The "Plastic Hearts" Attitude
Prisoner is a masterclass in modern glam-rock vocals. Featured on Miley Cyrus's album Plastic Hearts, this collaboration with Dua Lipa blends the grit of 80s rock with the slick production of modern disco-pop. The song sits in C# Minor (often debated as E Major relative), providing a perfect playground for lower voices.
To sing this well, you need to navigate the contrast between Miley's raw, raspy texture and Dua's smoother, darker tone. It requires attitude more than acrobatics. Let's break down exactly how to tackle the grit without losing your voice.
AI Coach Tip: Rasp vs. Strain
Many singers squeeze their throat to sound like Miley. This is dangerous. Our analysis checks for "pressed phonation." Focus on a relaxed "fry" at the beginning of phrases rather than pushing air too hard.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Controlled)
The song starts low, around E3. Miley's verses are almost spoken, with a heavy chest resonance. The challenge here is keeping the pitch accurate while maintaining that "I don't care" attitude.
The Trap: Singers often lose volume on the lowest notes ("Prisoner, prisoner"). Keep your diaphragm engaged and think of singing "forward" into the mask of your face to keep the tone bright enough to cut through.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Tension
As the song builds ("I can't control it"), the melody climbs. This section requires a cleaner tone. You need to transition from the gravelly verse into a stronger, clearer mix.
- Breath Control: The phrases are short and punchy. Take quick "sip" breaths.
- Dynamics: Start the pre-chorus at a medium volume and get louder towards the drop.
- Vowels: Modify your vowels to be more open (e.g., "control" sounds more like "con-trawl") to help with the higher pitch.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The chorus ("Prisoner, prisoner, locked up...") is anthemic. It sits comfortably in the middle range (B4-C#5), meaning you can belt it, but it relies on rhythm.
The hook is staccato. Do not drag the notes out. The AI Coach measures your rhythmic precision here specifically. You want a percussive attack on the "P" of Prisoner to match the snare drum hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a C#5. It is very accessible for most Altos and Mezzo-Sopranos.
Yes, but you may find the verses (E3) challenging. You can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the song up +2 semitones to make the low notes more comfortable.
Miley has a naturally low and textured voice. To mimic the style safely, use "vocal fry" at the start of words or engage your false cords gently. Stop immediately if you feel tickling or pain.
