While singing in tune, or being in pitch, is generally considered desirable in music, there can be subjective elements that influence how we perceive someone's singing, even if they are singing out of pitch. Here are a few factors that can contribute to someone sounding good despite being out of pitch:
Tone and Timbre: The quality of a person's voice, including their tone and timbre, can have a significant impact on how they are perceived as singers. Even if they are not hitting the exact pitches accurately, a pleasing tone or unique timbre can still make their singing enjoyable or interesting to listen to.
Emotional Expression: Singing is not just about hitting the right notes; it's also about conveying emotions and connecting with the audience. A singer who delivers a song with genuine emotion, passion, and expression can captivate listeners, regardless of minor pitch deviations.
Artistic Interpretation: Sometimes, intentional deviations from pitch can be used as a stylistic choice or artistic interpretation. In certain genres of music, such as blues or jazz, singers may deliberately use pitch variations, bends, or slides to add expressiveness and character to their performance.
Musical Context: The overall musical context can influence how we perceive a singer's pitch accuracy. If the accompanying instrumentation is in tune, it can mask or distract from minor pitch discrepancies in the vocals. The overall arrangement, harmonies, and other musical elements can compensate for slight pitch variations.
Personal Preference: Musical taste is subjective, and different people have different preferences. What one person might perceive as "good" singing could differ from another person's opinion. Some individuals may enjoy the unique qualities or imperfections in a singer's voice, including minor pitch variations.
It's important to note that singing in pitch is generally considered a fundamental skill in traditional Western music and many other musical traditions. However, the factors mentioned above can contribute to someone sounding good to certain listeners, even if they are not singing in tune according to conventional standards.