Introduced with the City Life add-on, the 10-level singing skill will make you the king of karaoke, or at least the king of your bathroom. Cleverly combined with musical instruments and writing, it can also make you a rich sim, provided you've got a minimum of rhythm under your skin. Want to find out more? Let's take a singing tour!
Let's start with the basics: where and how to sing? There are several solutions: first of all, you can use the microphone present in the basic game and which was previously used to improve your comedic skills by performing successful (or not) shows. You can also go to the local karaoke bar or install one at home. Thanks to this object, you can practice alone or in duo. You'll soon discover that your first attempts are likely to be somewhat... cacophonous and matched with facial expressions of your sims more than improbable: laughter guaranteed! Another choice: probably the simplest but also perhaps the least fun, you can directly (from level 2) click on your sims and select a style of music to sing. Once you've mastered the skill, you'll be able to sing up to 20 solo songs and 16 duet songs!
As you progress through the levels, you will unlock new music styles that will allow you to vary your repertoire (country, disco, house, jazz, pop, rock etc...). When you sing correctly and your performances are successful, you will be given beneficial moods.
Some specificities appear as your singing level evolves. From level 2, you can also practice in the shower and transform your bathroom into a private concert room. Another new feature is that you can accompany yourself with a musical instrument (guitar, piano, etc.) to surprise and entertain your friends. However, for this last option, you will need at least level 3 in guitar or piano.
From level 3 onwards, you will be able to "serenade" any sims you have a romantic relationship with, as well as "discuss your favorite singers" with anyone who is willing to listen. Level 8 will allow you to compose songs using the microphone but also the guitar or the piano: you will be able to create your own composition and even sing it! From level 9, we get down to the nitty-gritty since you can deposit your creations in the mailbox (like when you write a novel) and thus receive royalties.
Finally, to go further, you can also take part in the singing contest organized by your neighborhood karaoke every week: in an overexcited atmosphere you can compete with the sims of your neighborhood to determine who covers Michel Sardou the best and who is the least corny (no, I'm not exaggerating). If you win, your title will be put back into play every week.
To conclude in a few words, I would say that this skill is quite successful: it gives you a lot of options and can be combined with writing, piano and guitar. And then... The possibility to become the king of karaoke while progressing is rather pleasant and guarantees you a lot of laughs!
