❀ Promise by Jimin ( @BTS_twt)
A self-explanatory thread of his vocal analysis; completely based on my own interpretation. ++
#JIMIN #지민

Promise was Jimin's first solo song under Slow Rabbit Production. The lyrics were written by Jimin accompanied by RM. Around April 2018, Slow Rabbit revealed that Jimin has started writing his song. And in December 2018, Jimin released this track in Soundcloud. ++

'Promise' is an intimate song through which Jimin is trying to convey his feelings in the most honest way. I won't explain the meaning of the song here though. Basically, the main thing that makes this song attractive is not only it's beautiful lyrics, but also Jimin's vocals. ++

'Promise' is an outstanding vocal performance in that ballad genre, by any standards, and showcases a vocalist that could compete with any singer in that genre. Jimin’s vocal tone is very unique, absolutely pure tenor. Technically, his range is outrageous, also his ability ++

to mix his head and chest voice perfectly well is so fine. He actually sings higher than the usual female range and he does that so effortlessly with a smooth creamy tone. He is able to sing very high notes without going into falsetto so it sounds natural and not forced. ++

The authenticity 'Promise' carries is exceptional. When Jimin performed 'Promise' live, it touched our hearts, didn't it? 'Promise' is such a song where he is having a heartwarming conversation with his own persona, asking himself to promise that he won't throw himself to ++

others just to feel accepted. Hence, 'Promise' is a 'conversational intimate' song. You'll notice how the words are almost whispered, not really sung, as if Jimin is singing to himself not to the audience. Ofcourse 'Promise' is such a beautiful song, but have you ever wondered ++

why Jimin never performed this song live infront of audience? Well 'Promise' is such a song which will gleam in the studio, but the intimacy and details of the performance will fade away infront of thousands of screaming fans. For instance, compare 'Promise' with 'Serendipity' ++

certainly 'Serendipity' is much superior as a beautiful pop song, but in 'Promise', Jimin's voice literally shines, his vocal tone and techniques flickers in this song like none other. Even if any artist cover 'Promise', the flavour Jimin brings to it, no one can, ++

atleast in this particular style, his performance is undoubtedly the greatest. Generally, Jimin's voice is quite edgy, but also slightly raspy. Jimin is a master to control tone, in terms of power and color. (In terms of texture, I'd say Jin is superior.) Jimin is able to pull ++

off very intricate riffs and runs in his upper register with high accuracy. Whereas in 'Promise' he uses a lot of breath, he suppresses the edgy tone of his voice and focuses on the airy color of his tone while singing 'Promise'. This change makes it even more prominent what ++

Jimin actually wants to convey through this song. 'Intimacy and emotions'. Airy tone is really tough to control compared to stiff ones. As I've already said, Jimin is the master of controlling tones. And not to mention, this ain't something any untrained artist can easily do. ++

Keeping in mind, Jimin never ever uses 'belts', what he uses is 'vocal fry' or musically termed as 'creak' throughout the song, at the beginning of every line. It might seem, he is destroying his voice by applying this technique because 'fry' means burning your vocal chord ++

Vocal fry doesn't harm your voice, it's absolutely safe. In fact, creak actually is recommended to cool down your vocal tension at the end of a particular intense vocal session.

Well, this is the technique vocalists use to convey the intimacy and emotions of their song. ++

Similarly, in 'Promise', Jimin uses A LOT of creak. (it sounds like a creaking door, hence it's named so.) In the beginning of many words and phrases, Jimin uses creak. If you listen to the beginning of the chorus carefully; "You should be your light" (both at the start n end) ++

This register actually makes 'Promise' even more intimate, like it's fragile yet emotionally powerful. Creak is not something Jimin used only in 'Promise'. By now, if you know what is creak, you'll notice Jimin uses it even in his verse of 'Make it right' as well as 'Home' ++

Vocal fry is one of the specialities of Jimin's vocal. It's the trademark of his performances and that makes his vocals shine in front of screaming fans and connects with the listeners. Now let's concentrate on another vocal technique Jimin practices, ++

Jimin uses sob/cry vocal modes on some particular words. This is another vocal technique used by artists to highlight the emotions to be conveyed through the song. This technique is where he put stress to certain words in a phrase to show the emotional impact of the song. ++

Jimin's vocal tone has a unique quality of softness and sweetness which is very hard to match, and most importantly it's less nasal.

Now, to wrap things up, I'd say I really want Jimin to release a mixtape with the lyrics he'd write being himself. I really feel that this kind ++

of repertoire is an absolute golden direction of Big Hit Entertainment and Jimin to exploit, when he is going to release further solo material. I really am looking forward to hearing more of his mixtape where he can do wise lyric writing and amazing vocal sessions. ++

Thank you so much for reading this thread. This is my first time writing a vocal analysis, I hope I could express my knowledge through the thread. I really gained lot of knowledge about vocal modes while making this thread. Please make sure to comment down what you felt bout it.

Since, now you know the vocal analogy of Promise, give a listen to it ; https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/wwJT 
This song needs more recognition and appreciation. Have a nice day/night ahead