A Masterclass in Modern Funk & Falsetto
"Marilyn Monroe" opens Pharrell Williams' 2014 album G I R L with a cinematic bang. Featuring strings arranged by Hans Zimmer, the track is a genre-bending mix of orchestral pop and deep-pocket funk. For singers, it presents a unique challenge: maintaining a light, airy, yet resonant tone for nearly six minutes.
Unlike standard pop songs that move between chest and head voice, this track lives almost exclusively in the "upper loft" of the voice. Let's break down how to handle the altitude without burning out.
AI Coach Tip: Falsetto Stability
Many singers push too much air when singing in falsetto, resulting in a "breathy" sound that dries out the cords. Focus on a focused, "laser-beam" sound placement behind the nose to maintain clarity and endurance.
Phase 1: The Spoken Intro (0:00 - 0:50)
The song begins with a spoken-word monologue over swelling strings. While not melodic, the rhythm here is crucial. You must speak "in the pocket."
The Trap: Rushing the delivery. The string arrangement is loose, but your delivery needs to be confident and deliberate as you list the different types of women. Treat this like acting, not singing.
Phase 2: The Verse Groove (0:50 - 1:25)
When the bassline drops, Pharrell enters with "I'm not trying to say..." in a light head voice. The key here is agility. The melody moves quickly in short, staccato bursts.
- Placement: Keep the sound buzzing in your mask (cheekbones/nose area).
- Breath: Take small "sipping" breaths between phrases. Do not take massive lungfuls of air, or you will over-pressurize the high notes.
Phase 3: The Chorus (1:25 - 2:00)
The hook "Marilyn Monroe, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc" is catchy and repetitive. The challenge is keeping the pitch accurate while grooving. It's easy to go flat here as your energy drops.
To stay sharp, think of singing down onto the notes rather than reaching up for them. Engage your core muscles on the downbeat of every measure to ground the high frequencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
To sound like the original, yes. However, if you are a Baritone or Alto, you can try singing it an octave down in your chest voice for a jazzier, smoother interpretation. The app allows you to analyze both approaches.
The lead vocal hits a consistent G#5 in the falsetto/head voice register. It requires significant control of the cricothyroid muscles.
The intro has no drum beat, which makes it hard. Listen to the cello swells—they act as the tempo guide. Use the visual metronome in the Singing Coach AI app to stay synchronized.
