A Masterclass in Vocal Dynamics
Released on the 1985 album Promise, "Is It a Crime" is one of Sade Adu's most vocally demanding songs. Unlike her softer hits like "Smooth Operator," this track takes the singer on a journey from intimate, whisper-quiet verses to powerful, chest-voice climaxes. It is a defining track for Contraltos and Mezzo-Sopranos.
To sing this well, you must master the "Sade sound"—a unique blend of breathiness and solid support. You cannot simply sing the notes; you must feel the space between them. The track relies heavily on back-phrasing, where you deliberately sing slightly behind the beat to create a relaxed, soulful feel.
AI Coach Tip: Air vs. Support
Sade uses a lot of air in her tone, but don't mistake this for lack of support. If you just whisper, you will run out of breath instantly. You must engage your diaphragm fully to sustain that "smoky" texture through the long phrases.
Phase 1: The Low Verse (0:00 - 1:45)
The song begins in F Minor with a sultry, conversational tone. The range here dips down to F3/G3. For many Sopranos, this is the hardest part of the song because it requires a rich chest resonance without sounding forced.
The Trap: Many singers try to "push" these low notes to make them audible. Instead, relax your jaw and think of the sound vibrating in your chest cavity. Keep the volume at a mezzo-piano.
Phase 2: The Crescendo (2:30 - 3:15)
As the saxophone builds tension, so must you. The bridge moves into the middle register. Here, you need to slowly remove the "breathiness" from your tone and introduce a cleaner, more focused sound.
- Articulation: Sade's diction is very precise here. Enunciate the consonants clearly to cut through the thickening instrumental texture.
- Emotional Build: This section is acting as much as singing. You are pleading your case.
Phase 3: The Climax (3:15 - End)
The explosive line "Is it a crime?" is the emotional peak. You will be belting around C5/Db5. This isn't a piercing pop belt; it's a soulful wail. Keep the larynx neutral.
To hit this safely, visualize the sound coming out of the back of your head rather than your mouth. This helps maintain the "darker" vowel shape characteristic of Sade's voice, preventing the note from sounding too thin or shrill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sade is a Contralto. Her voice is characterized by a dark, rich lower register and a unique, warm timbre that sits lower than most female pop singers.
The core melody belts up to a C5/Db5 during the climax. However, ad-libs and flourishes may touch slightly higher notes depending on the live version.
It requires a balance of "aspirate onset" (starting the sound with air) and maintaining an open throat. Practice sighing on pitch to find that relaxed, airy placement.
