this version ... chills ... but that first line when she has to raise / change her voice, it seems like even for Floor that is quite a challenge. And as you, I also think that it has to do with the fact that this version is acoustic which asks way more of the singing skills. Nonetheless super impressive. But hey it’s Floor 😍
I didn't read the comments below. But I will anticipate any complaints. Pauses and lengthy comments don't bother me. In a way, that's what I expect when I see your reaction, because I've watched this video about 10 times. Thanks for the video. _____________________________________________You didn't cry but you were moved.
'Why is the melody so hard?'
Because Tuomas composed it for Floor's voice. He didn't have to compromise his vision because of having a mortal singer to perform it.
I showed this song to my mom yesterday (she doesn't know any English, our native language is Spanish) and after it ended, I asked: so, what do you think? And her answer was: it's like a beautiful dress, made out of the finest silk (Floor's voice) and topped with a beautiful, soft, delicate layer of sparkle (Troy's voice)
mothers always know what is good :)
@@lujalainen1 My mother was 74 when she died earlier this year. She always loved hard rock from the 70s and 80s, and she became a huge fan of Floor recently... So this song is for mom, and all moms in the world...
@@robertcraane7910 sorry hear your mother. yeah this is good song to every mother.
sorry to be offtopic but does someone know a method to log back into an Instagram account?
I was stupid lost the login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me
@Ira Lennon Instablaster :)
Hearing you dissecting the vocal parts really puts into perspective how complex those lines are. She makes them sound so easy!
She really does, it's impressive!
Absolutely, really makes me look at it different as just a consumer of music. I remember Floor said she had to do a lot of practising for his album and this video shows why.
Yes but she also needs to practice the songs. So after a while they will come easy to her
The thin I respect about Elvann reactions above others is that they actually feel like they have a point beyond of telling us how she feels. Her deconstruction of the performances are constructive yet still give the credit for masterful artistry. I don't think there is much to be learned if one simply fawns over how brilliant the musicians on display are (and this is a masterclass of performance in my opinion). And nobody is perfect, but it is the humanity of imperfections and pushing against ones boundaries that makes music worth a damn. I think. I'm not in a state of mind to be objective.
I rather prefer reactions over spoon feeding explanation videos. But hey, we`re all different. :)
I'm not a vocalist, but to me it seems like lot of those things she put the "brakes" on seemed like decisions to control the tone, keeping it warmer, more intimate. The Belted power at the end was gorgeous...but it also didn't feel as intimate. Seemed like she held back also to keep the build up for the end.
I know Floor says this is her favorite track and Tuomas wrote it with her and her child in mind, so I think for her, keeping the emotion for the song is the main goal?
The Nightwish/Tuomas flavour all over it. The buildup is important and makes it always interesting. Again a great song in arrangement and performance.
Floor has stated in an interview that the vocal melodies on Human Nature are some of the hardest she has ever had to do and they required a lot of practice, as you correctly assessed. Tuomas used her voice as "just another instrument", which means the vocal melodies are all over the place.
I gotta admit i was a bit skeptic about this version before i heard it but that skeptisim was blown away quickly when i realised it was better then the studio version, now we just gotta wait how it sounds live with the whole band
The melody is so hard and complicated for one reason, and one reason only. Our enjoyment. Props to Floor and all of Nightwish for doing that for us.
Tuomas did say he would challenge Floor, and Floor has said she was indeed challenged!
@@572Btriode Tuomas said that about all the other band members too, and all the other band members stated in their interviews that they were indeed challenged. Especially Troy, who seems like he just wants to play his pipes and flutes (and the other dozen instruments he brings on stage every time) somewhere in the background in peace, and then Tuomas made him sing in so many of those songs, and sing one on his own and do this crazy stuff with his Uilean Pipes and what not.
...and with that, a million singers threw out their microphones in unison... 😭 👏
I threw mine, and I can't even sing. :)
Yet the Grammys have no idea that this performance, or this album, or this band, even exists.
@@muskyoxes And that is really sad, but that's corporate music pulling the strings. . . . . . . . .
Well said. LOL.
qiexia 😢
You are the only one who realizes how difficult the vocals are in this song and on the album in general, so congrats on that. Me when I first heard this acoustic version, 'With the finger picking style, this would be perfect for Elvann to cover on the harp!', after hearing how difficult you find Floor's vocals, 'Maybe not!'. 😉
Difficult, but maybe not impossible. Very difficult probably, but I had the same thought. This version of this song seams perfect for harp. Maybe Elvann will try it. I would like that.
I love Troy’s expression at the end of the song.
"Yeah, I get to work with that." crossed with "Damn she's good."
@@jpsother1183 he's brittish so must be like, "bloody hell, she's ridiculous/magnificent"
@@GaboObando Spot on Mate!
@@GaboObando : I'd say Troy would be like, "Bloody hell...Floor is bloody brilliant, she is." Lol
Troy: Darn, forgot to put a plug in my left ear. Well, that eardrum is gone...
It sounds to me like she uses that high, back placed, airy voice placement in several places on Human :||: Nature, but I don't really recall her doing so before this album. Based on that I had inferred that it is intended to be performed that way. I assumed it was one of the ways Tuomas challenged her with the vocals on this album.
this is one of the most lovely sung songs imo
I thought the album version was nice but this really made me fall in love with it 😇
you may like to listen to what this man says after first listening, then analysing this video in particular but the whole album as a whole. he is so right in understanding the meaning of words and lyrics... you will be surprised.. start with this video first ua-cam.com/video/ZxUOBbipexE/v-deo.html, then go to his site and listen to the analysis. but don't forget to enable the subtitles, because he is bilingual.
You see the communication sometimes on big Nightwish productions, too. Often Marko and Emppu make an eye contact to the drummer in the end of the song to mute their strings exactly at the right millisecond.
Or watch how in Poet and the Pendulum official live the drummer lifts and arm a moment before the live instruments are meant to kick in. I guess it's something like 'the next click is GO'.
She changes her voice placement like no other singer I've seen. She kinda masters this soft approach. Take a look to what she did to Shalow from Lady Gaga... She chooses very carefully the intention in her voice.
one of my absolute favorite songs from the album, especially in the acoustic version. Thanks for a passionate reaction
You're welcome!!! This acoustic version is sooo good!
This is super! Floor's smile in the beginning is so inviting. You noticed the Troy's nod. It's like: "Your turn, big girl" or "Let us start, your Highness". Ha ha, great. This is so utterly emotional for me, that I'm chopping onions every time when seeing this. There's maybe a little challenge for you to cover this, but I really like to see you doing this. You could arrange it to suit for you at the best. Floor is a divine from out of this World and we are just regular immortals. Your reaction to this virtuoso performance is thoughtful and so beautifully presented. Thank you! 😋👍
Regular immortals :-D Love this ;)
I love Floor...but I also really love your videos! You know your stuff, you're very talented, and I so enjoy your expressions that are a mix of enjoyment, admiration and sometimes a little bit of sweet jealousy... adorable, honoust and hartwarming...thank you!😚
Shout Out to Troy! Fantastic guitar playing...superbly subdued vocals...Damn...the most underrated musician in NW!
Floor is a music teacher herself. Means if she sings a part of the song in a certain way, it's done on purpose. People often try to analyse her ways of singing and start fantasies about "oh yea, she is careful, she is maybe afraid", not knowing, what range this woman has and what she is really capable of. There is nothing she can't do if it comes to singing.
Floor and afraid when signing ;)
Excellent analysis. Floor is special - We are fortunate to experience her singing today.
Well done Elvann I always enjoy your technical expertise and analysis of the music.
What you're picking up on with the difficulty of the lyrics is Floors absolutely amazing ability to switch between chest, mix, and head voice as if it were nothing. A lot of vocal coaches want to call it a "Flip" but it's not... because she does it seamlessly, effortlessly. As if it's all one thing.
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NORMAL people to switch between chest voice and head need to "reset'. To pause and adjust the larynx. MOST songs are even written to allow for such a pause.
This song was tailor written for Floor to exploit her abilities to the fullest -- and you generally hear it across the whole album. Take the the paired triplets whilst in head voice. It doesn't sound THAT complex to the "normals", but those of us who know music are thrown into pure amazement; I saw it on your face every time she got to the parts like "underneath the silence" or "drowning in the mire" -- tightly coupled triplets that almost sound like she switches into 6/8.
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I've never heard anyone as talented as Floor... and that's coming from a Lisa Kelly fan.
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There's one for you to react to. Lisa Kelly, "The Voice", Celtic Woman, live at Slane Castle. Of course it has Maired Nesbitt on violin who I've adored since she was touring with Flatley.
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Oh, and your part about her being "naked" up there reminds me of something one of my first music teachers told me. "Simple music is the hardest music to play".
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When you're blowing along in a busy song, if you're off by a sixteenth or 10-20 cents on a note it can get lost in the rest of the band. When it's just you, a guitar, and a backup harmony even the slightest mistake is painfully obvious. The simpler the song and the less orchestration, the more you have to bring your A game. It's why I'm often less impressed by bands that drown you in instruments at insane tempo's. Like I do like Slayer, but there are times where they get... sloppy because it's going so fast "normal" listeners won't notice the cockups.
Its unfair how easy she makes it look! She have said in several interviews and livestreams that she had to practice alot for some of these songs. Tuomas really did challenge her on this album and Floor being Floor nailed it ofc!
Every time I see this version I wonder if she is a human or a Terminator Robot built to kill us with heartbreak rather than bullets! How can she make something this beautiful and complex sound so easy?
Seems so easy when she sings .
Well our beloved Mr. Holopainen did say, he wanted to challenge the singers especially Floor on this record. And he has certainly kept his promise ... so to speak. Judging from what Floor did on the Beste Zangers show, she tends to pull back when the song has that softer feel, as this acoustic version certainly has. And from what Floor has said in interviews and on social media she really had to practice the songs on Human Nature a lot in order for her to be studio ready. As you say Elvann she's very precise, and from what I gather a consummate perfectionist when it comes to her singing.
Just came from a Nightwish reaction and now I see this? It's not my birthday but it feels like it :) Thank you girl!
Awwnn you’re welcomeee!!!
Floor does what she wants. To you, some of the thing she does makes no sense... But to her, she knows exactly what she is doing and why she is doing it. Still, great reaction and analysis. And yes for the younger more amateur "un-trained" students, built your foundation first.. Floor has been singing for over 20 years and is an absolute professional. She knows how to protect her vocal cords and sing in a healthy way.
I was tearing up right there with you. No matter which version, everytime I hear it, it punches me right in the feels.
I love your reactions and commentary, Elvann. Your perspective as an artist and vocal coach really brings that extra special something to your content.
This version, even more so than the album, always gets to me. The reason why is that I feel like Floor is comforting those who have dealt with pain -- and hide that pain so well.
And what she is saying is, I think, is "Don't be discouraged -- don't give up. Come on in, warm up by the fire -- because we truly do care about you."
As somebody who hides a lot of emotional pain every single day, to have someone simply ask how you're holding up, how you're doing -- literally, that simple act of kindness can not only encourage someone who is having a rough day, but that act of kindness can even save a life.
As far as I'm concerned, Floor was doing an expert lvl yoga exercise with her voice. Good luck practicing this yoga style on your voice.
The golden question: why did it HAVE to be so difficult?.. (Coming from a singer who knows what she's talking, no less.)
Well... a lot of fans and critics, after "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" album, voiced the opinion that the band had not used Floor's vocal abilities to full extent. I would assume Tuomas (and Floor) took it as a challenge. :) Insofar the previous album was "safer" vocally (not REALLY, but I could see where the argument was coming from), this one is just out-of-this-world level.
Today when I hear/ read someone opine that this is "not featuring Floor enough" I can, and will, attest to their incompetence. :)) EVERY song on "Human. Nature" is close to impossible, but she and the boys still nail it, often in complex harmonies! The more hard-nosed critics still say vox are "all over the place" or "unsingable" as in, not good - those are either simply talking rubbish, or disappointed with a different aspect (maybe not enough heaviness or powerful belting lines), and missing the target. Difficulty-and-harmony-wise, the new NIGHTWISH LP is among the most advanced performances Floor has ever recorded.
P.S.: I really liked your analogy about driving two wheels in a thriller race... started getting that image when you commented Floor was keeping back a bit, maybe not to go full tilt before the climax - at which point raising the bar of virtuoso risk was, of course, appropriate. Even if you have superpowers, they are best used discreetly! ;))
Floor is next level talent ......
She has turned her voice from the battle ship, to something of crystal fragility. Which is PERFECT for this setting. Brava! The battle ship is fine for arenas, but this is a small venue with one accompanist. And a darn good accompanist.
Thank you for the great explanation of why the one vocal segment sounds the way it does based on her placement. It makes perfect sense now ...and good lord how she does it that well is a testament to her ability. Also, I read your letter about “fans” giving you hard time...that’s ridiculous. I really enjoy your reactions and I have my favorites as far as singers , etc but I also can appreciate others and also acknowledge when my fave isn’t perfect (because NO ONE IS!!!). Keep doing what you enjoy and I’ll keep watching.
Thank you as always Elvann for the lovely reaction. It would be far easier to analyze this song after hearing it many times but you gift us with your immediate reaction even if it sometimes ends up with teary eyes and a struggle to find the exact words to explain what you are hearing. All completely understandable when trying to immediately decode Floor's mind blowing performances while hearing them for the first time.
Hearing you explaining it from a singer's point of view makes me appreciate it even more. I don't know enough to tell where something is really complex, and it's lovely to find out from someone who knows!
You are my dearest in the way you give comments. You are so honest and dare to compare yourself with the artist and by Floor you admit that you admire her vocals and that you want to learn. You are not jaleous at all. Again, in other words, I love you.
Oh wow, this is so incredibly beautiful! I agree with all people who have said it before, this acoustic live version is even way better than the studio version, which is already amazing too... And as always your precise analysis, dear Elvann, makes me understand much better now, what a challenge Tuomas made for her with this vocal lines...and Floor accepted the challenge...:-)
Tuomas' genius is limitless... this album seems to be created with the mindset of 'I'll make it a near impossible composition, just to prove a point, we can do anything if we try hard enough'... and then they went and made it look easy for themselves...
Hi Elvann. Nice metaphore: the videogame car race! I see an alternative for what you experience as awkward/careful. I presume she has a build-up in mind from singing 'small' to singing her heart out at the end of the song. It is almost a signature approach we see her take, viz Beste Zangers. And sometimes ending real small again. Well thought out I believe. Pity the concerts cannot go on! On the proceeding tour we'd be able to find out if she keeps on being careful or will sing the first parts more freely. Thanks for your fine reaction! ♥️🤟🏻
I loved the reaction, especially the last part of the song. It was very nice to see how your feelings flourish, Elvann ❤️. I like more this acoustic version 🙌🏻
Yeah I like Troys nod to let her know he was ready for her. Then at the end when she finishes singing he gets this big smile like saying "yeah we nailed that." I am about as far from a singer as you can get so I don't really know which parts are harder to sing. However the part that impressed me was going from a classic Celtic/European Folk sound on one line to a full Ann Wilson rock belt on the next line.
Listening to Troy here in this song. A man that is more than the some of his parts.
Just FYI: they also did Nemo in this same session...
Wow! I had the same reaction exactly in that part, I don't know how but when I realized I was already cryng... Thanks for that beautiful reaction Elvann! Grettings from México!!
Great reaction 👏👍
I heard a interview of Floor with an american podcast and he asked about the vocals in "How's the heart?" Floor said they weren't that difficult for her she had trouble with 'shoemaker' and 'music', hearing you explain how difficult this track is too, makes me even more impressed with her abilities🤘👏😍
I got an image in my head of Floor walking around at home, vacuuming while singing this song, just to practice.
Can we take a moment to appreciate Floor's posture?
Speaking of which...what do you think about making a video related to to that specific matter? Of how much, and how exactly, does a good or bad posture affects the singer performance in general? Maybe giving a few examples to pinpoint it?
Yes, that would be interesting! I'd like to add to this the importance of core, diaphragm and overall body strength in order to help producing those notes with ease.
Floor must be one on the physically strongest female singers out there. She's impressive in so many ways!
@@kimstrom7793 I have seen this commented before in several places by pro singers and Floor is fit, not the colloquial sense, but she is in very good shape and works out a lot I understand.
Can we not do memes?
you know the Second Verse Tuomas wrote för Floor??
I'd love to see Troy & Floor do some more acoustic versions of NW songs like this, Troy's guitar work on this session is incredible!
All great athletes make their sport look easy. Also they will keep looking for new boundaries. Floor is one of them
All I got out of this video is that Floor is one heck of singer and you know your stuff.
I would like to hear a full acoustic album from Nightwish I think that would be interesting. great video Elvann.
Ohhh yeahe that would be amazing!! I'm totally wanting to see that!
@@ElvannReacts Me too some there songs work well with an acoustic version and I'm sure Toumas could think of some songs designed around acoustic style of music.
This song is so hard to beginn with, because Tuomas, the one responsible for this disastrously incredible gem of an album (as well as all the other ones), is a savage. Just kidding, in the interviews that were published here on youtube just before the album releas, he stated that his goal was to challenge each of the vocalists and each of the musicians (and from the interviews with all the other band members, they totally were challenged, alright).
As for Floor holding back, as you mentioned: I agree about her holding back. But I absolutely think that it is intentional, not due to 'stay safe'. And I do that because of the other song that they performed in this session, 'Nemo'. There she does the same kind of holding back, despite the melody being far easier (for her repertoire, that is). In direct comparison it very much seems to be a stylistic choice on her part, which differentiates this accoustic version in comparison to the album version even more.
You asked why is the melody so difficult. I saw Floor say (either in a live or an interview) that Tuomas always pushes the boundaries of the abilities of his musicians and vocalists when he writes, and at first she was like... wow, is this going to be possible? on some of the songs... but that it also helps her to become an even better singer, to have to actually really work to be able to do it.
Floor scared/holding back/careful? Nope! It’s superb control. Everything is planned. Other people sing what they can sing. Floor sings what she wants to sing.
Nice work. Enjoyed your dissection of the performance.
Ultimately; it was your honesty that made me sub.
Big love from Spain.
Troy & Floor should just sing together....
That magical duo complement each other so well and his guitar playing and their voices are made for each other exceptionally....
This is a well-thought out review. One of the best I've ever watched on these UA-cam reactions. Nice, Elvann.
Really like your work, your approach, your way of explaining things! Staying yourself, natural and so professional at the same time. Thanks and have a wonderful day! :)
You know what would be beautiful? You cover this version with the harp!
Nice to see you Elvann. I've missed your perspective and your smile. ;-)
Another incredibly classy reaction by you Elvann, just a beautiful breakdown and informative look at a vocally complex song. Enjoy your weekend and thank you.
It was already when Noise was released that I thought that "Oh, that's not easy to sing", but when I heard Music the first time it immediately clicked what Floor had meant by saying she really had to work with these songs. And it's beautiful when it sounds so easy, but if you try to sing along...
From the moment I saw the acoustic version, I thought about you and imagined you playing it on harp. You actually sounded pretty good on your attempts to dissect it. Practice makes perfect, also, you don't have to copy it but make it your own. Maybe slower, maybe more.... You! Thank you for your reaction, it was great as ever.
I'd looove to make a cover at some point, but I'll definitely need more practice, I basically tried it multiple times yesterday after editing and I couldn't get it right 😂
Moi Elvann i have look over 50 teachers listen and so and so videos. Now i found you, ilike your style i'm i guitarist and i really like that you really listen and show your emotions. I like you tell people how ....... hard is new NW record . I like your style, i love when you show how hard is to go brest voice to head. Jessie j training that still everyday.
Simply a voice technician diva
The emergency rescue of the 2012 Tour, worked out very good for everybody involved.
You have 48 hours to learn the setlis,t is the proof that they knew they were asking a real pro to help them out.
He cues her in with that head nod when it's time to come in. It could mean that he might be improving the melodies around the chord progression and then nods to Floor like ok im done your turn. I'm a guitarist not a singer but when I first heard this I could tell this was a challenging song even for Floor but man she nailed it! A real pro.
Yes. I'm definitely crying 😅
Also I'm not sure if this was the song or if or was another one that she commented in the making interview that this album really tests her vocal abilities because there is so many different techniques and lyrics that she jokingly asked when she was going to breathe. I believe she said this was a really complex song.
She's just amazing. Good review.
Nightwish always performs with a clicktrack, so they have to be on point every time.
Tuomas said he was gonna challenge Floors vocals with this album. Listen to Procession.
No need to find better words - the look of adoration on your face as you listened to her said enough ^_-
I really enjoyed your reaction as usual. I have a feeling if the ending went on another 20 seconds we would have seen a tear drop.
Probably! 😂
I really love this acoustic version!
Thank you! As always, insightful and lovely at the same time.
I was waiting for this...
I love your illustration with action movie ... you're a professional vocalist so you really KNOW the challenges
Someone may have already mentioned this. Tuomas wrote the second verse about Floor.
" Shes doing it so well! "
Uhhhhh .... yeah .... she is one of, if not the, best female vocalist of our generation. I have been alive 39 years and been into music for 34 of those and I've heard about 5 voices like hers in my lifetime. And that is a big maybe there. I really havent ever heard a female lead who can growl, sing Operatic / classical with beautiful ethereal tone and hold a d6 for 7 seconds. People will often say something like " Well X can hit a higher note ". Its not about that, and never is. A Floor Jansen only comes around .... uhhh ... ... yeah not often lol. Enjoy it
Sometimes it sounds like you are envious / jealous lol. She is an artist, a vocalist, a seasoned expert. Anything that is happening with her voice is by choice and command, not some sort of freak accident or by some sort of limitation.
It seems to be Floor's entire thing to add as much emotional story-telling as possible to the music, even if it makes her job harder. So I think that at the beginning of this performance she's adding that vocal vulnerability to add to the story being told, which begins in a vulnerable place. By the end of the song the teller is on a much stronger footing, so you hear that reflected in Floor's voice.
I know that she's said in interviews this one took some time to work on, but it was also one of her favorites.
Yeah, interesting commentary on this song. I love Nightwish's heavier metal songs, but this is such a great change from that. Shows how versatile they are (yeah, I know, just two members of the band here).
I sang in choir for almost 8 years.
When I heard this all I could think was this song is a b#tch to sing.
It's kind of like when my chorus teacher told us we were doing Alleluia in 6 parts. In highschool.
Soprano one and two, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass. I think she eventually split the Altos toward the end of the year. Note we only had one chorus class. So kids just getting into highschool were dropped into that class.
Yeah our teacher pushed us. We never did do it in public. It was more of a personal training exercise.
I think this as Tuomos daring other singers to give it a try if they think they can.
Perfect comment, 'I'm not crying, you are!' :-) Very moving song!!
I have been waiting for this... as always, your reaction/analysis did not disappoint. Personally, I like this version of the song better than the album one. Stay safe, stay healthy!
Same here!! ❤️ I prefer this version!
@@ElvannReacts I'm trying to put together a tracklist of Nightwish songs suitable for the acoustic album I want them to bring out one day. So far, we have "Nemo" and "How's The Heart?".
"Our Decades In The Sun"?
"Elan"?
"Over The Hills And Far Away"?
@@ChrisPage68 if that happens, it would definitely have some heavily rearanged versions of some songs that noone of us would suspect right now...
Just 3 minutes in and i already like your comment, i would never noticed his sign to go signing.
He leído algunas criticas sobre el ultimo álbum que apuntan a que Tuomas no habría escrito un trabajo aprovechando el potencial de Floor y que seria una especie de oportunidad perdida. Concuerdo con ello en cuanto podríamos haber tenido un álbum mas metal centrado en el poder de la voz de Floor, pero discrepo en la idea de que Tuomas no pensó en Floor al componer, de hecho creo que pensó justamente en ella, solo que en lugar de centrarse en el poder tomo una de las características mas increíble de Floor que es su capacidad de alcanzar y representar con precisión y fuerza la complejidad de cualquier composición. Habiendo dicho eso, si hecho de menos mas Metal en lo que por otra parte es un excelente disco.
I don't think she sounded like she was holding back because of fear of messing up. I think it is intended for the power progression of the song, like most songs of Nightwish, they have a build up and an explosion to them, just like this one. First half, delicate and held back, then into a complicated part and then belting the end. Just the way I thought of it when first heard it. :)
I love this rendition of this song... takes my breath away. But regarding your discussion @ 4:41... she's not precisely on pitch her first couple of runs through that sequence. At 6:33 she's perfect and continues to nail it through the rest of the song. She's really fantastic.
I'm sure this is one of the songs when tuomas first showed it to her she was like "how will I be able to sing this". I know there's some of the new album she really had to work at and was challenged by.
Great reaction Elvann!!!
Great performance from Floor & Troy
Beatiful arrangement,
Sweet, heavenly, lovely and powerful voice from Floor
I had the same feeling you had.
It is such a beautiful song and this version ... chills ... but that first line when she has to raise / change her voice, it seems like even for Floor that is quite a challenge. And as you, I also think that it has to do with the fact that this version is acoustic which asks way more of the singing skills. Nonetheless super impressive. But hey it’s Floor 😍
Every song on the new CD is difficult to sing. Tuomas was really into challenging all of the vocalists on this CD.
I didn't read the comments below. But I will anticipate any complaints. Pauses and lengthy comments don't bother me.
In a way, that's what I expect when I see your reaction, because I've watched this video about 10 times.
Thanks for the video. _____________________________________________You didn't cry but you were moved.
Your eye makeup is on point 👍love your reactions
I realy Love you Elvan, every movement of your face is telling a storry. And when you try to explain it makes all sense.. 💋 thank you for that
Have been waiting for your reaction patiently. Knew you would like it and your comments would add to the feelings. Thanks.
Floor the number 1 and Elvann the number 2 and I mean it.