Home Recording Tip 19: A single, well sung harmony is always better than a stack sung poorly

Now of course I’m speaking in two extremes here. If the song calls for a pile of stacked vocals i.e. 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love” then of course that’s what you need. But I’ve observed often that there’s almost a default sensibility that once a harmony is sung, it must be doubled. But the fact is a single harmony can make a much more compelling sound than a stack. The mixer can then place it and the sound of just the two, or perhaps three voices can give a much clearer and emotional sound. If it needs the stack, then by all means do it. I’m just asking you to think and decided if that’s the case. Just don’t stop listening and turn into a widget-maker.