The Modern Dance-Pop Anthem
"Rather Be" is a masterclass in blending classical instrumentation with deep house beats. Released by Clean Bandit in 2014, Jess Glynne’s soulful vocals drive the song. While it may sound straightforward, the relentless tempo and sustained high notes in the chorus make it a vocal marathon.
To sing this well, you need agility. The verses are conversational and rhythmic, while the chorus demands a powerful, open chest voice. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breath
Because the tempo is 121 BPM, there are very few gaps for breathing. Our analysis shows users lose pitch accuracy in the second chorus due to running out of air. Plan your "snatch breaths" carefully.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Rhythmic)
The song starts in a lower register (G#3 - B3). The line "We're a thousand miles from comfort" requires crisp diction. Avoid dragging the notes; think of your voice as a percussion instrument here, matching the plucked violin strings.
The Trap: Because it’s low, many singers lose energy here. Keep your core engaged so the tone doesn't become fry-heavy or mumbled. You need forward placement to cut through the mix.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As you sing "If you gave me a chance I would take it," the melody begins to climb. This is your ramp-up. Do not belt this part too loudly yet. Save your volume for the drop. Keep the sound "mixed" and light.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
This is the iconic moment: "N-n-no place I'd rather be." You are hitting a sustained C#5 here. To sound like Jess Glynne, you want a "belty" quality, but you must achieve this with proper technique.
Drop your jaw and keep your tongue forward. If you tense your jaw, the C#5 will sound shrill. Aim for a "yell" timbre but with controlled airflow. The vowel should lean towards "Ah" rather than a closed "Ee" sound on the word "be" to make it easier to sustain.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody hits a powerful C#5 belt. In the ad-libs towards the end of the song, Jess Glynne riffing reaches up to an E5.
It is deceptively hard. While the range is manageable for most altos and sopranos, the stamina required to maintain pitch at this speed makes it an intermediate-to-advanced song.
The original key (G# Minor) is quite high for male voices. You can sing it an octave lower for a soulful acoustic vibe, or use Singing Coach AI to transpose the track down -3 or -4 semitones.
