Leonard Cohen was in the audience for one of KD’s performances. After hearing her sing Hallelujah he said no one should ever sing this song other than her.
Tony Bennett said of her after having recorded a duet, that she was the best performer today and that he saw angels every time she sang. What a compliment to be bestowed on a singer. She is a National Treasure; a multiple Juno and Grammy award winner. An absolutely wonderful singer!
Yes! That's what I was going to post that. That performance is legendary! She's the only performer who sang live at the 2010 opening ceremonies. I love that her singing is not perfect (in but her but performing in a 50,000 capacity stadium, and the This collaboration between Leonard Cohen (poetry) and kd (vocals)is Canadian heaven, and from the time I saw her doing that sort
The 2010 Olympic performance made the hairs on the back of my head stand up. It was probably the best single performance I have ever seen. As an Edmontonian, I have been lucky enough to see KD several times, including shows before she was even remotely famous. Her talent is undeniable.
I was just thinking that. Fil should've looked at the Olympics performance because it was so astonishing, it brought tears to my eyes. Hard to believe that was 11 years ago.
My wife and I loved this version of the song. She literally died listening to KD's version and expressed her last words "yoo-la." Thanks for pointing out how special this was.
Her singing is an emotional experience that you can not not feel. Chills, hair standing on end, goosebumps and tears...It's all there. I have been a fan since the first time I heard her.
KD is magnificent, and underappreciated in the US. She probably doesn't care, though - she's Canada's treasure. 💖 Fil, this is one of your very best analyses, too!
I am in the US and have everything she ever recorded. She is more appreciated than you think. If someone doesn't know about her, I am happy to introduce her. The first time I heard her was the main characters danced to a country song by her. It was the 2nd movie of "The Fly" Can't remember the full title, but I do remember KD's voice.
I've been a huge fan of kd since her beginning and I am in the US. I know there is a huge following here for her Her voice is the most perfect instrument and will captivate any who chose to listen. Thank you for this video - for those who appreciate music and have back round, - this is spot on. Thank you!
What I love about all of kd's performances of this song is that she doesn't turn it into a hymn. Neither did Cohen. It is is about human experience of love, raw, vulnerable, intense.
I think you missed the eschatological significance of a song composed by a Levite of the House of Aaron, calling people to REPENT ("She broke your throne, she cut your hair,") RETURN ("I've been here before, I've seen this room, I've walked the floor,") RECONCILE ("I've told the truth, I didnt come to fool you,") and REJOICE ("I'll stand here before the Lord of Song, with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah,") The Great Hallel is Psalm 136, His Love Endures Forever. Cohen wrote a great psalm of praise
You are absolutely right. kd was on a tour in Australia, and sang 'Crying' on Australian TV 'the Midday Show' (around 1993), before a live audience of middle-aged, frumpy Aussies, who probably didn't even fully appreciate what she did. Challenged by the host to sing her signature song, she said she had not rehearsed it with the house band, wasn't ready, and then proceeded to blow it away in what I think may be her best rendition ever. If you haven't heard it, and you like her music, please, go listen and watch.
Her version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” is phenomenal too. Would love to see you do an analysis, maybe with both her version and Roy Orbison’s version. They’re both amazing and she references Roy’s version without imitating it, just paying tribute- by the time she’s done singing “Crying” you feel that she’s owned the song.
at 1:14 he realizes --this is something different -- wait at 2:15 he notes her use of the cord...then he goes on to explain her use of the music. Wish I knew music to understand her use of chords and chord changes. It makes a BIG difference.
1988 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony was the first time I heard KD Lang. I was blown away totally. She lives in Oregon USA as do I so I have had several opportunities to see her live. She always touches everyone in the audience in a personal way with her authenticity and relatability as well as her phenomenal voice and singing ability. She is a good human being.
KD Lang has a unique voice that moves like water, stretches a vocal line like taffy, and melts over the listener like butter. She has a mastery of the cry and slide and vibrato like no other. It's incredibly challenging to sing this way because it requires moving through multiple vocal registers with almost no disconnection. She's definitely inspired by Patsy Cline and has taken that style to another level with her incredible emotion, interpretation, and dynamic range. It all comes together to touch our heart in a deep unique way. She's a master of storytelling through song that makes every song she sings her own felt expression.
Such a fantastic summary. I’ve been in awe of her voice for decades and get goosebumps when I hear her. But I didn’t know how to describe all of the things she is such a master of. You just did and you are spot on. She’s absolutely one of a kind- an unmatched talent and seems to be an amazing human as well. 😊
Phil of Wings of Pegasus is fantastic. He is most knowledgeable about music, music theory and music composition. He also is very good at presenting the artist we are listening to without frequently interpreting the performance. He gives his analysis and comments at critical points to explain what is going on with vocals and background music. I have come to appreciate so much from Phil’s reviews and analysis of performances of great artists.
Thank you for pulling out the "cry" note, and for giving it that definition. It helps enhance our understanding of this stunning artist having having the vocabulary.
Phil is not the first one or millionth to note the cry in Kd Lang's voice. Watch her Carson performances from around 1990. He had her on a couple of weeks in a row. He was kind of blown away by the power and beauty and range of her voice. Listen to her sing 3 Cigarettes. The cry and wail and spin of the full belted notes was chilling. The audience was kind of stunned. KD was androgynously beautiful then too. Her voice is astounding. Christ, her first hit song was the duet of CRYING with Roy Orbison.
I totally agree. Everything comes together in a way that is magic. At the end, you can sense that she knows this...everyone there knows that they've experienced something magical.
I'm a musician, and one of our group passed away. Some of us performed it at his funeral. I had never heard it. Touched me to the depths of my soul. I immediately became a Leonard Cohen fan, and adore his raw version, but this one? It's my favorite music video of all time.
I love her voice. It's nice to see someone singing without the microphone on her lips. She has strength in her voice. And it's nice to hear a real voice rather than a whispy breathy voice. It's a real voice! Beautiful!
I thought of how you describe the "cry" in vocal performances and how it reaches so deep into our brains, when I read this today : "Human babies can call for help. It is all they can do. They can't run or stand or fight or hide. It's all they do for a long time. It's the first and most important human skill. This cry for help is a request, but it's also a declaration. It declares a biological faith in kindness." (The Cyrptonaturalist). No wonder we get goosebumps hearing KD Lang sing Hallelujah. Thanks for the awesome analysis!
Another emotional performance of this song was when she sang it for Leonard Cohen at his induction into the Canadian Songwriters' Hall Of Fame, after which she bowed in front of him - her being an adherent of Tibetan Buddhism, and Cohen having spent 5 yrs in a Zen monastery. Notice her rather monastic flavoured garb in this performance.
Nelson Mandela was frereed he met, Mariam makeba South Africa 🍄 mellifluous sounds like honey he got down on his knees,. .... And kissed her feet. Jah Herb Jah love Jah Jerry Jah rastafari praises blessings respectfully Tucson Arizona Sonoran desert 🏜️ Jah sisters Africa Ethiopia Addis Ababa Selassie I Jah Creation herbalist spiritual awakening chant down Babylon Jah
One of my sisters has been a huge fan for decades too. I think she may be her favorite singer of all time. Although there are singers I personally like a bit more, I cannot blame anyone for liking KD the most. She's an amazing talent by any measure.
kd Lang and Amy Winehouse are the two vocalists that, when I first heard them, caused me to literally stop whatever it was that I was doing to find out who I was listening to. I’ve seen kd in concert a few times and she is incredible.
She is the most magnificent singer in the world purest voice nobody sings that song like her I am 81 she still gives me goose bumps and I'm a great grandmother and Scottish
Check out her song “Barefoot” from movie “Salmonberries” & research Percy Adlon (director) & Rosel Zech. I’ve always wondered about the connection to why kd performs barefoot & “the secrets that r frozen within” ?
Thanks, I binge watched KD and the Rekieins on the tonight show but didn't see that one. Johnny Carson was also in a class by himself, and he and his band had them on often.
I’m gobsmacked! technically, MORE than Perfect because she refuses to sing the song the way we all know it perfectly. she sings HER song perfectly. And that song takes you to a place that I’ve not gone to in this a song before. She’s heartbroken, despairing, maybe even hateful, cynical. hallelujah isn’t always about joy, But it could be a cry of deep and intense pain, a condition of life. And I think it’s great that she brought it there because we don’t want to look at that side of life and how there’s so much of that in this with an invitation to touch it and feel it. So corageous. She really wanted to do that for us;she believed in the need to express that and for us to feel it too,and she brought it to us full on incredible no hesitation just full on so beautifully so hauntingly.
@@lawrencetaylor4101 I have seen Roy Orbison and KD Lang on the Tonight Show but it was with Jay Leno. Their duet was wonderful. Kinda makes the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
kd actually had TWO amazing performances at this awards show. She followed up Hallelujah by filling in for Neil Young (recovering from brain surgery) with the best rendition of Helpless I’ve ever heard.
As a live music lover I have been to hundreds of shows since the 80's, mostly rock/heavy metal. I've seen kd Lang a few times & she is NEXT LEVEL. Best live singer I've ever heard, bar none.
The ONLY OTHER PERSON i want to hear sing this is Pentatonics.....thats it...i have told my daughter that KD Lang must be sang at the celebration of life after I am gone.. as the private pub she owns, there are several groups of actor/ singers that do all their pre and post party's at her establishment...nothing like planning ahead yes?
The way she builds her vocals throughout the song is reminiscent of the way Art Garfunkel builds his vocals on every chorus of Bridge Over Troubled Water, another special performance.
I’m so grateful that you mentioned the WSO Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. They are Amazing. Close up camera work on the orchestra was like watching the amazing elegance of the most fluid sea creatures swimming in turquoise waters ~ as if lifted in the sky. Tremendous orchestral beauty. ♥️🌹♥️🇨🇦 Canadian performers have tremendous support for one another. 🌹
I didn't know her, my bad! I'm so tired of this song because it's the go-to for artists to seem more "emotional" or "spiritual", but she's amazing. I feel like I've never truly heard this song before, what she accomplishes is otherworldly
As a small side note, ... with all the performers Johnny Carson had on his show over the years Ms. Lang was one of the ones he wanted for his last show. A Canadian treasure.
KD is a not a great singer but a legendary. People need to listen to other great performances to understand the breathe of her amazing talent. She is a singers singer.
Okay - your analysis of k.d. and her talent was the best I've ever come across. You get her! I am a fellow Albertan (Canada), who has adored her for decades, and to have you break down her God given gifts in the way you did was so uplifting. Thank you!
Thank you for recognizing k.d. For the remarkable talent she is! She’s actually hilarious in concert. After performing “Miss chatelaine” wearing a huge bee-hive wig strapped around her neck, she was known to say “nothing like a good strap-on”, to which the audience would roar in laughter 😂. Rock on, k.d!
I agree with Leonard Cohen. K.D. owns this song. When the composer says that this is how it should be done, that says it all. What a magnificent performance.
(A nudge and a wink…) Fil, you have outdone yourself and gone above and beyond any call of duty!! This is the most comprehensive, technical and detailed analysis that I’ve ever been fortunate enough to have witnessed, not only on your channel but on any channel!! Now YOU deserve a Grammy, if there was a category for music appreciation and explanation. I may have already said enough but I must add a thank you for (virtually) taking me home, if only on the breath of a song.…
Wings of Pegasus Agreed, that degree of praise is so effusive as to be over the top or in other words, it pushed the envelope so far that it became a shipping carton. Still, there is nothing in that comment that you could point to and say that it is a lie. 😎
I totally agree. k. d. is an artist of such immense talent, it's quite one thing to listen and appreciate her gift, but quite another to have a deeper understanding of that gift to appreciate it fully. I'm Canadian, and k. d. is from my province, and I have been a fan of hers from her earliest days of playing local venues. She has always had the gift, but to see how she has dedicated herself to perfecting it is both humbling and inspiring. Your analysis is in itself a great gift also, as it helps those listening, to understand and appreciate her journey and enjoy it even more. Thank you.
After hearing KD Lang perform that song [Hallelujah] at the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2006 we [Leonard Cohen & I] looked at each other and said, “Well, I think we can lay that song to rest now! It’s really been done to its ultimate blissful state of perfection.” Anjani Thomas
Her voice gives me absolute chills. I've watched this performance 30 or more times and never specifically noticed some of the things you've pointed out! Thank you for this on point analysis. I have an even deeper appreciation for her now!
Your brain must be scary full. You amaze me in that you can verbalize music in ...words. So technical and precise. I love watching and listening to you. I am just in awe. I know that I can pick out some things before you talk about them, but you really fill out the experience.
I'm so glad you chose this version to react to because most people choose other versions of hers - this is BY FAR the most intense emotional version she has ever done - it makes me cry each time - it is so powerful - cheers to you my friend from Toronto Canada - home of RUSH, KD Lang and so many more great artists !
She is an amazing storyteller. To your point about every moment, every note, every facial expression… it all ties to the story she is telling us. Thank you, Fil.
I was thrilled when I saw this video. I love K D Lang. Her voice, and how she makes love to every note she sings brings me to a gentle place of peace and contentment. Thank you, Fil, for enhancing my love for her (and so many others) with your brilliant observations. You are a great teacher.
KD'S version of this song is heaven sent. I love that she is barefoot it makes me feel in order for her to give full spiritual expression to this song- she grounds her delivery barefooted.❤👃
I watched KD in a small club when she first started. She can rock and belt out the blues like no one else on top of the ballads she does so well, She was magnificent.
K.d. Lang is amazing. She has incredible power drawn by her pace and amp up in power. It gives me chills every time. This sound is *amazing* in concert. Thank you for covering it with your insights into how her inflections generate and punch the emotion of the song.
Went to a concert years ago. She sat on the proscenium and i was on the first row. She looked at me so often that I felt like I had a private concert from KD....it was Heaven. ...😇
One more time, Fil you’ve helped me hear what I haven’t heard before in a performance! Not only has K.D. Lang been gifted with a beautiful voice, but she is a true artist who uses her instrument to its fullest potential to speak to our hearts. The music and lyrics are pure poetry. As such, makes no literal sense but makes TOTAL sense emotionally. It speaks to how we often give give up personal power In relationships, the role of surrender in love and passion and how most of us are ill equipped to be in wholesome partnership with another, but still... have an aching longing for connection. The song, the performance... it’s a true masterpiece.
Her biggest influence was ANNE MURRAY...and Anne's "I Just Fall in Love Again" Live is BRILLIANT! Perfect Vibrato is exactly what Anne Murray is a master at.
You just demonstrated why K.D Lang occupies top spot on my list of favorite female signers! What a voice!! Your analyses are so very informative, Fil - glad I found your channel.
Oh my, Fil, where do you start? kd lang's voice is amazing no matter what she sings. I'm a huge fan of kd of both her beautiful voice and honest stage presence - what we see is who she is. She held that last, sweet hallelujah so effortless, it feels like she could have gone on even longer. Thank you
I do love her version of Hallelujah, but honestly, Constant Craving was a revelation. I was a young kid when it came out, but I remember sitting in the shade on bright summer days with a radio (or cassette player, because yeah, that old!) and hearing that distinctive voice on the breeze. Thanks for a great video and analysis.
I first her kd lang when she sang Cole Porter’s “So In Love” on Letterman. Unforgettable.. went out and got that album immediately. That vibrato is truly magnificent. Notice she starts it towards the middle or end of the note. Shows how confident she is of her pitch. A lot of singers use vibrato to help find the pitch, so it’s a crutch. It’s truly an ornament for her. Beautiful.
For me, there are three aspects to a musical recording to consider: 1) the songwriting 2) the technical performance and 3) the magic. Clearly, the songwriting is stellar, thanks to Leonard Cohen. The technical performance is amazing as Fil has explained. But the magic? You can't analyze this or quantify it and there is really no need to do so. Just stand back and let it be.
She was born to sing this masterpiece. Her artistry and emotion is just mesmerizing, it draws you in so completely, and time stands still. Top 5 live vocal performances of all time.
I'm in US & LOVE KD. I saw a program where Leonard Cohen (author) said KD owns his song I have to agree wholeheartedly! First time I heard KD was on an old Austin City Limits. Just that one song so long ago made me search for her. ❤ you. KD!
Her version is my ultimate favorite version. I always compare any other cover to this and they always come up short - so far. There was an artist on UA-cam and in the description it said it would make me cry. It was lovely but, nope no tears. K.D.s version always makes me cry… sensory overload! BTW when you were playing it, I KNEW you would mention the vibrato in a certain spot. You did! See, I’m learning!
I absolutely fell in love with k. d. langs’ voice back in 1989 when “Trail of Broken Hearts” was released. I have been a fan ever since. She never disappoints!
I truly appreciated your music analysis of k.d. lang’s performance. Your mention of her vocal dynamics, particularly her use of crescendo reminded me of this quote from Victor Hugo. I hope you don’t mind if I share this with you: “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Indeed k.d.’s performance was engaging and an auditory work of art. Fil thanks so much for what you do. ☺️
What I love about this song with the lyrics and chords, the lyrics that go, "It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall the major lift." follow the same chords the artist is singing and singing about in this song, a little music theory talk for us musicians.
A performance like this, so appreciated by the audience must bring the performer such pride and a feeling that they have just done something so beautiful. Nice that you didn't need bother with the pitch display Fil.
How funny that I just watched your Karen Carpenter analysis and was thinking of K.D. Lange. Another great performer, MAYBE under-recognized in the fan world but other great singer's sure know of her!
Most people have never had the experience to even know the brilliance of KD Lang. I've alwayesd enjoyed all that she has shared with us. She is so awesome that she doesn't need any tabloids telling her that she exceeds or doesn't cut it. Her talent and presence says it all. She could sing a crazy commercial an it would be awesome. Her voice is like no other.
k d lang's version remains my all-time favorite. Pentatonix gets more raves, but they didn't get the emotion into the song that lang did. And you're right about the 'cry' in her voice, which is why she does so very well with Roy Orbison in both duets and as covers. This was just an amazing performance. I do wonder why people keep thinking this a religious song.
This particular performance by K. D. Lang (the acoustics) really highlighted her tremendous, angelic voice. THIS is how Leonard Cohen thought his song should be sung. I found out he was at a performance where K. D. Lang sang this song & he smiled all the way through her rendition. They are two of Canada's greatest contributions to the music world! FYI- Cohen said he actually wrote about 80 different stanzas for this song. He is the only person who sang an alternative stanza in the song.
I have always loved her voice and appreciated her tremendous talent. I found it very sad when she disappeared from the American scene and treasure her live performances. She is fabulous. One of a kind.
KD appeared on Johnny Carson more than another singer. Look at "three cigarettes" a Patsy Cline song. She crushes that song. She was the last singer and the final act of Johnny's last show. Tony Bennet call her a 'singers singer' and a voice for it's time. She was picked by the Canadian music critics as the best sing of the last 100 years. When she covers a song she crushes all the rest. Listen to 'So in love' by Cloe Porter to see her reach back to when songs were songs and required true talent to sing. This voice is truly a treasure to all that hear it and is a legend for our time.
Gerrick........I'm going to be one of those annoying people ( so prepare yourself ). Bette Midler was the vocalist ( the last ) on The Tonight Show. I have a feeling you know that, Just got the wrong name🖒
Love Bette Miller, sang one of my all time favor songs ‘The Rose’. But she may have appeared more things but not as a singer she had quite the movie career. What she is is a g great entertainer, like Garth Brookes, but as a singer voice a notch below KD Lang.
Have always thought KD Lang had an incredible voice. When she sang this at the Vancouver Winter Olympics I think you could've heard a pin drop in the place....that performance gave me goosebumps.
Neil Young was supposed to host this awards ceremony but unfortunately had his brain injury just prior to it. k.d Lang stepped up to replace him and started the show with a terrific cover of Helpless as a tribute to him. If you could, you should analyze that performance as well.
I adore k.d. lang! I always thought she never got the credit she deserves. I watched a few videos of her performing this song and each one gets me right dead center of the heart.
"Hallelujah" is K.d. Lang's, as 1965 performance of "Unchained Melody" is Bobby Hatfield's, as "Over the Rainbow" is Judy Garland's , as Disturb's new version of "Sound of Silence" is David Draimen's; such amazing voices. I also love K.d. Lang's duets with other singers. Love, love her!
Leonard Cohen was in the audience for one of KD’s performances. After hearing her sing Hallelujah he said no one should ever sing this song other than her.
Wow! Didn't know that! Thanks!
I disagree with Leonard Cohen. She can sing it, too but his rendition stirs me…that deep, voice. She’s absolutely lovely😻
Jennifer Warnes and Serena Ryder all do a great job with the Cohen songs.
I agree
Leonard said the same thing about me, too.
Tony Bennett said of her after having recorded a duet, that she was the best performer today and that he saw angels every time she sang. What a compliment to be bestowed on a singer. She is a National Treasure; a multiple Juno and Grammy award winner. An absolutely wonderful singer!
😂
K.D. Lang is one of Canada's national treasures. Her performance of this at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver was amazing!
Yes! That's what I was going to post that. That performance is legendary! She's the only performer who sang live at the 2010 opening ceremonies. I love that her singing is not perfect (in but her but performing in a 50,000 capacity stadium, and the This collaboration between Leonard Cohen (poetry) and kd (vocals)is Canadian heaven, and from the time I saw her doing that sort
Hey Canada, how did the Vancouver Olympics go?
K D sang. And, oh ya, we won some medals. A couple of hockey games.
But, K D sang. HALLELUJAH !!!
Agreed, agreed, agreed!!!
The 2010 Olympic performance made the hairs on the back of my head stand up. It was probably the best single performance I have ever seen. As an Edmontonian, I have been lucky enough to see KD several times, including shows before she was even remotely famous. Her talent is undeniable.
I was just thinking that. Fil should've looked at the Olympics performance because it was so astonishing, it brought tears to my eyes. Hard to believe that was 11 years ago.
My wife and I loved this version of the song. She literally died listening to KD's version and expressed her last words "yoo-la." Thanks for pointing out how special this was.
WOW! What a truly profound impact this rendition must have had for you and your wife. I hope it brought you both much joy, peace and comfort.
❤
😇❤
Her singing is an emotional experience that you can not not feel. Chills, hair standing on end, goosebumps and tears...It's all there. I have been a fan since the first time I heard her.
So much yes! I have never been able to listen to this version without usng half a box of tissues. The other half gets spent on her version of Crying.
Yes my skin just tingles she is the Best!
KD is magnificent, and underappreciated in the US. She probably doesn't care, though - she's Canada's treasure. 💖 Fil, this is one of your very best analyses, too!
I am in the US and have everything she ever recorded. She is more appreciated than you think. If someone doesn't know about her, I am happy to introduce her. The first time I heard her was the main characters danced to a country song by her. It was the 2nd movie of "The Fly" Can't remember the full title, but I do remember KD's voice.
I've been a huge fan of kd since her beginning and I am in the US. I know there is a huge following here for her Her voice is the most perfect instrument and will captivate any who chose to listen. Thank you for this video - for those who appreciate music and have back round, - this is spot on. Thank you!
kd - please bless our ears, souls and eyes with your beauty and come back when you're ready. The World needs your gift.
In US. She is peerless. Adored. Truly. Also much love to Canada, much❤️
I disagree that k.d. is unappreciated in the USA. I love her and I know many many who do
What I love about all of kd's performances of this song is that she doesn't turn it into a hymn. Neither did Cohen. It is is about human experience of love, raw, vulnerable, intense.
Why we eventually outgrow (mature up) 501c3 organized religion
Thank you…just heavenly…now I understand why my hair follicles seemingly popped out of my skin… ❤
I think you missed the eschatological significance of a song composed by a Levite of the House of Aaron, calling people to REPENT ("She broke your throne, she cut your hair,") RETURN ("I've been here before, I've seen this room, I've walked the floor,") RECONCILE ("I've told the truth, I didnt come to fool you,") and REJOICE ("I'll stand here before the Lord of Song, with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah,")
The Great Hallel is Psalm 136, His Love Endures Forever.
Cohen wrote a great psalm of praise
@@AnneBeal-v3x I don't happen to agree with your analysis, but you did put alot of effort into it.
@@AnneBeal-v3xnot about religion 😂
I do not remember any time K.D. Lang did not give it her all. She's never half way. She's all in. I'm a fan.
You are absolutely right. kd was on a tour in Australia, and sang 'Crying' on Australian TV 'the Midday Show' (around 1993), before a live audience of middle-aged, frumpy Aussies, who probably didn't even fully appreciate what she did. Challenged by the host to sing her signature song, she said she had not rehearsed it with the house band, wasn't ready, and then proceeded to blow it away in what I think may be her best rendition ever. If you haven't heard it, and you like her music, please, go listen and watch.
I was there! My entire row was crying when she finished! I'll never forget this night!
How wonderful, I wish so much that I had been present at this incredible performance. One of my favourites of all time ❤❤❤
Her version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” is phenomenal too. Would love to see you do an analysis, maybe with both her version and Roy Orbison’s version. They’re both amazing and she references Roy’s version without imitating it, just paying tribute- by the time she’s done singing “Crying” you feel that she’s owned the song.
Roy Orbison & Kd did a duet of Crying. That would be very interesting to hear an analysis of.
Her voice is like velvet ❤
@@ritabutler1951I wholeheartedly agree - perfect rendition of a wonderful song.
She lives the song, and the orchestra is so in-tune with her that their support is equally amazing.
at 1:14 he realizes --this is something different -- wait at 2:15 he notes her use of the cord...then he goes on to explain her use of the music. Wish I knew music to understand her use of chords and chord changes. It makes a BIG difference.
In 2024, I still get emotional hearing her magnificent, creative vocals. Thank you Fil, this is what you do so well! 💖
One of the best female voices of all times.
what nonsense
I'd be glued to her voice if she were singing the phone book.
Me, too!❤️😊
K.D.’s voice gives me the chills. Each Hallelujah is so exquisite. She engages her audience. Beautiful gifted voice
1988 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony was the first time I heard KD Lang. I was blown away totally. She lives in Oregon USA as do I so I have had several opportunities to see her live. She always touches everyone in the audience in a personal way with her authenticity and relatability as well as her phenomenal voice and singing ability. She is a good human being.
KD Lang has a unique voice that moves like water, stretches a vocal line like taffy, and melts over the listener like butter. She has a mastery of the cry and slide and vibrato like no other. It's incredibly challenging to sing this way because it requires moving through multiple vocal registers with almost no disconnection. She's definitely inspired by Patsy Cline and has taken that style to another level with her incredible emotion, interpretation, and dynamic range. It all comes together to touch our heart in a deep unique way. She's a master of storytelling through song that makes every song she sings her own felt expression.
Such a fantastic summary. I’ve been in awe of her voice for decades and get goosebumps when I hear her. But I didn’t know how to describe all of the things she is such a master of. You just did and you are spot on. She’s absolutely one of a kind- an unmatched talent and seems to be an amazing human as well. 😊
Excellent, thank you for that I've always felt the butter melting She gives me goosebumps
Phil of Wings of Pegasus is fantastic. He is most knowledgeable about music, music theory and music composition. He also is very good at presenting the artist we are listening to without frequently interpreting the performance. He gives his analysis and comments at critical points to explain what is going on with vocals and background music. I have come to appreciate so much from Phil’s reviews and analysis of performances of great artists.
Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you for pulling out the "cry" note, and for giving it that definition. It helps enhance our understanding of this stunning artist having having the vocabulary.
Phil is not the first one or millionth to note the cry in Kd Lang's voice. Watch her Carson performances from around 1990. He had her on a couple of weeks in a row. He was kind of blown away by the power and beauty and range of her voice. Listen to her sing 3 Cigarettes. The cry and wail and spin of the full belted notes was chilling. The audience was kind of stunned. KD was androgynously beautiful then too. Her voice is astounding. Christ, her first hit song was the duet of CRYING with Roy Orbison.
One of the greatest performances off all time.
I totally agree. Everything comes together in a way that is magic. At the end, you can sense that she knows this...everyone there knows that they've experienced something magical.
I'm a musician, and one of our group passed away. Some of us performed it at his funeral. I had never heard it. Touched me to the depths of my soul. I immediately became a Leonard Cohen fan, and adore his raw version, but this one? It's my favorite music video of all time.
In my opinion her best with Hallelujah was at the Olympics. Shivers up the spine performance.
This woman is not human. She has a gift that is truly magical and God given.
I love how this guy just smiles and shakes his head whenever he hears total pros knock it out of the park
If us Canadians love kd, please watch her speech when she received her GG Award. It is brilliant.
I love her voice. It's nice to see someone singing without the microphone on her lips. She has strength in her voice. And it's nice to hear a real voice rather than a whispy breathy voice. It's a real voice! Beautiful!
I thought of how you describe the "cry" in vocal performances and how it reaches so deep into our brains, when I read this today : "Human babies can call for help. It is all they can do. They can't run or stand or fight or hide. It's all they do for a long time. It's the first and most important human skill. This cry for help is a request, but it's also a declaration. It declares a biological faith in kindness." (The Cyrptonaturalist). No wonder we get goosebumps hearing KD Lang sing Hallelujah. Thanks for the awesome analysis!
Lynn Dow , wow, I love how you picked that out and the analogy I guess you’d say. Beautiful words...
That was incredible, thank you for that incredible bit of info!💜🙏💜
@ Lynn Dow : Omg, that was so beautiful. _"It declares a biological faith in kindness"_
Thanks for sharing that quote.
Awesome comment!
Wow, Lynn love that powerful quote.
Another emotional performance of this song was when she sang it for Leonard Cohen at his induction into the Canadian Songwriters' Hall Of Fame, after which she bowed in front of him - her being an adherent of Tibetan Buddhism, and Cohen having spent 5 yrs in a Zen monastery. Notice her rather monastic flavoured garb in this performance.
After twenty seven years, on in robben island... .
Nelson Mandela was frereed he met, Mariam makeba South Africa 🍄 mellifluous sounds like honey he got down on his knees,. .... And kissed her feet. Jah Herb Jah love Jah Jerry Jah rastafari praises blessings respectfully Tucson Arizona Sonoran desert 🏜️ Jah sisters Africa Ethiopia Addis Ababa Selassie I Jah Creation herbalist spiritual awakening chant down Babylon Jah
I've loved her for decades. Such talent. I was lucky to see her in a live performance.
One of my sisters has been a huge fan for decades too. I think she may be her favorite singer of all time. Although there are singers I personally like a bit more, I cannot blame anyone for liking KD the most. She's an amazing talent by any measure.
kd Lang and Amy Winehouse are the two vocalists that, when I first heard them, caused me to literally stop whatever it was that I was doing to find out who I was listening to. I’ve seen kd in concert a few times and she is incredible.
Try Eva Cassidy then. Enjoy.
Same here!
Lord what a beautiful voice
She is the most magnificent singer in the world purest voice nobody sings that song like her I am 81 she still gives me goose bumps and I'm a great grandmother and Scottish
She has always given me goosebumps when she sings. I just love her! And who needs shoes, bare feet is where its at. ❤️Good job Fil.
Carla, Ann Murray would agree.
Yep Ronnie Van Zant prooved the barefoot theory Budgy Australia cheers
Check out her song “Barefoot” from movie “Salmonberries” & research Percy Adlon (director) & Rosel Zech. I’ve always wondered about the connection to why kd performs barefoot & “the secrets that r frozen within” ?
@@missmobius Barefoot is my top 3 of kd's - Stop dead in your tracks, haunting vocals. I dare anyone to do what she can do.
When she sings hallelujah at the Olympics is one of her best performances of her life. I've been following KD Lang from the very beginning
LOVE THIS! kd is an amazing vocalist. Her duet with Roy Orbison singing "Crying" (try the Tonight Show video version) is just peak stuff.
Thanks, I binge watched KD and the Rekieins on the tonight show but didn't see that one. Johnny Carson was also in a class by himself, and he and his band had them on often.
I’m gobsmacked! technically, MORE than Perfect because she refuses to sing the song the way we all know it perfectly. she sings HER song perfectly. And that song takes you to a place that I’ve not gone to in this a song before. She’s heartbroken, despairing, maybe even hateful, cynical. hallelujah isn’t always about joy, But it could be a cry of deep and intense pain, a condition of life. And I think it’s great that she brought it there because we don’t want to look at that side of life and how there’s so much of that in this with an invitation to touch it and feel it. So corageous. She really wanted to do that for us;she believed in the need to express that and for us to feel it too,and she brought it to us full on incredible no hesitation just full on so beautifully so hauntingly.
@@lawrencetaylor4101 I have seen Roy Orbison and KD Lang on the Tonight Show but it was with Jay Leno. Their duet was wonderful. Kinda makes the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
@@lawrencetaylor4101 Johnny constantly praised her...she greatly impressed him!
Pretty sure Roy made it about as easy as possible, but she's definitely an amazing talent.
kd actually had TWO amazing performances at this awards show. She followed up Hallelujah by filling in for Neil Young (recovering from brain surgery) with the best rendition of Helpless I’ve ever heard.
As a live music lover I have been to hundreds of shows since the 80's, mostly rock/heavy metal. I've seen kd Lang a few times & she is NEXT LEVEL. Best live singer I've ever heard, bar none.
The ONLY OTHER PERSON i want to hear sing this is Pentatonics.....thats it...i have told my daughter that KD Lang must be sang at the celebration of life after I am gone.. as the private pub she owns, there are several groups of actor/ singers that do all their pre and post party's at her establishment...nothing like planning ahead yes?
The way she builds her vocals throughout the song is reminiscent of the way Art Garfunkel builds his vocals on every chorus of Bridge Over Troubled Water, another special performance.
I never, not once, have listened to K.D. Lang sing Hallelujah without a lump in my throat and tearing up.
Thank you for a great analysis.
I’m so grateful that you mentioned the WSO Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. They are Amazing. Close up camera work on the orchestra was like watching the amazing elegance of the most fluid sea creatures swimming in turquoise waters ~ as if lifted in the sky. Tremendous orchestral beauty. ♥️🌹♥️🇨🇦 Canadian performers have tremendous support for one another. 🌹
I believe he said “Manitoba”
I didn't know her, my bad! I'm so tired of this song because it's the go-to for artists to seem more "emotional" or "spiritual", but she's amazing. I feel like I've never truly heard this song before, what she accomplishes is otherworldly
KD does not get enough appreciation for her beautiful voice.
As a small side note, ... with all the performers Johnny Carson had on his show over the years Ms. Lang was one of the ones he wanted for his last show. A Canadian treasure.
If I could listen to only one singer and one song for all eternity THIS WOULD BE IT❤
KD is a not a great singer but a legendary. People need to listen to other great performances to understand the breathe of her amazing talent. She is a singers singer.
Okay - your analysis of k.d. and her talent was the best I've ever come across. You get her! I am a fellow Albertan (Canada), who has adored her for decades, and to have you break down her God given gifts in the way you did was so uplifting. Thank you!
Thank you for recognizing k.d. For the remarkable talent she is! She’s actually hilarious in concert. After performing “Miss chatelaine” wearing a huge bee-hive wig strapped around her neck, she was known to say “nothing like a good strap-on”, to which the audience would roar in laughter 😂. Rock on, k.d!
I agree with Leonard Cohen. K.D. owns this song. When the composer says that this is how it should be done, that says it all. What a magnificent performance.
(A nudge and a wink…) Fil, you have outdone yourself and gone above and beyond any call of duty!! This is the most comprehensive, technical and detailed analysis that I’ve ever been fortunate enough to have witnessed, not only on your channel but on any channel!! Now YOU deserve a Grammy, if there was a category for music appreciation and explanation. I may have already said enough but I must add a thank you for (virtually) taking me home, if only on the breath of a song.…
😂
Wings of Pegasus Agreed, that degree of praise is so effusive as to be over the top or in other words, it pushed the envelope so far that it became a shipping carton.
Still, there is nothing in that comment that you could point to and say that it is a lie. 😎
I totally agree.
k. d. is an artist of such immense talent, it's quite one thing to listen and appreciate her gift, but quite another to have a deeper understanding of that gift to appreciate it fully. I'm Canadian, and k. d. is from my province, and I have been a fan of hers from her earliest days of playing local venues. She has always had the gift, but to see how she has dedicated herself to perfecting it is both humbling and inspiring. Your analysis is in itself a great gift also, as it helps those listening, to understand and appreciate her journey and enjoy it even more. Thank you.
@@Sotto_ No, thank YOU! (Btw, I’m from TO)
@@ThisTrainIsLost
💞🇨🇦🇬🇧💞 👍
There are many people who can sing fairly well, but few virtuoso singers . Such a lovely song performed so beautifully.
Leonard Cohen wanted kd to perform his song at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics as he refused to do so. He felt she had the best voice to do so.
I adore her silky voice that slides perfectly from note to note. Your analysis was so great, one of your absolute best!
After hearing KD Lang perform that song [Hallelujah] at the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2006 we [Leonard Cohen & I] looked at each other and said, “Well, I think we can lay that song to rest now! It’s really been done to its ultimate blissful state of perfection.”
Anjani Thomas
Her voice gives me absolute chills. I've watched this performance 30 or more times and never specifically noticed some of the things you've pointed out! Thank you for this on point analysis. I have an even deeper appreciation for her now!
Thank you so much I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music 🎶❤️
Your brain must be scary full. You amaze me in that you can verbalize music in ...words. So technical and precise. I love watching and listening to you. I am just in awe. I know that I can pick out some things before you talk about them, but you really fill out the experience.
Thanks for the kind words!
I'm so glad you chose this version to react to because most people choose other versions of hers - this is BY FAR the most intense emotional version she has ever done - it makes me cry each time - it is so powerful - cheers to you my friend from Toronto Canada - home of RUSH, KD Lang and so many more great artists !
She is an amazing storyteller. To your point about every moment, every note, every facial expression… it all ties to the story she is telling us. Thank you, Fil.
I was thrilled when I saw this video. I love K D Lang. Her voice, and how she makes love to every note she sings brings me to a gentle place of peace and contentment. Thank you, Fil, for enhancing my love for her (and so many others) with your brilliant observations. You are a great teacher.
k.d. lang's performance of "Halleluja" was amazing. Thank you for the fine analysis video.
I should have been more enthusiastic about the analysis. It was great, and hugely interesting!
KD'S version of this song is heaven sent. I love that she is barefoot it makes me feel in order for her to give full spiritual expression to this song- she grounds her delivery barefooted.❤👃
I watched KD in a small club when she first started. She can rock and belt out the blues like no one else on top of the ballads she does so well, She was magnificent.
K.d. Lang is amazing. She has incredible power drawn by her pace and amp up in power. It gives me chills every time. This sound is *amazing* in concert. Thank you for covering it with your insights into how her inflections generate and punch the emotion of the song.
Went to a concert years ago. She sat on the proscenium and i was on the first row. She looked at me so often that I felt like I had a private concert from KD....it was Heaven. ...😇
One more time, Fil you’ve helped me hear what I haven’t heard before in a performance!
Not only has K.D. Lang been gifted with a beautiful voice, but she is a true artist who uses her instrument to its fullest potential to speak to our hearts.
The music and lyrics are pure poetry. As such, makes no literal sense but makes TOTAL sense emotionally.
It speaks to how we often give give up personal power In relationships, the role of surrender in love and passion and how most of us are ill equipped to be in wholesome partnership with another, but still... have an aching longing for connection.
The song, the performance... it’s a true masterpiece.
Her biggest influence was ANNE MURRAY...and Anne's "I Just Fall in Love Again" Live is BRILLIANT! Perfect Vibrato is exactly what Anne Murray is a master at.
Angelina Jordan may be the bare foot princess, but at least for now, kd is still the bare foot queen. A voice that makes angels shut up
You just demonstrated why K.D Lang occupies top spot on my list of favorite female signers! What a voice!! Your analyses are so very informative, Fil - glad I found your channel.
Oh my, Fil, where do you start? kd lang's voice is amazing no matter what she sings. I'm a huge fan of kd of both her beautiful voice and honest stage presence - what we see is who she is. She held that last, sweet hallelujah so effortless, it feels like she could have gone on even longer. Thank you
Your beautiful smile while listening to her just says everything of what I love about her
I am LOVING the way you've explained - being left at the point of contemplation, rather than excitement
K.D. Lang is a indeed one of Canada's national treasures! Your next door neighbors love her too! She's fabulous!!!!😊🇺🇸❤🍁
She is one of finest singers I have ever heard sing. I put her right next to Karen Carpenter. I never get tired of hearing k.d. lang sing.
I do love her version of Hallelujah, but honestly, Constant Craving was a revelation. I was a young kid when it came out, but I remember sitting in the shade on bright summer days with a radio (or cassette player, because yeah, that old!) and hearing that distinctive voice on the breeze. Thanks for a great video and analysis.
I first her kd lang when she sang Cole Porter’s “So In Love” on Letterman. Unforgettable.. went out and got that album immediately. That vibrato is truly magnificent. Notice she starts it towards the middle or end of the note. Shows how confident she is of her pitch. A lot of singers use vibrato to help find the pitch, so it’s a crutch. It’s truly an ornament for her. Beautiful.
For me, there are three aspects to a musical recording to consider: 1) the songwriting 2) the technical performance and 3) the magic. Clearly, the songwriting is stellar, thanks to Leonard Cohen. The technical performance is amazing as Fil has explained. But the magic? You can't analyze this or quantify it and there is really no need to do so. Just stand back and let it be.
As both a guitarist and a recording engineer I have to point out you're missing a bit there. Otherwise I agree. ^-^
She was born to sing this masterpiece. Her artistry and emotion is just mesmerizing, it draws you in so completely, and time stands still. Top 5 live vocal performances of all time.
I'm in US & LOVE KD. I saw a program where Leonard Cohen (author) said KD owns his song I have to agree wholeheartedly! First time I heard KD was on an old Austin City Limits. Just that one song so long ago made me search for her. ❤ you. KD!
Very impressive analysis of this beautiful piece.
Her version is my ultimate favorite version. I always compare any other cover to this and they always come up short - so far. There was an artist on UA-cam and in the description it said it would make me cry. It was lovely but, nope no tears. K.D.s version always makes me cry… sensory overload! BTW when you were playing it, I KNEW you would mention the vibrato in a certain spot. You did! See, I’m learning!
kd's "Constant Craving" is an astounding piece of music in my opinion. Yes, heavily "produced" but still... Cheers!
I absolutely fell in love with k. d. langs’ voice back in 1989 when “Trail of Broken Hearts” was released. I have been a fan ever since. She never disappoints!
I truly appreciated your music analysis of k.d. lang’s performance. Your mention of her vocal dynamics, particularly her use of crescendo reminded me of this quote from Victor Hugo. I hope you don’t mind if I share this with you: “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Indeed k.d.’s performance was engaging and an auditory work of art. Fil thanks so much for what you do. ☺️
Extremely well said.
What I love about this song with the lyrics and chords, the lyrics that go, "It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall the major lift." follow the same chords the artist is singing and singing about in this song, a little music theory talk for us musicians.
A performance like this, so appreciated by the audience must bring the performer such pride and a feeling that they have just done something so beautiful. Nice that you didn't need bother with the pitch display Fil.
How funny that I just watched your Karen Carpenter analysis and was thinking of K.D. Lange. Another great performer, MAYBE under-recognized in the fan world but other great singer's sure know of her!
Most people have never had the experience to even know the brilliance of KD Lang. I've alwayesd enjoyed all that she has shared with us. She is so awesome that she doesn't need any tabloids telling her that she exceeds or doesn't cut it. Her talent and presence says it all. She could sing a crazy commercial an it would be awesome.
Her voice is like no other.
Very few singers have a voice so wonderful, it can touch your soul. kd lang is one of them.
k d lang's version remains my all-time favorite. Pentatonix gets more raves, but they didn't get the emotion into the song that lang did. And you're right about the 'cry' in her voice, which is why she does so very well with Roy Orbison in both duets and as covers. This was just an amazing performance.
I do wonder why people keep thinking this a religious song.
Her voice defies mere language!!! It bewitches me, always has!!!
This particular performance by K. D. Lang (the acoustics) really highlighted her tremendous, angelic voice. THIS is how Leonard Cohen thought his song should be sung. I found out he was at a performance where K. D. Lang sang this song & he smiled all the way through her rendition. They are two of Canada's greatest contributions to the music world! FYI- Cohen said he actually wrote about 80 different stanzas for this song. He is the only person who sang an alternative stanza in the song.
This is gorgeous...though I feel Jeff Buckley's version of this song is what artists emulate 💚💚💚
I have always loved her voice and appreciated her tremendous talent. I found it very sad when she disappeared from the American scene and treasure her live performances. She is fabulous. One of a kind.
Every performance I've watched from K D is mesmerizing.
I went through a kd phase, and I still love her. IMO one of the best female voices in my lifetime. 💜🍀
KD appeared on Johnny Carson more than another singer. Look at "three cigarettes" a Patsy Cline song. She crushes that song. She was the last singer and the final act of Johnny's last show. Tony Bennet call her a 'singers singer' and a voice for it's time. She was picked by the Canadian music critics as the best sing of the last 100 years. When she covers a song she crushes all the rest. Listen to 'So in love' by Cloe Porter to see her reach back to when songs were songs and required true talent to sing. This voice is truly a treasure to all that hear it and is a legend for our time.
Love her songs of the 49th parallel.
Gerrick........I'm going to be one of those annoying people ( so prepare yourself ). Bette Midler was the vocalist ( the last ) on The Tonight Show. I have a feeling you know that, Just got the wrong name🖒
Love Bette Miller, sang one of my all time favor songs ‘The Rose’. But she may have appeared more things but not as a singer she had quite the movie career. What she is is a g great entertainer, like Garth Brookes, but as a singer voice a notch below KD Lang.
Gerrick Slogar Carson said KD was his favourite singer. Loved having her on his show.
Did a whole album about smoke 😊
Probably the greatest female singer in my lifetime I absolutely love to hear and watch!
I used to play "Pullin' Back the Reins" every morning on the jukebox when I was a bartender before anyone got there. Just me and that beautiful voice.
Have always thought KD Lang had an incredible voice. When she sang this at the Vancouver Winter Olympics I think you could've heard a pin drop in the place....that performance gave me goosebumps.
Neil Young was supposed to host this awards ceremony but unfortunately had his brain injury just prior to it. k.d Lang stepped up to replace him and started the show with a terrific cover of Helpless as a tribute to him. If you could, you should analyze that performance as well.
The absolute top version. Loved Jeff Buckley’s version, as well. RIP
My fave is Jeff's version (talk about being taken away from us too soon), but I still can't blame anyone for liking KD's version more.
I adore k.d. lang! I always thought she never got the credit she deserves. I watched a few videos of her performing this song and each one gets me right dead center of the heart.
She just destroys me. Loved her for 30 yrs. She just keeps on getting better.
"Hallelujah" is K.d. Lang's, as 1965 performance of "Unchained Melody" is Bobby Hatfield's, as "Over the Rainbow" is Judy Garland's , as Disturb's new version of "Sound of Silence" is David Draimen's; such amazing voices. I also love K.d. Lang's duets with other singers. Love, love her!