Lamalamalike

Lamalamalike is a term used in music criticism and linguistic description to describe vocal passages or works that rely heavily on repetitive, non-lexical syllables—most often la, la-la, or similar sequences—in place of meaningful lyrics. The term is a coinage, formed from the common singing syllable “la” and the suffix “-like,” used to indicate resemblance rather than an established category.

Use and scope

Lamalamalike describes vocal textures where phonetic content, timbre, and rhythmic contour take precedence over semantic information. It is commonly applied to certain pop, indie, or dream-pop passages, as well as scat-like sections and chant-inspired segments where the melody and groove are driven by syllabic repetition rather than words. The label can apply to entire sections or to brief motifs that emphasize vowel-driven singing.

Phonological features

Typical features include frequent repetition of simple vowel-consonant patterns, a focus on bright or open vowels (often /a/), and a rhythmic alignment that foregrounds syllable timing. The effect is usually melodic and sonic rather than narrative, with emphasis on sound texture, cadence, and flow.

Reception and limitations

Lamalamalike is not a formally established scholarly category; it appears mainly in informal reviews and online discourse. As a descriptive label, it can help identify a recognizable stylistic trait but may be subjective and prone to vagueness. Critics often balance appreciation for phonetic artistry with caution against reducing lyrics to mere sound.

See also

Nonsense syllables, scat singing, vocalise, phonosthetics.