A Modern Doo-Wop Classic
Released in 2015, "Marvin Gaye" brought the soulful sounds of the Motown era back to the mainstream charts. Written by Charlie Puth and featuring Meghan Trainor, the song is a masterclass in vocal blending, tight harmonies, and the seamless use of falsetto. It requires a playful, flirtatious tone rather than pure power.
Whether you are singing Charlie's smooth tenor lines or Meghan's sassy soprano verses, the key to scoring high on this track is stylistic control and rhythmic precision.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Swing
This song has a heavy "swing" feel (triplets). If you sing the rhythms too "straight," you will lose points on timing. Lean into the groove and keep your consonants light.
Phase 1: Charlie's Smooth Intro
The song starts with a classic crooner vibe. The verse "Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on" sits in a comfortable mid-range for most tenors. However, the challenge lies in the tone. It shouldn't be too bright or nasal.
The Trap: Pushing too hard on the word "Gaye." Puth uses a mix that leans towards head voice to keep it sweet. If you belt this too aggressively, it kills the mood.
Phase 2: The Falsetto Flip
Charlie Puth is famous for his ability to flip into falsetto instantly, and this song is no exception. The pre-chorus lines require you to ascend quickly into your upper register without a noticeable "break" or crack in your voice.
- Breath Control: Ensure you have enough air support to sustain the high notes without sounding shaky.
- Placement: Direct the sound towards the "mask" (the front of your face) to keep the falsetto resonant, not breathy.
Phase 3: The Duet & Harmonies
When Meghan Trainor enters, the song becomes a conversation. Her verse brings a bit more "twang" and attitude. The climax of the song involves intricate ad-libs and harmonies.
If you are singing the lead, focus on the melody. If you are practicing harmonies, try to lock in the thirds and fifths above the root note. The Singing Coach AI app can isolate these harmony lines to help you practice them individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
The song spans from a low E3 (Charlie's verse) up to a C#6 (Meghan's high belt/ad-libs). It covers a wide dynamic range suitable for Tenors and Sopranos.
No. The Singing Coach AI app allows you to sing solo while the AI fills in the other vocal part, or you can switch between roles.
Practice "siren" exercises, sliding from your chest voice to your head voice on an "Ooh" vowel. Aim for a smooth transition with no breaks.
