Quote:
Originally posted by shelven
I've always been neutral on the whole solo distribution issue, but I'll just add my two cents about why I think it happens and why 5H doesn't just "solve" the problem and distribute like LM does.
Regardless of whether you like or hate Camila's voice, it basically acts as the "differentiator" for Fifth Harmony. By that I mean that hers is the voice that when you hear a 5H song on the radio, you recognize that it's 5H instead of just some random artist you've never heard of. Meanwhile, even though all the other four girls have great voices (and I prefer some of them to Camila's personally), they're more "normal" and don't have as much of an immediate association to a specific person. Given that Epic is presumably trying to establish 5H as consistent hitmakers and mainstays in the industry, having a distinct sound that makes people know they're listening to a Fifth Harmony song is a major asset. As for a group like Little Mix, they don't really have one individual member where a listener goes "oh, this is Little Mix!" when they hear them sing. Like J-esper brought up, in their case it's more of the combination of their voices and their harmonies that make them recognizable.
So long story short, I don't think they keep doing this because of superficial reasons like Camila having the more social media followers, famous friends, media attention or stuff like that. I just think that her voice is a large contributor to the overall 5H "brand" that they want to keep strengthening.
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You eloquently conveyed your point well. I think there's a balance they can find with using Camila's voice as the unique differentiation.
For instance...Dawn Richard from Danity Kane has a very unique tone (as we were reminded throughout the entirety of the Making the Band Series). On the first album there wasn't a song where Dawn wasn't given the opportunity the "shine" with a verse, lead vocals on the chorus and adlibs. On the second album, there was a lot less of that. Dawn still got her ability to stand out, but you weren't beat over the head with it. Dawn and Audrea were the "voices" of Danity Kane, so much to the point that we didn't even find out that poor Shannon could sing until the third album (I'm being slightly facetious but it's true).
With Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland had a very unique voice. If you go back and listen to the DC discography, IMO, you'll see that Kelly's voice was the base for most of the choruses, so much to the point that it hurts her with her solo career (the reviewers complaining the choruses sound like DC).
My point is, there can be an effort made. I do a lot of bitching about Camila, but part of that is I see the powers behind 5H going down the same route of DK, PCD and so many other groups before them when it comes to part distribution. I'm also fully aware that producers get keen on a group of voices and therefore uses them primarily (such as Max Martin with BSB's NIck, Brian, AJ or anyone with N'SYNC's JC/Justin). But all of these girls can sing.
I liked Camila's verse on WFH...I just didn't need to hear her shrieking adlibs during the final chorus.
And I think her first pre-chorus/chorus was fine on The Life...it was unnecessary repetition to have for the rest of the song plus the bridge w/ Naomi and adlibs when Dinah could have been given a part.
Still #1 in Brazil, top40 in UK.
