Auto-Tune first reared its controversial head in 1998, when Cher recorded her comeback ballad “Believe,” and for better or worse, this vocal-altering software has steadily become a prominent feature in the world of pop music. While most critics bash it for its ability to create a voice and catchy-tune out of essentially nothing, many reputable artists have toyed with the tool, often proving exception to the evil connotation. After digging through the masses of misuse, we organized a list of five songs that will show you Auto-Tune can be used for good, and it can be awesome.
5. Kanye West ft. Justin Vernon – “Lost In The World”
Available on iTunes
“Lost In The World” is best known for giving Justin Vernon of Bon Iver his street cred. Many were shocked to hear that the Henry David Thoreau of indie music would be featured on a Kanye track, but few were surprised by the song’s hooking intensity. Kanye sampled Bon Iver’s already-Auto-Tuned track, “Woods,” slapped on a viciously-catchy beat, and proved the world’s most unlikely couple to be an outstanding match.
4. Songify This – “OH MY DAYUM”
We knew that we had to include a song by the sonically-fused viral satirists, Songify This, and it was truly a difficult decision to select our favorite. To the chagrin of few, we chose the soulful review of a taste-tingling burger. This video displays both the good and evil of Auto-Tune, as it transforms a single man’s lecture into a pop sensation.
3. Major Lazer ft. Prince Zimboo – “Baby”
Major Lazer’s “Baby” made its way onto our list for pure creativity. Since Auto-Tune isn’t used to enhance the track’s vocals, it is also a divine rebuttal to the naysayers. Instead, Major Lazer uses the software to alter a baby’s cry.
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