A Country Ballad with Power
H.O.L.Y. (High On Loving You) is a standout track that blends country storytelling with a pop-ballad structure. Released by Florida Georgia Line in 2016, it strips away the "bro-country" party vibe for a stripped-back piano arrangement that puts the vocals front and center. This makes pitch accuracy and tone quality critical.
The song demands a strong understanding of dynamics. You must be able to sing intimately in your lower register during the verses and transition smoothly into a powerful, open-throated belt for the chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
The word "High" in the chorus sits on a high note. If you sing it with a wide "Eye" sound, you might strain. Modify the vowel slightly towards "Ah" (H-ah-ee) to keep the throat open and hit the note with resonance.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:52)
The song begins in Eb Major with just a piano. The vocal entry "When the sun sets" sits in the lower range (Bb2). The challenge here isn't range, but texture. You need a warm, conversational tone.
The Trap: Because it's low, many singers lose energy and go flat. Keep your breath support active even on the quiet notes. Think of speaking to someone right next to you.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:53 - 1:44)
This is the emotional peak. The melody jumps up significantly. The line "I'm high on loving you" requires a strong chest-dominant mix. Tyler Hubbard uses a specific country technique called "twang" here.
- Resonance: To get that country sound, focus the vibration in your mask (nasal area) without becoming nasally. This brightens the tone.
- Sustain: The notes in the chorus are held longer than in the verses. Ensure you have taken a full diaphragmatic breath before the phrase begins.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Ad-libs (2:30 - End)
The final section is where the song demands the most stamina. As the choir joins in, the lead vocal performs ad-libs that reach up to C5. These are belted notes that require confidence.
Do not push from the throat. Instead, anchor your body and use your abdominal muscles to support the air pressure required for these high belts. If the C5 is too high, you can flip into head voice for a softer interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody hits a Bb4, but the ad-libs in the final chorus reach a powerful C5. The lowest note is a Bb2.
Yes, this song is ideal for high Baritones and Tenors. The verses are very comfortable for Baritones, though the chorus may require a strong mix voice or transposition down -1 or -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
Country vocals often use a lowered soft palate or "cry" in the voice. Practice making a "ng" sound (like in "sing") to find that pharyngeal resonance, then apply it to the vowels in the chorus.
