The Masterclass in Synth-Pop Ballads
All Through the Night is a standout track from Cyndi Lauper's 1983 debut album, She's So Unusual. Written by Jules Shear, it offers a stark contrast to Lauper's more upbeat hits. It is a tender, lullaby-like ballad that requires emotional vulnerability rather than sheer power.
To sing this well, you need excellent control over your head voice and breath support. The song sits in a comfortable range for most, but the challenge lies in maintaining the "airy" quality without losing pitch accuracy or vocal stability.
AI Coach Tip: Monitor Your Breath
It is tempting to add too much air to mimic Cyndi's tone. However, too much air leakage will dry out your cords and make you dizzy. Aim for a "balanced onset"—clear tone with just a hint of breathiness.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low Register)
The song begins in Ab major with a gentle synth backing. The opening lines, "All through the night, I'll be awake and I'll be with you," sit in the lower to middle range (G3-C4).
The Trap: Singers often sing this too heavily. Keep the volume at a mezzo-piano. Imagine you are whispering a secret, but with full vocal cord closure. Keep the vowels open and round.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift
As the song moves into the chorus, the melody lifts. You will need to transition smoothly from your chest voice into a light mix or head voice.
- The Hook: On the phrase "All through the night," let the voice float up. Do not push or yell.
- Phrasing: Cyndi uses rubato (stealing time) here. Listen closely to the delay on the lyrics to capture the relaxed, dreamy feel.
- Resonance: Shift the resonance from your chest to your "mask" (behind the nose and eyes) for a brighter, shimmering tone.
Phase 3: The Bridge and Outro
The bridge adds emotional weight. The synthesizer solo gives you a break, but when the vocals return, they are often accompanied by higher ad-libs (reaching up to Eb5).
During the outro, improvisation is key. The repeated "Oh-oh" patterns require agility. Practice these slowly on a "Nu" or "Mum" syllable to get the placement right before adding the lyrics back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest notes occur in the ad-libs and harmonies, reaching around an Eb5. The main melody stays mostly below C5.
Yes. The range is not extreme, and the tempo is slow, making it great for working on tone and breath control without worrying about rapid-fire lyrics.
The 80s sound often involves a brighter, thinner vocal tone compared to modern pop. Adding a slight "cry" or "whimper" into the onset of notes can help mimic Lauper's emotive style.
