25 years ago today, Cher released the hit song 'Believe,' which pioneered the use of Auto-Tune and changed the landscape of music forever. The iconic track not only topped the charts but also introduced a new era of vocal manipulation in the industry. Cher's decision to embrace Auto-Tune set a precedent for future artists to experiment with this innovative technology.
The music world may be divided over the use of Auto-Tune, but it would never have risen to prominence if not for this song rocketing up the charts. 'Believe' showcased the potential of Auto-Tune as a creative tool, allowing artists to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of traditional vocal performances. Cher's bold use of the technology helped to popularize it and paved the way for its widespread adoption in the years to come.
Cher released her biggest hit, 'Believe,' 25 years ago on Oct. 19, 1998. The Grammy-winning Eurodance track popularized the use of Auto-Tune as a stylistic choice rather than just a correction tool. The song's distinctive robotic vocals became an instant hit with audiences, propelling Cher back into the spotlight and solidifying her status as a music legend.
“Believe” was the lead single and title track from Cher's 1998 album. The song's electronic dance beat and heavy use of Auto-Tune on the vocals created a futuristic sound that resonated with listeners around the world. Cher's emotional delivery combined with the innovative production techniques made 'Believe' a timeless anthem that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Auto-Tune can no longer be ignored in the music industry, but performing live with this audio effect is complicated. Selim Haase is going to explore the challenges and opportunities that Auto-Tune presents for artists in a live setting. Despite its widespread use in the studio, many artists struggle to recreate the same sound on stage, leading to debates about authenticity and the role of technology in live performances.
Singer Cher is credited as the first artist to use Auto-Tune on a track; but she won't be embracing 'out of control' AI technology. While Cher helped popularize Auto-Tune in the late 90s, she has expressed reservations about the potential negative impact of advanced artificial intelligence on music production. Cher's legacy as an innovator in music technology continues to inspire artists to push the boundaries of creativity while remaining mindful of the ethical implications of new technologies.
For years afterwards, the producers did not admit the pitch-altering software had been used on the smash hit, which topped the charts in 21 countries. The controversy surrounding Auto-Tune's use on 'Believe' sparked discussions about the ethics of vocal manipulation in the music industry and raised questions about the role of technology in shaping artistic expression. Despite the initial secrecy, 'Believe' remains a seminal work that fundamentally changed the way we listen to and interact with music.
Twenty years ago, a pop star on a downswing took a chance on a brand-new piece of recording software to do the unthinkable: taking her voice to new heights. Cher's decision to embrace Auto-Tune in 'Believe' not only revived her career but also set the stage for a new era of experimentation and innovation in music production. The song's impact continues to reverberate throughout the industry, inspiring artists to push the boundaries of creativity and embrace new technologies in their work.
From Cher to Bon Iver, via T-Pain, Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas, and Kanye West, this is how Auto-Tune changed pop music in the 90s and beyond. 'Believe' marked a turning point in the use of Auto-Tune as a creative tool, opening up new possibilities for artists to explore different vocal styles and experiment with innovative production techniques. Cher's influence on the music industry cannot be overstated, as her pioneering use of Auto-Tune continues to shape the way we experience and appreciate music today.
