Depressed? Anxious? Let Freddy Mercury Be Your Therapist! - The DV Walking Wounded:
As a teen, I saw Freddie Mercury and Queen on LiveAid and haven’t been the same since. He had total command of the crowd. What gave me goosebumps was watching the Bohemian Rhapsody movie and remembering stopping in my tracks and getting goosebumps in that moment. I highly recommend that movie! The actor playing Freddie, Rami Malek, looks just like him and has the same mannerisms. It’s like Val Kilmer playing Jim Morrison all over again! Music and movies go hand in hand!
If you’ve ever belted out Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of your lungs or felt chills during Somebody to Love, you know there’s something truly magical about Freddie Mercury’s voice. But what exactly made his voice so captivating? Scientists decided to find out, and their findings are as fascinating as the legendary Queen frontman himself.
The Study
In 2016, a team of Austrian, Czech, and Swedish researchers delved deep into the science behind Freddie Mercury’s voice. They analyzed recordings of his singing and speaking, studied his vibrato, and even had a professional rock singer mimic his style to get a closer look at the vocal mechanics involved. Here’s what they discovered:
Beyond the Usual Range
Freddie Mercury’s vocal range was impressive. While most rock singers typically span about two octaves, Mercury could comfortably cover three octaves. This wasn’t just a natural gift; it was the result of his exceptional vocal control and technique. He could switch from a deep, throaty growl to a soaring, operatic high note with ease, making his performances incredibly dynamic and expressive.
The Unique Vibrato
One of the standout features of Mercury’s voice was his vibrato – the slight, rapid variation in pitch that adds richness to a note. While a typical vibrato frequency is around 5.4 Hz, Freddie’s vibrato averaged 7.0 Hz. This faster vibrato gave his voice a unique texture and contributed to its powerful, resonant quality.
The Subharmonic Magic
Perhaps the most intriguing finding was Mercury’s use of subharmonics. These are additional tones that are produced below the main note being sung, creating a fuller, more resonant sound. This technique is rare and requires exceptional control of the vocal cords. It’s part of what made his voice sound so rich and full, even at higher pitches.
The Rock and Opera Fusion
Freddie Mercury was a musical chameleon. He seamlessly blended the raw, powerful edge of rock with the refined, technical precision of opera. This fusion was evident in songs like “Barcelona,” his collaboration with opera singer Montserrat Caballé, where he showcased his ability to perform in both styles with equal brilliance. His versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres set him apart from other rock vocalists of his time.
The Heart and Soul
While the scientific analysis provides a fascinating insight into the technical aspects of Freddie Mercury’s voice, it’s essential to remember that his true magic lay in his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. His performances were not just about hitting the right notes but about conveying passion, vulnerability, and sheer joy. Whether he was singing about love, heartbreak, or the sheer thrill of life, Mercury had a way of making you feel every word.
A Legacy That Lives On
Freddie Mercury’s voice continues to inspire and captivate music lovers around the world. The scientific study offers a glimpse into the extraordinary mechanics behind his vocal prowess, but it also reinforces what fans have always known – Freddie Mercury was a one-of-a-kind talent whose voice was as unique as his spirit.
So, the next time you find yourself singing along to a Queen classic, take a moment to appreciate the incredible artistry and technique that went into creating those unforgettable sounds. Freddie Mercury’s voice was more than just a gift; it was a testament to the power of music to move and inspire us all.
On another similar “note” (see what I did there!?!) I copied this from a Facebook post, but DID verify its validity first:
Science has established that Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen is the song that can make you feel better.
Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen wins first place in the ranking of songs that have a positive impact on mood.
According to a study conducted by cognitive neuroscientist Jacob Jolij of the University of Groningen, this famous track is the most encouraging in the world.
The research, commissioned by a well-known electronics brand, analyzed various factors, including the beats per minute, the key and the chords of the song. According to Jolij, combining these elements gives the formula for the perfect ‘feel-good song’.
Here are the top 10 songs that put you in a good mood according to the study:
- Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now
- ABBA, Dancing Queen
- Beach Boys, Good Vibrations
- Billy Joel, Uptown Girl
- Survivor, Eye of the Tiger
- The Monkees, I’m a Believer
- Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
- Bon Jovi, Livin’ on a Prayer
- Gloria Gaynor, I Will Survive
- Katrina & the Waves, Walking on Sunshine
Rock on, especially with Dr Freddie Mercury! <3
