Mastering the Modern Folk-Pop Anthem
Pretty Shining People is the opening track to George Ezra’s second studio album, Staying at Tamara's. It is a perfect example of his signature style: incredibly catchy, upbeat melodies paired with lyrics about social anxiety and connection. The song is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt a little out of place.
For a vocalist, this song is less about vocal gymnastics and more about tone color and rhythm. George Ezra has a very distinct, deep Baritone voice that resonates powerfully in the chest. Mastering this song requires you to relax your throat and find that warm bottom end without forcing it.
AI Coach Tip: The "Ezra Rumble"
To get that rich tone on the low F2 notes in the verse ("What a terrible time to be alive"), try relaxing your jaw completely and keeping your larynx in a neutral-to-low position. Think of the sound vibrating in your sternum.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verses (0:15 - 0:45)
The verses are conversational and wordy. Ezra sings, "I was holding your hands and my hands were vibrating." The delivery is almost spoken but maintains a strict melody.
The Trap: It is easy to rush the tempo because there are so many syllables. Focus on clear diction. Practice saying the lyrics in time with the beat before you add the pitch. The AI Coach monitors your rhythmic precision here closely.
Phase 2: The Anthemic Chorus (0:53 - 1:25)
The energy lifts significantly here: "Hey pretty shining people, we’re alright together." While the pitch doesn't go incredibly high, the volume and intensity increase.
- Vowel Shapes: Use open vowels (like "Ah" and "Eh") to project your voice without straining your throat.
- Breath Support: Engage your diaphragm. You need steady airflow to maintain the "shining" quality of the tone without it sounding flat or dull.
Phase 3: The Bridge and Outro
The bridge ("Don't we all need love, the answer is easy") brings the dynamics down before building back up for the final choruses. This is your chance to show dynamic control. Start softer and grow the sound gradually.
Ultimately, this song is about joy and reassurance. If you sing it with a smile, the tone naturally brightens, making it easier to hit the notes and connect with the audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody reaches down to a solid F2 in the verses. This is quite low for Tenors, but very comfortable for Baritones and Basses.
Yes! You can either transpose the key up using the Singing Coach AI app (+2 or +3 semitones often works well for Tenors) or focus on singing the low notes with a "fry" mix if they are out of your chest range.
Isolate the tricky phrases like "put a gun against his head" (wait, wrong song!) — isolate phrases like "what a terrible time to be alive" and practice them slowly with a metronome, gradually increasing speed.
