Mastering the San Francisco Anthem
Lights is perhaps Steve Perry's most soulful performance with Journey. Originally written about Los Angeles before being adapted for San Francisco, the song sits in the sweet spot of 70s rock and R&B. Unlike the harder-hitting tracks on the Infinity album, this song requires finesse, a seamless legato line, and impeccable vowel shapes.
The magic of this track lies in the dynamics. It starts intimate and warm, then expands into a soaring chorus. To sing this well, you need to balance your chest resonance with a light, heady mix.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
On the high sustained note in "Liiiiights", avoid a wide, flat "Eye" sound, which closes the throat. Modify the vowel towards "Ah" (like "Lah-eets"). This lowers the larynx and reduces strain.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 0:54)
The song begins in D Major. The opening line, "When the lights go down in the city," sits in a comfortable speaking range (starting on D3). However, the challenge is tone. It shouldn't sound bored or spoken.
The Technique: Use a "cry" in your voice. Engage your breath support before you make a sound to ensure the onset is smooth, not glottal. Keep the volume at a mezzo-piano.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:55 - 1:20)
Here, the melody lifts. The line "Ooh, I want to be there" is the signature hook. This sits right in the passaggio (the break between chest and head voice) for many male singers.
- The "Ooh": Keep your lips rounded but your jaw loose. Don't squeeze the sound.
- Placement: Direct the sound into the "mask" of your face (around the nose and eyes) to get that bright, piercing Steve Perry tone without shouting.
- Pitch: Watch out for the slide up to the F#4. The app detects a lot of flatness here if you don't support the note.
Phase 3: The Outro Ad-libs (2:30 - End)
As the song fades, Perry unleashes his upper register, hitting high Bs and even touching a C#5 in live versions. This requires a reinforced mixed voice.
Don't try to pull your heavy chest voice up this high. Instead, think of thinning out the sound as you go higher, relying more on head resonance while keeping the vocal cords connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody hits a consistent F#4 and G4, but the belted ad-libs and harmonies reach up to a B4 and occasionally a C#5.
It is intermediate. The tempo is slow, which exposes pitch issues, and the high notes require good technique. Beginners can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose it down -2 semitones to C Major.
Perry uses very pure vowels and a high larynx position (but without strain). Focus on clarity and a "bright" tone rather than a heavy, dark rock sound.
