Mastering the "Heart and Soul" Melody
Train's 2016 hit Play That Song is an earworm for a reason. It leans heavily on the melody of "Heart and Soul" (1938), a tune almost everyone has played on a piano at some point. This makes the intervals predictable and easier to learn for beginners compared to complex rock ballads.
However, Pat Monahan's vocal performance adds a layer of difficulty. He sings with a bright, forward "tenor" placement that sits high in the chest voice without sounding heavy. The key to nailing this track is balancing a relaxed verse with a high-energy chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Rush the Beat
Because the melody is so familiar, many singers tend to anticipate the beat and sing slightly ahead. The AI analysis shows that staying "in the pocket" and slightly behind the beat creates a much cooler, more professional sound.
Phase 1: The Verses (Relaxed)
The verses ("Can't wait to get you all alone...") are conversational. The pitch range here is comfortable for most male and female singers (transposed). The goal is to sound effortless.
The Trap: Don't over-enunciate. In Pop/Rock, you want the words to flow together smoothly (legato). Keep your jaw relaxed and let the rhythm of the lyrics drive the song forward.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As you approach the line "When you say that...", the energy needs to lift. You aren't shouting yet, but you are engaging your diaphragm more. This section acts as a ramp, launching you into the high notes of the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The chorus ("Play that song, the one that makes me go all night long") sits higher in the range, frequently hitting F4 and G4, with ad-libs reaching A4. This requires a "mixed voice."
To hit these notes without straining, imagine the sound resonating in your nose and cheekbones (mask resonance) rather than your throat. This "twangy" placement helps you cut through the mix like Pat Monahan without blowing out your vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
It samples the melody of "Heart and Soul," a song composed by Hoagy Carmichael in 1938. Train added new lyrics and a modern pop beat to the classic tune.
It is rated Medium difficulty. While the melody is simple to remember, the chorus sits high in the male vocal range, requiring good breath support to maintain pitch accuracy.
The highest sustained note in the main vocal line is an A4. There are falsetto background vocals that go higher, but the lead stays in a high chest/mix.
