The Psychedelic Surf-Rock Challenge
"It’s Working" opens MGMT’s 2010 album Congratulations with a burst of frantic energy. Unlike their synth-pop debut, this track leans heavily into 60s revivalism and surf-rock influences. It captures the anxiety and excitement of success through rapid-fire lyrics and shifting dynamics.
To sing this well, you need to balance rhythmic precision with a relaxed, almost dreamy tone in the bridges. The vocal line sits comfortably in a Tenor range but demands excellent breath control due to the tempo.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Articulation
Because the verses are fast and rhythmic, singers often slur the lyrics. Focus on crisp consonant enunciation, especially on the line "Working on a feeling." Keep your jaw relaxed but your tongue active.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verse
The song starts with a driving bassline and vocals that act almost like a percussion instrument. The key here is "dry" delivery. Don't add too much vibrato.
The Trap: Running out of breath. The lines are stacked closely together. Practice quick "sip" breaths at the end of every second measure to maintain energy without gasping.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift
When the line "It’s working" hits, the melody jumps up. This transition often requires a switch to a light chest mix or head voice depending on your range. The vowel shape for "Working" should be narrow to help you reach the pitch without straining.
- Tone Color: Aim for a brighter, more "forward" placement in the mask of the face to cut through the psychedelic instrumentation.
- Falsetto: Andrew VanWyngarden uses falsetto liberally. Ensure your flip between chest and head voice is seamless, not jarring.
Phase 3: The Psychedelic Bridge
The song slows down conceptually in the bridge sections. Here, you should switch to legato phrasing—connecting the notes smoothly. This contrasts with the staccato feel of the verses and adds to the "hallucinogenic" vibe of the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is moderately difficult. While the range isn't extreme, the tempo and the need for rhythmic accuracy make it a workout for your articulation muscles.
A Tenor or high Baritone fits best. If you find the chorus too high, use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down by 1 or 2 semitones.
The original recording uses slapback delay and reverb. However, when practicing with the app, sing with a "dry" signal first to ensure your pitch is accurate before adding effects.
