The Art of the Soul Ballad
"Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" is a masterclass in vocal restraint and atmospheric storytelling. Recorded in 1970 and released on the Sky's the Limit album, it features Eddie Kendricks on lead vocals. Unlike power ballads that rely on belting, this track requires you to live comfortably in your head voice and falsetto.
To sing this authentically, you need to abandon the need for volume. The song is dreamy, ethereal, and sweet. Let's break down the techniques needed to capture that Motown magic.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Volume
A common mistake users make is singing too loudly. Our analysis shows that users who maintain a piano to mezzo-piano volume throughout the verses score 20% higher on stylistic matching. Keep it light.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 1:12)
The song opens in C Major. Kendricks enters with a tone that is pure, thin, and positioned high in the nasal cavity (mask resonance). The first line, "I look out my window," should be delivered almost like a sigh.
The Technique: You are telling a story. Focus on legato phrasing—connecting one word seamlessly to the next. Do not chop the sentences. The backing vocals provide a lush "Ooo" pad; your lead vocal must float on top of them, not cut through them aggressively.
Phase 2: The Chorus (1:12 - 2:00)
The hook "It was just my imagination" sits right in the passaggio for many male singers. If you are a baritone, you might be tempted to pull chest voice up here. Don't.
- Resonance: Keep the sound buzzing in your forehead/mask.
- Vowels: Modify the vowels to be narrower. On "Runnin' away with me," keep the "ee" vowel bright but soft.
- Breathing: You need excellent breath support to hold these sustained notes without wobbling, as there is very little vibrato used until the end of the phrase.
Phase 3: The Ad-libs & Outro (2:55 - End)
As the song progresses, Kendricks adds more vocal flourishes. He hits a High C (C5) in falsetto. This requires a relaxed throat. If you feel tension in your neck, you are pushing too hard.
The emotional arc of the song implies a realization that the love isn't real, so the vocal should feel wistful. Use the "cry" in your voice—a slight whimper technique—to convey that longing without increasing volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal was performed by Eddie Kendricks. Paul Williams sang the first line of the second bridge ("Every night on my knees I pray..."), providing a gritty contrast to Eddie's sweet falsetto.
Eddie Kendricks was a natural falsetto singer. If the key of C is too high, use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down -2 or -3 semitones. It allows you to practice the style without straining.
Yes! For this song, falsetto is stylisticially correct. Unlike modern pop where a "mixed voice" is preferred, this era of Soul embraced the pure head voice sound.
