The Modern Folk-Blues Anthem
Budapest is the song that launched George Ezra's career, instantly recognizable for its catchy guitar riff and Ezra's surprisingly deep, soulful voice. Released on his debut album Wanted on Voyage, the song blends folk, blues, and pop elements into a track that sounds simple but requires solid technique to pull off authentically.
Unlike high-belting pop songs, the challenge here is richness and resonance. You need to maintain a warm chest voice throughout the verses without "swallowing" the sound or losing diction. Let's break down how to capture that George Ezra vibe.
AI Coach Tip: Low Note Support
Many singers "fry" their voice when trying to hit the low F2 notes in the verse. Our analysis shows that keeping your larynx neutral and your diaphragm engaged produces a cleaner, stronger tone than trying to force the depth.
Phase 1: The Verses (My House in Budapest)
The song starts in F Major with a driving rhythm. The verses sit comfortably in the lower register. The key here is the "lazy" but precise delivery. It’s almost spoken, but with melody.
The Trap: Because the notes are low ("my hidden treasure chest"), singers often drop their volume too much. Ensure you project forward. Think of buzzing your lips to keep the sound at the front of your mouth rather than back in your throat.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
The line "Give me one good reason why I should never make a change" picks up the pace. This requires rhythmic accuracy. The syllables are rapid-fire.
- Diction: Consonants are your percussion here. Hit the 'g' in "good" and 'ch' in "change" crisply. The AI Coach tracks timing down to the millisecond.
- Breath: Take a solid breath before the phrase begins. If you breathe in the middle, you lose the driving momentum of the blues style.
Phase 3: The Falsetto Hooks
Throughout the background and transitions, you'll hear high "Ooh" vocalizations. This is where you flip from that heavy chest voice into a light, airy falsetto.
To nail this transition, practice yodeling exercises—flipping intentionally between your lowest and highest notes. Don't push air; let the falsetto float above the music.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody hits a D4 on the belt, but the falsetto parts go higher. The lowest note is a resonant F2.
Yes! Budapest is an excellent song for beginners, especially male vocalists or lower-voice females, because it doesn't require extreme high notes or complex melisma.
Relax your jaw and create more space in your mouth (raise your soft palate). This creates the "barrel" resonance that gives him his signature deep tone.
