Mastering the Funk Groove
Wild Cherry is best known for "Play That Funky Music," but "Closer to Your Love" offers a deeper dive into the band's soulful capabilities. Released in 1976, this track relies heavily on the "pocket"—the rhythmic sweet spot where the vocals lock in perfectly with the bass and drums.
To sing this well, you need to focus less on belting high notes and more on rhythmic articulation and attitude. It requires a relaxed chest voice that can punch through the mix without sounding strained.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Rush the Beat
Funk vocals often sit slightly behind the beat (the "back beat") to create a relaxed feel. Our analysis shows users often rush the verses. Try to feel the snare drum and lean back into the groove.
Phase 1: The Verse (The Setup)
The verses in "Closer to Your Love" are conversational but melodic. The key is diction. You want your consonants to be crisp and percussive to match the rhythm guitar.
The Trap: It's easy to get lazy with pitch when singing in a "speaking" style. Ensure you are actually hitting the notes in the center of the pitch, even when you are adding grit to your voice.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Hook)
The chorus opens up melodically. The line "Closer to your love" requires a smoother, more legato approach compared to the staccato verses. You should aim for a brighter tone placement here (feel the vibration in your mask or nose area) to help the melody cut through.
- Breath Control: The phrases are medium length. Take a low, quick breath before the downbeat of the chorus.
- Dynamics: Sing the chorus about 20% louder than the verse to create excitement.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
This is where you can let loose. As the song progresses, ad-libs become appropriate. Use the minor pentatonic scale to add runs and vocal flourishes, but keep them tasteful. The energy should remain high until the fade-out.
If you are struggling with the higher notes in the ad-libs, try using a "cry" vocal quality—tilt your larynx slightly to thin out the vocal folds while maintaining cord closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
It falls squarely into Funk and Blue-eyed Soul. It requires a mix of gritty chest voice and smooth melodic phrasing.
Yes. The range is not extreme, making it a great choice for beginners looking to improve their rhythmic timing and groove without worrying about hitting high C's.
Do not push air! Grit comes from compression, not volume. Try to imitate a "frustrated sigh" to find the placement safely. Use the Singing Coach AI app to monitor for strain.
