Favorite new art project: A computer that emotionally sings ’90s ballads

Watch your back karaoke masters, this art installation is about to steal your thunder. And you might just like it.

Jezebel tipped us off to Martin Backes, the artist who created “What do machines sing of?,” an art installation with a fully automated computer that sings ’90s ballads. . .emotionally.

I know — computers aren’t particularly known for their sensitivity — but I can assure you, this computer’s got heart—and it will go on.

According to Backes,  “As the computer program performs these emotionally loaded songs, it attempts to apply the appropriate human sentiments. This behavior of the device seems to reflect a desire, on the part of the machine, to become sophisticated enough to have its very own personality.”

Granted, every song sounds like an intensely muffled cover from the lost archives of Kanye’s 808 Heartbreak, but it’s strangely endearing. Like, I kinda wanted to give it a hug after hearing it sing Celine Dion.

It also helps that the computer has human-like elements to it. Apart from its singing, the computer stands on a two tall legs behind a microphone. Once the singing commences, a moving white bar acts as the computer’s mouth, scrolling lyrics across the top screen in real time. It’s like the best karaoke partner/machine we’ve ever encountered.

Some songs in the computer’s wheelhouse: R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly,” Toni Braxton’s “Un-break My Heart,” Bryan Adams’ “Everything I Do, I Do It For You,” and of course, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”.

Now, enough of the talking. Let’s all enjoy a distorted ’90s serenade!