Dedicated, Part 3: Deploying Whistle Register

To wrap up my examination of "Dedicated," the best track from 2014's MIAMTEC, I would like to discuss "whistle register" (defined as a separate vocal register usually beginning at a C6 and extending to a D7, for those who understand this sort of thing). Even the most casual listener of Mims will be familiar with her frequent use of this neat vocal trick. I call it a trick because even though it's kind of her trademark, I've never felt that whistle register is the aspect of her vocals that sets her apart from so many others, but rather just icing on a damn good cake.

"Emotions," a song that haunts grocery store muzak to this day, is a textbook example of Mimi's typical use of whistle register. At this point in her career, her voice was so strong and fresh that she almost didn't know what to do with it. Everything came easy. Notes that sound ever-so-strained in 2015 came vigorously bursting forth in 1991, almost to the point where it seems like she's shout-singing her way through the track just because she can. The whistle surprises at 1:06, and then astounds at 3:48 onwards, where her complete control over it becomes apparent. Impressive? For sure. Particularly evocative? Not really. Here, it's just an accent rather than an integral part of the song.

I would argue that "Bliss" from 1999's Rainbow is a different story. Friends who have listened to me prattle on for ages about MC will know that I call this track a love letter to Minnie Riperton. From the birdsong in the background (a callback to the earth-shattering "Breakdown" of 1997) to the languid 70's slow jam feel, this is a 90s update of "Loving You." Here, the entire song is built around the whistle register, creating an ethereal, time-out-of-time feel. Amazingly, she even harmonizes with herself (check 2:53 and 3:30). The control and delicacy she is capable of within that range is just incredible here. Well done, Mimi.





Fast forward 10 years to Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. Despite signs of vocal strain in other registers, the 90-second "Angel (The Prelude)" is some MC whistle register at its finest. Not only are the notes spot on, but the wistfulness, the sadness, the longing she is able to communicate -- without lyrics, even -- will make you sigh heavily and look out the window and have feelings.



All of which bring us to the track at hand, "Dedicated." Two reasons that I love the whistle on this track: it's understated (yet totally vital to the whole feel of the song), and again, it manages to evoke the nostalgia, the sense of something lost, that the whole song is based upon. Here the whistle register is Proust's madeleine. Check 3:30-end.



I hope you have enjoyed this tripartite exploration of this very special track!

this is dedicated to you, this is dedicated to you