The Anthem of Folk-Pop Energy
Released in 2013 on OneRepublic's album Native, "Counting Stars" became an instant global hit. Lead singer Ryan Tedder combines a driving folk-pop rhythm with modern pop production, creating a song that is as demanding as it is catchy. The track is built around a distinct acoustic guitar riff and a tempo that requires vocal agility.
To sing this well, you need more than just pitch accuracy; you need rhythmic precision and excellent breath support. The song moves quickly, and there are few places to rest. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Rhythmic Precision
The verses are delivered in a near-staccato style. Our analysis shows users often drag the tempo. Focus on crisp diction and landing exactly on the beat for "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep."
Phase 1: The Verses (C#3 - A3)
The verses are sung in a comfortable lower register for Tenors, but the challenge is the phrasing. The pattern "Lately, I've been..." repeats rapidly. You must conserve breath here.
The Trap: Because the range is lower, singers often get too relaxed. If you don't engage your diaphragm, you will run out of air before the end of the phrase, causing the pitch to go flat.
Phase 2: The Chorus (C#4 - C#5)
The energy explodes here. The line "Take that money, watch it burn" sits high in the chest/mix voice. You need to access your mixed register to hit these notes without straining your throat.
- Vowel Modification: On words like "Burn" and "Turn," modify the vowel slightly towards "Uh" to keep the throat open.
- Dynamics: The chorus should be significantly louder and more resonant than the verses.
- The Flip: Tedder often flips into head voice for the highest accents. Practice your bridge transition to make this smooth.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Stamina
By the time you reach the bridge ("I feel something so right doing the wrong thing"), vocal fatigue can set in. The melody mimics the chorus but with different instrumentation. Maintain your support and don't push too hard from the throat.
The final choruses require endurance. Keep your body relaxed and rely on the breath support you established in the verses.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is a C#5, typically hit in head voice or falsetto during ad-libs and harmonies. The main belted melody reaches around A4/B4.
Yes, though the chorus sits in a high tessitura. Baritones may need to use more falsetto or transpose the song down -1 or -2 semitones using the Singing Coach AI app.
Plan your breaths. Take quick "sip" breaths between the short phrases in the verses. Do not wait until your lungs are empty to inhale.
