Ever notice how Gordon clearly articulates the sung word?

[Oh, Linda]

There is something very deliberate yet fluid about the way Gordon sings his songs, specifically in how he takes great care to pronounce each word as he sings it, right down to the last consonant of each line of lyrics. Be it a 't' or a 'd' or any other letter. You're going to hear him enunciate it. Anyone else ever notice?

Occasionally, you'll even find a deliberate delay, as is the case in Circle of Steel where he sings "For they know about all her bad habit....s."

Such clearly articulated words could spell trouble for any other artist. But in Gordon's case, I think the style lends a certain gracefulness that makes the lyrics actually flow from one word to the next in a very graceful way. Matter of fact, I think he does this better than just about any other singer I can think of.

Gordon is no doubt a very well-spoken man. And his interviews are a real pleasure to listen to. Maybe it's no surprise then that such an articulate man would sing the words the way he does. He takes such great care in doing so.

Contrast Gordon's style with that of many popular artists today who simply blurt out words that often run together in such a way you have no idea what you just heard. Real singing seems like a lost art at times. But then again, I did just make a broad and possibly unfair comparison to one of the true legendary singer/songwriters of our time.

What do you think? And do you have any other unique examples that stand out?

[Patti]

Originally Posted by Oh, Linda

There is something very deliberate yet fluid about the way Gordon sings his songs, specifically in how he takes great care to pronounce each word as he sings it, right down to the last consonant of each line of lyrics. Be it a 't' or a 'd' or any other letter. You're going to hear him enunciate it. Anyone else ever notice?

I kind of noticed that before. He must have made a good habit of doing that. Back in school in music or choir they used to really stress doing that. ... At least they did in my class. I used to think it was important too.

[Shutup and Deal, I'm Losin']

In the song 'Red Velvet', he sings "And the dusty autumn winds begin to b..low". Maybe that's why he does that.

[Patti]

Maybe it's just that he doesn't want to sound like the guy that sings, 'Four-Hundred Children and a Crotch in the Field', but he might as well.

[timetraveler]

Originally Posted by Oh, Linda

There is something very deliberate yet fluid about the way Gordon sings his songs, specifically in how he takes great care to pronounce each word as he sings it, right down to the last consonant of each line of lyrics. Be it a 't' or a 'd' or any other letter. You're going to hear him enunciate it. Anyone else ever notice?

Occasionally, you'll even find a deliberate delay, as is the case in Circle of Steel where he sings "For they know about all her bad habit....s."

Such clearly articulated words could spell trouble for any other artist. But in Gordon's case, I think the style lends a certain gracefulness that makes the lyrics actually flow from one word to the next in a very graceful way. Matter of fact, I think he does this better than just about any other singer I can think of.

Gordon is no doubt a very well-spoken man. And his interviews are a real pleasure to listen to. Maybe it's no surprise then that such an articulate man would sing the words the way he does. He takes such great care in doing so.

Contrast Gordon's style with that of many popular artists today who simply blurt out words that often run together in such a way you have no idea what you just heard. Real singing seems like a lost art at times. But then again, I did just make a broad and possibly unfair comparison to one of the true legendary singer/songwriters of our time.

What do you think? And do you have any other unique examples that stand out?

It makes me wonder why other artists are so lazy, verbally. Gordon is a delight to listen to because he takes time to think, as well as to listen.

[Patti]

There are plenty of wonderful artists to listen to, and they have many different styles. I'm all for enunciation, articulation, and all that good stuff, but it's not everything and not always necessary to everyone. Gordon has some nice words, but many other artists also have nice things to say. Praise can be good, but who wants to be put on a pedastal at another's expense? That ain't nice. ( I know, ain't ain't a word.)

[bjm7777]

I recall watching an appearance of Gord's on TV in 1983 with Alan Thicke where Gord explained that he was working on his diction (proper spelling?). I believe that there was an inference in there about improving the quality of his live shows, particularly after giving up drinking.

oh for sure all these intricasies, the perfectionism...that quality!! It's great to read these thoughts from GL fans as the only other times I've heard people discuss such has been in regards to Sinatra.

And is how I came to be a Sinatra fan of sorts and but not like these guys who only listen to Sinatra and I ain't (as Patti would say ) among those...but I will go on and on about GL in a similar manner.

Last Friday I was driving along and could overhear music blasting from a car behind me in the next lane and quickly recognized that it was Sinatra. I was thinking COOL...much the same response I would have if I were overhearing GL. So then ya know -I was wondering just who would be blasting Sinatra and had to try to take a peek but it then occurred to me that it must me the one person I know who would be blasting Sinatra!!

Yeah it was my former prof/mentor/boss!!! I never knew him to listen to anything but! There was not a day that went by in 5 years that I knew him where he would be singing, humming a Sinatra tune or talking Sinatra. And I thought it was so special that along with the thoughtful graduation gift of nice book he editted and contributed to -he also gave me a cassette he made for me of his favorite Sinatra songs...so thoughtful!