A Modern Pop Anthem with Soul
Released as the second single from his debut album Nine Track Mind, Charlie Puth's "One Call Away" blends pop, soul, and a touch of gospel. Unlike power ballads that rely on sheer volume, this track demands nuance, agility, and a very clean mix voice.
The song is built around a conversational tone in the verses that blooms into a rich, full chorus. To sing this like Charlie, you need to master the art of "effortless power"—making high notes sound relaxed rather than pushed.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Charlie Puth uses very specific articulation. He often softens his consonants to keep the melody flowing (legato). Avoid hard 'T's and 'K's on the ends of words to maintain that smooth R&B texture.
Phase 1: The Verses (C3 - Ab3)
The verses sit in a comfortable mid-range for most singers. The challenge here is rhythm and groove. You want to sit slightly behind the beat to create that laid-back soul vibe.
The Trap: Because it's low and comfortable, many singers get lazy with their pitch. Keep your soft palate lifted to ensure the low notes don't sound muddy or flat, especially on lines like "I'm only one call away."
Phase 2: The Chorus (Db4 - F4)
The energy lifts here. The melody hovers around the F4, which is the "passaggio" (break point) for many male singers. You need to thin out your chest voice and start mixing in head resonance.
- Superman: On the line "Superman got nothing on me," focus on forward placement (mask resonance). Smile slightly to brighten the tone.
- I'm only: Keep the breath steady. If you push too much air, your voice will crack.
- To save the day: This phrase descends, so make sure you don't drop the energy or the pitch support too quickly.
Phase 3: The Gospel Bridge (F4 - Bb4)
This is the climax of the song. The choir backing vocals kick in, and Charlie belts some impressive high notes. The line "and when you're weak, I'll be strong" climbs up the scale.
The ad-libs here reach up to a Bb4. To hit this, engage your core support and think "down" while singing "up" to ground your voice. Do not yell; use twang to cut through.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest/mix voice note is a Bb4 during the ad-libs in the final chorus. The main melody consistently hits Ab4.
The song is in the key of Db Major. If you play guitar, you can put a Capo on the 1st fret and play C Major shapes to play along.
Charlie Puth uses a "mix voice" which blends chest and head voice. Try practicing the chorus on a "Nay" or "Mum" sound to find this resonance without the tension of the lyrics.
