Unveiled: 5 Popular Tunes Sporting Stealthy Star-Studded Vocals
In the world of music, the contributions of artists often go beyond the limelight and the official credits. Here are some fascinating instances where popular musicians lent their voices, yet did not receive the recognition they deserved.
John Lennon's brief yet catalytic lyrical contributions to David Bowie's 'Fame' brought a raw, chaotic energy that transformed the song. Lennon's high-pitched echo of "Fame!" is an unmistakable part of the track.
Michael Jackson's iconic voice is remembered in 'Somebody's Watching Me', a song co-written and sung by Rockwell. Despite label conflicts, Jackson's contribution is so memorable that many believe it to be one of his own songs. The line "I always feel like somebody's watching me" is sung by none other than the King of Pop.
Justin Timberlake's presence in The Black Eyed Peas' 'Where Is the Love' is subtle yet impactful. Although the specifics of his involvement are not detailed, his signature falsetto delivers the emotional line, "People killin', people dyin'..." Timberlake's contribution played a key role in shaping the track and helped propel it into pop culture history.
In a similar vein, Beyoncé's vocals in Coldplay's 'Hymn for the Weekend' are woven throughout the chorus and background harmonies, despite not being officially credited as a featured artist.
The practice of uncredited vocal usage is not uncommon. A Guy Called Gerald's 'Voodoo Ray' (1988) featured uncredited vocals by Nicola Collier, and the British-American DJ's number one single included uncredited vocals from Daniel Bedingfield. These instances highlight the hidden vocal contributors in recorded tracks.
will.i.am's 2012 track 'Reach for the Stars' premiered from 150 million miles away on Mars, featuring a subtle vocal contribution from producer and rapper Lil Jon. The track, which features a 40-piece orchestra and youth choirs, is designed to match its lofty mission.
The school offering the BA (Hons) Music Production & Vocal Performance Degree provides opportunities for students to collaborate with other creatives and level up their skills. The institution, which has earned a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), offers degrees or short courses in London, LA, Ibiza, and Online.
The 2003 hit 'Where Is The Love?' became an anthem for global unity and social awareness. The BA (Hons) Music Production & Vocal Performance Degree offers students the chance to create music with a similar impact.
In conclusion, the role of uncredited vocal contributions in popular music is a fascinating aspect that often goes unnoticed. From John Lennon's brief but catalytic contributions to David Bowie's 'Fame' to Justin Timberlake's subtle yet impactful presence in The Black Eyed Peas' 'Where Is the Love', these instances serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the often unrecognised contributions of artists.
- Uncredited vocal contributions have played significant roles in shaping popular music, such as Justin Timberlake's impactful contribution in The Black Eyed Peas' 'Where Is the Love'.
- The practice of uncredited vocals is not exclusive to modern music; examples can be traced back to A Guy Called Gerald's 'Voodoo Ray' featuring Nicola Collier's vocals.
