Vocal Range: B2 – G5 (2 octaves and a minor sixth)[1]https://therangeplanet.proboards.com/thread/864/tove-lo
Vocal Fach: Light Lyric Soprano
Vocal Rating: Singer-Songwriter
Analysis: Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo has been a premier name in Indie Pop for the better part of a decade. She’s known for her own string of hits – “Habits,” “Talking Body” – as well as for songwriting credits for some of the biggest names in Pop, like Ellie Goulding, Dua Lipa, and Kylie Minogue. Lo’s voice is coarse and passionate, pairing well with her dramatic, confessional songwriting.
While Tove Lo has occasionally been identified as a mezzo-soprano, she is better described as a light lyric soprano. Her timbre is admittedly often darker and more womanly than other pop sopranos, with her coarse vocal texture reminiscent of pop mezzos like Miley Cyrus. While she may be a natural soprano with poor technique, her true soprano timbre shines through when singing with a healthier, blended sound.
One of her strong suits as a vocalist is her strong musical ear. Lo is confident and consistent in her acapella performances, a skill that she probably developed in her capacity as a songwriter. Her intonation is strong in these situations, something that many pop musicians struggle with.
Tove Lo has, unfortunately, had a history of vocal health problems, having to cancel a tour to remove cysts on her vocal cords in 2015. She generally sings with a pushed sound as an artistic choice, which isn’t the healthiest choice for her voice. She utilizes a glottal onset, which may encourage a tense, pressed sound.[2]Sam Johnson, Voice Teacher Reacts to Sweettalk my Heart – Tove Lo This is gritty tone is on display in her songs “Talking Body” and “Timebomb,” where she pulls her chest voice up to her second bridge around the C#5 region.
Overall Lo is a vocalist with potential, that unfortunately doesn’t seem fully utilized. She has likely made changes to better preserve her voice following her surgery, but she still engages in some risky practices which won’t serve her best in the long run. Although this is a conscious stylistic choice, it is something to consider when looking to her for inspiration.
What do you think of Tove Lo’s voice? Would you add anything to our analysis? Let us know by commenting below!
Tove Lo’s vocal range is approximately two octaves and a minor sixth, spanning B2 to G5.
Tove Lo is a light lyric soprano, although she sings in a mezzo tessitura.
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