Mastering Miley's Modern Ballad
"Adore You" is the opening track from Miley Cyrus's 2013 album Bangerz. Unlike her high-energy party tracks, this is a slow-burning pop-R&B ballad that requires patience and tone control. The challenge lies not in hitting impossibly high notes, but in maintaining a steady, emotive tone throughout the verses and delivering power in the chorus.
To sing this well, you need to balance a "breathy" quality with actual vocal support. If you just whisper, you'll go flat. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Airflow
Many singers run out of breath in the pre-chorus. Our analysis shows that taking a deep, low breath before the line "When you say you love me" is crucial for sustaining the phrase comfortably.
Phase 1: The Intimate Verse (0:00 - 1:13)
The song starts with a very sparse arrangement. The vocal line "Baby, baby, are you listening?" sits in the lower register (around A3/B3). This is where Miley's signature rasp comes in.
The Trap: It's easy to lose pitch accuracy when singing quietly. Focus on forward placement—feeling the vibration in your lips or mask—even when singing at low volume. This keeps the pitch true without sounding like you are shouting.
Phase 2: The Building Chorus (1:13 - 1:45)
The dynamics shift here. As you enter the hook "I adore you," you need to open up your chest voice. The melody is repetitive, which means you need to make it interesting with dynamics.
- Tone: Switch from the breathy verse texture to a clearer, more solid tone.
- Vowels: Modify the "You" in "Adore You" to be slightly more open (closer to "Yoh") to allow for better resonance on the sustained note.
- Support: Engage your core muscles to support the volume increase without straining your throat.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Climax (3:00 - End)
The song builds to an emotional peak. There are ad-libs and vocal runs that reach up to E5. You can take these in a mix or head voice depending on your style.
Don't be afraid to slide between notes (portamento) during the bridge, as this adds to the R&B flavor of the track. However, ensure you land squarely on the target pitch at the end of the slide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted notes in the chorus hit around C5, while the ad-libs and harmonies can reach up to E5.
Yes, absolutely. The range sits very comfortably for Altos and Mezzo-Sopranos. The lowest notes allow for a rich, warm tone that Altos naturally possess.
Miley has a natural rasp, but you can emulate the texture using "vocal fry" at the very start of phrases. Do not push air through a constricted throat to get grit, as this can damage your voice.
