Bringing the 80s Rock Revival
Plastic Hearts is the title track of Miley Cyrus's rock-influenced 2020 album. It channels the energy of icons like Joan Jett and Stevie Nicks. The challenge in this song isn't just hitting the notes; it's maintaining the aggressive, percussive vocal style without tiring out your voice.
This track sits firmly in a lower tessitura during the verses but explodes into a powerful mix/belt in the chorus. To sing this like Miley, you need to be comfortable with your chest voice and willing to add some "attitude" to your phrasing.
AI Coach Tip: Safe Distortion
Miley's rasp comes naturally, but you can hurt yourself trying to force it. Our analysis detects if you are squeezing your throat. Instead, try engaging your "twang" and adding a light vocal fry at the beginning of phrases for texture.
Phase 1: The Low Attitude (Verses)
The song starts in the low range (E3 to B3). The line "Hello, the sun is shining" needs to be sung almost conversationally, but with rhythm. The danger here is sounding bored.
The Fix: Articulate your consonants sharply. Think of the vocal line as a percussion instrument. Keep the air pressure steady even though the pitch is low.
Phase 2: The Power Belt (Chorus)
The chorus ("I've been losing you in crowds...") jumps in energy. You need to hit sustained C#5s and E5s. This is classic rock belting.
- Open Throat: Drop your jaw. If you smile too wide, the sound will get thin and shrill.
- Support: Engage your lower abs/diaphragm before the line starts. Do not gasp for air in the middle of the phrase.
- Placement: Aim the sound towards your hard palate (the roof of your mouth) to get that cutting "rock" tone.
Phase 3: The Outro Ad-libs
As the song concludes, there are several high runs and ad-libs. This is where vocal stamina is tested. If your voice feels scratchy or painful by this point, switch to a cleaner head voice rather than forcing a strained belt. The "Plastic Hearts" outro is about energy, not perfection.
Remember: Miley's voice is unique due to her vocal history. Don't try to become her; try to capture the spirit of the song with your own healthy technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest main melody note is an E5 in the chorus. There are ad-libs that may touch higher depending on the live version, but E5 is the target belt.
Yes, but the verses might feel very low. You can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track up +2 semitones to make the verses more comfortable for Sopranos.
Cracking happens when you over-compress. Relax the throat and focus on the note pitch first. Add the grit as a "topping" later, rather than the foundation of the sound.
