The Soul of Funk Rock
"99 ½" (originally by Wilson Pickett) was covered by Wild Cherry on their self-titled debut album, sitting right alongside their mega-hit "Play That Funky Music." While the instrumentation is pure 70s funk rock, the vocal performance requires the soul and grit of the original R&B masters.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the "clean" pop vocal technique. This song demands attitude. The delivery is almost percussive, locking in tight with the bass guitar and drums. It's not about how high you can sing, but how much conviction you can put into every word.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Phrasing
Many singers rush the verses. The groove is laid back. Wait for the snare drum before delivering your line. Our timing analysis shows that staying slightly "behind the beat" creates a more authentic funk sound.
Phase 1: The Verse (The Setup)
The song starts with a driving E7 groove. The opening lines ("I've got to have all your love") should be delivered in a strong, speaking-range chest voice. Don't be too melodic here; think of it as melodic shouting.
The Trap: Dropping the energy at the end of lines. In funk vocals, you want to maintain intensity through the end of the phrase, often cutting the note off sharply to leave room for the guitar fills.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Hook)
"99 and a half just won't do." This is the anthem. You need to punch the word "won't" with a bit of a growl or vocal fry. This adds the necessary emotional weight to the lyric.
- Rhythm: The lyrics are syncopated. Use a metronome to ensure you aren't sliding off the beat.
- Vowel Modification: Open your mouth wider on "half" and "do" to increase volume without straining your throat.
- Breath Support: Short, sharp breaths are better here than long inhales. Keep the tank full for the high energy delivery.
Phase 3: The Outro & Ad-libs
As the song progresses, the vocals become looser. This is where you can experiment with "whoops," "yeahs," and grittier ad-libs. The Wild Cherry version features a lot of call-and-response energy.
To achieve the grit safely, focus on "twang." Direct the sound into your nose (pharyngeal resonance) rather than pushing from your throat. This allows you to sound loud and aggressive while keeping your vocal cords safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody stays within a comfortable mid-range, but the ad-libs and shouted sections can reach up to an A4 in chest voice.
It is intermediate. The pitch range is accessible, but the rhythmic precision required to make it sound "pro" takes practice. Use the Singing Coach AI app to visualize your timing.
Start with a clean tone and slowly add vocal fry or compression. Never push until it hurts. If you feel tickling or pain, stop immediately and rest.
