Vulnerability Meets Power
"Bad Liar" is a standout track from Imagine Dragons' 2018 album Origins. Written during a turbulent time in lead singer Dan Reynolds' life, the song requires a high level of emotional connection. Unlike their more aggressive tracks like "Believer," this song relies heavily on sustained notes and dynamic contrast.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of the "breathy onset" for the verses while maintaining enough stamina to belt the chorus without straining your throat. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Airflow
In the verses, Dan uses a lot of air mixed with his tone. However, if you expel too much air too quickly, you will run out of breath before the end of the phrase. Practice efficient diaphragmatic support to keep the tone airy but sustained.
Phase 1: The Verses (B2 - E4)
The song begins in B Major. The verses sit in a comfortable speaking range for Baritones. The key here is intimacy. You shouldn't be projecting loudly yet.
The Trap: Because it feels low and easy, singers often get lazy with their pitch, leading to flat notes. Keep a slight "smile" in your mouth shape to brighten the tone and keep the pitch centered.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As you move towards the chorus, the instrumentation builds. You need to transition from your breathy tone to a cleaner, more solid chest voice. This creates the tension needed for the release in the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (G#4)
The hook "But I'm a bad liar" jumps up in energy. The melody hits a G#4, which is the "break" area for many male singers.
To hit this note safely, use "mixed voice." Instead of pulling your heavy chest voice up (which causes yelling), allow the sound to resonate in your nasal pharynx (mask resonance). This gives you the power of a belt without the strain on your vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a G#4. There are background vocal layers and ad-libs that reach into the falsetto register, hitting higher notes around B4.
Yes, Tenors will find the high notes in the chorus very comfortable. They may need to focus more on enriching their tone in the lower verses to match the depth of the original recording.
Cracking happens when you switch abruptly from chest to head voice without support. Practice the "siren" exercise, sliding from your lowest note to your highest, to smooth out the bridge between registers.
