lead vocal

Frontman's melodic part

The lead vocal is the main singing voice in a song, carrying the melody and lyrics while other vocalists provide harmony or backing.

The term distinguishes this primary voice from background singers: She handled lead vocals on three tracks.

In bands, the lead vocalist is often the frontperson and public face of the group.

Related

melody · harmony · solo · verse · performance · stage · spotlight · band · lyrics · belting · crooning · pitch · tone · vibrato · falsetto · backing · hook · power ballad

Categories
Opposites
vocal role hierarchy

lead vocalbacking vocal

Supporting sung accompaniment

backup singer · ad-libs · chorus · doo-wop

musical element type

lead vocalinstrumental

Serving as means

backing track · accompaniment · guitar solo · lead guitar · instrumental break

Family

lead, vocal, leads, led, leading, leader, leaders, leadership, mislead

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G