Mastering the "Hunter" Vocal Style
Released in 2014 as the second single from the album V, "Animals" is one of Maroon 5's most rhythmically complex pop hits. Adam Levine utilizes a very specific "forward" placement to cut through the heavy synth and bass. The song is famous for its predatory lyrical theme and the iconic howling, which requires significant vocal agility.
Singing this track successfully means you must manage your breath for the rapid-fire verses while saving enough energy for the explosive choruses. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: The "Nasal" Tone
Adam Levine uses pharyngeal resonance (often called "twang") to get that bright sound. Don't be afraid to sound a little "nasal" in the verses—it helps with clarity and reduces strain on your throat.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verse (0:00 - 0:34)
The song starts with "Baby I'm preying on you tonight..." The delivery here is almost percussive. The notes are short (staccato). If you drag the notes out, you will fall behind the beat.
The Trap: Running out of air. Because the words come so fast, you need to take quick "sipping" breaths between phrases. Keep your diaphragm engaged so the words pop out clearly.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb (0:34 - 0:49)
As the lyrics move to "Maybe you think that you can hide," the melody begins to climb. The tension builds here. You should start mixing more head voice into your chest voice to prepare for the leap into the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus & Howl (0:49 - 1:20)
This is the signature moment. The line "Just like animals, animals, like animals-mals" is catchy, but the real challenge is the "A-wooooo" howl that follows. This jumps up to a high E5.
- The Howl: Do not try to belt this in pure chest voice—you will strain. Flip into a reinforced falsetto or head voice.
- Vowel Modification: Shape your mouth like you are saying "Oooo" but keep the sound forward in your mask (behind your nose and eyes).
- Agility: The run down from the high note needs to be clean. Practice it slowly on the app before speeding it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is an E5, hit during the "Awoooo" howling section. This is typically sung in falsetto or head voice.
The verses are very comfortable for Baritones. The chorus is high, but because it relies on falsetto, it is achievable if you develop your head voice. You can also transpose it down -2 semitones in the app.
Focus on articulation. Use your lips and tongue to form the words crisply, and don't push too much air. Treat the verse like you are rapping rather than singing a ballad.
