Barthes (1977), "The Grain of the Voice"

1. Lyrics and texts are only one part of a vocal performance. The voice itself is another.

Barthes (1977) divides his discussion of vocal performance into two aspects. The phenosong involves the lyrical and melodic aspects of a song. The genosong, on the other hand, involves the physical act of singing and the way that this act impacts and interacts with the lyrical elements.

2. The grain of the voice can be found in the genosong.

Barthes (1977) argues that the best musical performances include what he calls "the grain of the voice." By "grain," Barthes (1977) refers to "hearing a body," in that a roughness comes through in the singing. He notes that trained singers are often encouraged to erase the body from the song,

3. The grain of the voice creates a stronger connection between singer and listener.

For Barthes (1977), the grain of the voice allows listeners to connect with a singer in a more intimate way. He argues that the body's presence in the song creates a sensual connection between the performer and the listener.