Glee is back finally. And for that I’m tremendously glad. It feels like forever since the first half of the season ended with that kiss between Emma and Will. (For the record, I didn’t care for that kiss at all; it was too soon. But that’s beside the point here.) And though some reactions have been mixed to the newest episode, I thought it was a strong start to the second part of the season. Unfortunately, however, the Auto-Tune usage that was rampant in the first 13 episodes looks like it will continue for the rest of the season.
Now, I guess it makes sense that the show uses Auto-Tune at least occasionally. The show does (and to a large extent, should) reflect the sensibilities of modern pop music, however misguided those sensibilities may be. And some of the show’s singers are clearly stronger than others; I realize that there are tremendous difficulties in casting a show like this. But the extra layer of artificiality caused by the usage of Auto-Tune often distracts from the music and the story.
I don’t really mind when Auto-Tune is used in a number that acts as a music-video fantasy. For example, “No Air” starts in the rehearsal room, then segues into a fantasy sequence. It’s understandable that you’d want a consistent sound throughout the whole song, both the fantasy and rehearsal room halves of the video. And if the show is going to accurately depict a modern music video, it makes sense that it would use Auto-Tune. (Whether Auto-Tune is used to much in modern American music is another question entirely, and one that I don’t really give a shit about.)
But I can’t stand when I see Auto-Tune used on one of the show’s strong singers in a situation that doesn’t call for it. We know that Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison can sing; why use Auto-Tune on them in songs that aren’t a part of any sort of fantasy sequence? I’m thinking of scenes like “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and the “Don’t Stand So Close to Me/Young Girl” mash-up. I realize that some of the actors may need some help (*cough* Cory Monteith *cough*), but those two certainly don’t. I’d much rather hear them sing than the Auto-Tune machine.
And it’s worth pointing out that I’m not the only one who feels this way. A google search brings up a ton of complaints from fans and writers, and even an online petition to stop it.
Maybe the network or the producers are afraid that sub-par vocals might dampen the enthusiasm of the audience, but I doubt that’d be the case. Just look at all the crappy singers who get voted back week after week on American Idol. If people are still voting for Tim Urban even though he sucks*, I’m sure Glee can manage just fine without Auto-Tune.
So please, Ryan Murphy et al., turn down the Auto-Tune.
*Maybe “sucks” is too harsh. But I think it’s safe to say that his fans are 12-year-old girls lost in his blue eyes and mop of hair.
I was so excited to hear Lea and Jonathan Groff sing Hello, but then when I could hear the pitch correcting in his voice, I just got annoyed. It actually made him sound off on a few notes. And Amber’s voice is often the most noticeable when it comes to (the more vocally talented) actors getting the “treatment.” I hate it…:/
The worst thing is even when Cory is weaker than perhaps, Lea and such- the autotuning only makes it worse. I just saw a clip of the glee concerts, and frankly, they don’t need autotune.