The Ultimate 80s "Prom" Anthem
"Drive It Like You Stole It" is the centerpiece of the movie Sing Street. It captures the essence of 1980s pop-rock (think Hall & Oates meets The Cure). The track is driven by a strong bassline and punchy vocals that demand confidence and swagger.
Unlike a ballad, this song doesn't leave room for hesitation. The key to scoring high in the Singing Coach AI app for this track is rhythmic accuracy and maintaining energy throughout the verses without running out of breath for the chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Timing
The verses are syncopated. Many singers drag behind the beat. Keep your consonants crisp (especially 'T's and 'K's) to stay locked in with the snare drum.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:14 - 0:45)
The song starts in D Major with a groovy, low-key delivery. The range here is comfortable for most male voices (A2 - D4). The goal is to sound cool, not operatic.
Technique: Use a "speech-level" singing approach. Don't push too much air. As you sing lines like "You just can't stand the way I walk," keep a slight smile on your face. This brightens the tone and fits the New Wave genre perfectly.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:46 - 1:16)
This is the explosion of energy. "This is your life, you can go anywhere!" The melody jumps up, sitting primarily between F#4 and A4. It requires a strong chest-mix belt.
- Breath Support: Take a deep, low breath before the chorus hits. You need stability to sustain the notes without straining your throat.
- Vowel modification: On the word "Life" and "Drive," modify the vowel slightly towards "Ah" (Lah-ife) to keep the throat open on the higher notes.
- Placement: Aim the sound forward, towards your nose/mask, to cut through the mix.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro (2:18 - End)
The bridge pulls back slightly before building into the final guitar solo and outro. The repeated "Whoa-oh" sections are great for practicing pitch agility.
During the final choruses, fatigue can set in. If you find yourself straining to hit the A4, try to engage your core muscles more rather than squeezing your neck. The song is about freedom and rebellion—if you sound tight and squeezed, you lose the emotional connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is an A4. There are some falsetto embellishments that may go higher depending on ad-libs.
Yes. The melody is catchy and repetitive, making it easier to learn than complex ballads. The main challenge is the tempo.
Keep your tone bright and avoid heavy vibrato. Think of singers like Daryl Hall or early Duran Duran. Straight tone works best for the verses.
