3 Things That Changed Marianne Faithfull’s Voice Before Broken English

Severe laryngitis permanently damaged her vocal cords The infection left her voice cracked and lower in pitch, stripping away its former sweetness.

Years of drug abuse further altered her voice Addiction deepened the damage, making her sound rougher and more weathered.

This wrecked voice defined Broken English The album’s raw, urgent sound depends on that cracked, lower register — it wouldn’t work without it.