Mastering the Moody Atmospheric Vibe
Released on The Neighbourhood's 2013 debut album I Love You., "Let It Go" captures the band's signature blend of indie rock and hip-hop influences. Unlike power ballads that rely on sheer volume, this song requires restraint, mood, and texture.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of the "cool" delivery. Jesse Rutherford's vocal style here is laid back, often sitting slightly behind the beat, but don't let the relaxed vibe fool you—the pitch control required to switch between the low verses and the falsetto chorus is technically demanding.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Rutherford slurs his words slightly for stylistic effect. However, if you slur too much, the AI will drop your score for clarity. Aim for a balance: crisp enough to be understood, but relaxed enough to fit the genre.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Controlled)
The song sits in F Minor. The verses require a warm chest voice. The melody hovers in a comfortable speaking range for most baritones (around F3-Bb3), but the challenge is keeping it interesting without being loud.
The Trap: Many singers go "flat" (under the pitch) here because they relax too much. Keep your soft palate lifted and your breath support engaged, even when singing quietly.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Falsetto Switch)
The hook—"Let it go, let it go"—jumps up into the head voice or falsetto range (hitting notes around C5 and C#5). This transition needs to be seamless. You don't want a jarring "crack" or a sudden spike in volume.
- Tone: Keep the falsetto airy and light. Do not push chest voice up here.
- Breath: You will need more air to sustain these higher, lighter notes than you did for the verse.
- Placement: Imagine the sound vibrating in the upper half of your skull rather than your throat.
Phase 3: The Bridge
The song builds tension in the bridge. While the volume increases slightly, the vocal texture should remain gritty and emotive. Focus on the lyrics—deliver them with the feeling of resignation that matches the song's theme.
To nail this section, add a slight "cry" to your voice. This tilts the larynx slightly and helps you access higher chest-voice notes without straining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The chorus relies heavily on a clean falsetto/head voice. If you try to belt these notes in chest voice, it will ruin the atmospheric vibe of the song.
Let It Go is in F Minor. This key contributes to the dark, moody, and somewhat melancholic feel of the track.
Low notes often go flat when we lose energy. Even though the verse is chill, engage your core muscles and ensure you aren't looking down (which compresses the larynx) while singing.
