backing vocals
Behind the lead
Backing vocals are the vocal parts that support a song's lead singer, providing harmony, texture, or rhythmic reinforcement.
They may echo the main melody, sing countermelodies, or add emphasis at key moments: The backing vocals on that chorus are incredible.
Also called backup vocals or background vocals.
- harmoniesPleasing combined pitches
- chorusSingers performing together
- doo-wopFifties vocal harmony genre
- oohsSounds of awe
- aahsVocal expressions of satisfaction
blend · layering · overdub · soprano · alto · studio · microphone · stack · double-tracking · gospel · Motown · girl group · Phil Spector · falsetto · refrain · countermelody · echo · response
- singingsoprano, alto, tenor, baritone, vibrato
- song elementsverse, lyrics, refrain, chorus, hook
- Audio Elementsdialogue, effects, music, bass, treble
- Soul Musicsoul ballads, soul jazz, Motown, R&B, rhythm and blues
- vocal harmonyharmony, thirds, sixths, three-part harmony, duet
- vocal partssoprano, alto, tenor, bass, mezzo-soprano
musical hierarchy/prominence
backing vocalslead vocals
Primary sung melody
lead singer · lead voice · lead vocalist · frontman · frontwoman
back, vocal, backs, vocals, backed, backer, backers, backing, backings