Thom Yorke is not that “skilled” of a vocalist, actually. He is a musical genius in spite of it.

Thom Yorke is not that “skilled” of a vocalist, actually. He is a musical genius in spite of it.

Thom Yorke is someone who has left the world of rock fresher than it was when he first stepped foot into the genre with his debut album, Pablo Honey in 1993. Since then, him and his band have absolutely ravaged the rock scenes, with hit albums such as The Bends (1995), OK Computer (1997), Kid A (2000) and In Rainbows (2007) having completely swept the charts in their heydey. Even now, they are adored by many, for they are considered to “be everything that is adventurous in rock” -Their words, not mine !

However, what if i were to tell you that Thom Yorke, a man whose voice has changed music forever, might not be as skilled of a vocalist as you might have previously assumed ? Yes, this is what a few critics argue. A certain vocal coach from the Ken Tamplin vocal academy forum says that Yorke sings with a predominantly raised larynx and uses “quite a bit of air.” According to the vocal coach, this technique produces his signature light, sometimes froggy or strained sound but limits his ability to develop a powerful belting voice.

Another criticism, this time from the Daily Mash, describes his high-pitched, falsetto-heavy singing as sounding like a “cat being squished between two breeze blocks”; Credit where credit is due, that is a really funny way to describe Thom’s voice.

These criticisms would suggest that Thom Yorke, while a rock sensation, has the voice of a pretentious highschool boy, and that his success is carried by other factors. However, any avid Radiohead listener should know that these criticisms have failed to address what makes Thom unique.

Firstly, his falsetto is angelic. To anyone who has not heard it yet, i suggest the song Nude. In the song, Thom executes a seamless transition between his chest voice and his extraordinary falsetto. This often hits the balance in his somber tone that we have grown to recognize. This blend is seen the best in Fake Plastic Trees, in my opinion.

Secondly, His lyrical imperfections, as stated by many in close touch to the production team and the band, are often on purpose. His technique, heavier on emotions rather than technical prowess, nonetheless succeeds in delivering heavy words in a heart-throbbing manner. His signature pained, transported intensity can be seen in songs such as Pyramid Song and Bodysnatchers.

So, to all the mindless critics chewing out our musical genius over tiny imperfections, I wish you a horrible day >:3