Is there a name for the technique where a singer uses the falsetto register on releasing a note?

Question

As per the title, is there a name for the technique where a singer (especially a female one) voices a pitch in the falsetto register on releasing a note?

Examples include:-

• Alanis Morissette
  • You Oughta Know - particularly at the end of the chorus, "You^ You^ You^ Oughta Know"
• Sinead O'Connor
  • Nothing Compares to You - occasionally "since you been gone I can do whatever I wa-aaa-aan^t" around 45s
• Dolores O'Riordan from The Cranberries
  • Zombie (The Cranberries) - constantly... "Z-om-bi^e, Z-om-bi^e, Z-om-bi^e e^eh e^eh e^eh o^oh o^oh" etc

Answer 1

I think the technique is best described as a yodel, which is defined as a quick flipping between vocal registers. A yodel isn't specific to the release of a note, but is the closest thing to a proper term for the general technique.

If you're trying to describe the style for a someone, "like a yodel" might be clearer, since most people associate yodeling with a more specific genre of music/vocalization.

Like leftroundabout mentioned, it could also be described more informally as a voice crack in some scenarios.

Answer 2

I believe it can also be described as 'Keening' or a song style used in the old days after a death- a form of vocal lament for the dead. Dolores' voice, yodeling or not is beautiful.