The Ultimate Vocal Stamina Test
"Physical" by Dua Lipa is a high-energy synth-pop anthem from her Future Nostalgia album. While the notes themselves aren't extremely high compared to a ballad, the relentless tempo (147 BPM) makes it a challenge of stamina and breath control. The song demands a strong lower chest register for the verses and a powerful, forward-placed mix for the choruses.
To sing this well, you need to channel 80s aerobics energy. The vocal delivery shifts between "sultry spoken word" and "full-throttle belting." Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Because the song is fast, singers often slur words like "phenomenal" or "physical." Our analysis shows that over-enunciating consonants helps keep you rhythmically locked in with the drums.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Sultry)
The song starts in a lower register around A3. Dua uses a very spoken, chest-dominant tone here ("Common love isn't for us"). The challenge is maintaining pitch accuracy while sounding casual.
The Trap: Don't let your voice get too "fry-heavy" or quiet. Even though it's low, you need proper breath support to project over the driving bassline.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As you move into "Who needs to go to sleep when I got you next to me," the melody begins to climb. You need to gradually increase your volume and brightness.
- Resonance: Shift from the chest resonance of the verse to a brighter, mask resonance.
- Breath: Take a deep, low breath before "All night, I'll riot with you," because you won't have much time to breathe in the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (Power)
The chorus hits the highest notes of the song (D5). The line "Let's get physical" needs to be sung with a strong mix. If you use pure head voice, it will sound too weak for the genre. If you pull pure chest voice up, you will strain.
Use a "calling out" technique (like shouting "Hey!" to a friend across the street) to safely hit the D5 with power and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a D5 (on "Physical"). Some ad-libs may go higher, but D5 is the target note for the chorus.
Cardio for your voice is real! Try practicing the song while walking briskly. Also, identify specific spots to breathe between phrases in the chorus, usually after every two lines.
Yes, this song is perfect for Altos and Mezzo-Sopranos. The range sits comfortably in a lower-to-mid register compared to many other pop songs.
