Mastering the Northern Soul Energy
"Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)" is a masterclass in joyful, high-energy vocal delivery. Originally written by Van Morrison, this 1982 cover by Dexys Midnight Runners on the Too-Rye-Ay album injects a frantic, punk-soul energy that demands cardio as much as it demands technique.
Kevin Rowland's vocal style here is distinct: it's not about perfect, smooth legato lines. It's about punchy, staccato phrasing, emotional "yips," and driving the rhythm forward. Let's look at how to sing this without running out of breath.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breathing
Because the tempo is so fast, you don't have time for deep belly breaths between every line. Practice "sipping" air quickly through your mouth during the short pauses in the verse to maintain tank pressure.
Phase 1: The Verses (Rapid Fire)
The song starts immediately with the hook. When you hit the verses ("I was in a dream..."), the diction needs to be laser-sharp. The lyrics come fast.
The Trap: Many singers slur the words together to keep up with the beat. This kills the energy. Focus on over-enunciating your consonants (T's, D's, and P's) to make the vocals pop out against the brass section.
Phase 2: The "Heaven" Chorus
The line "I'm in heaven when you smile" sits higher in the range and needs a bright tone. To achieve this, literally smile while you sing. This lifts the soft palate and brightens the resonance, matching the "Reet Petite" vibe of the song.
- The Hook: The "Da da da, da da da da" sections are your chance to reset. Keep them light and bouncy.
- Resonance: Keep the sound "forward" in your mask (the front of your face/nose area) rather than swallowing it in the back of your throat.
Phase 3: The Rowland "Yips"
Kevin Rowland is famous for his vocal affectations—little cracks, yelps, and cries that add emotional weight. Toward the end of the song, as the energy builds, feel free to loosen up your technique slightly to allow for these stylistic choices.
However, be careful not to push your chest voice too high (straining) to get that grit. Use a "twangy" compression instead to get the sound without the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody consistently hits G4, but during the energetic ad-libs and the final chorus, Kevin Rowland belts up to an A4.
It's all about breath management. Don't exhale all your air on the first word. Conserve your breath and use the punctuation in the lyrics as cues for quick "catch breaths."
Yes. The original G Major is quite high for many baritones. Use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose it down to F Major (-2 semitones) for a more comfortable chest-voice range.
