The Anthem of Soul
Originally written by Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin completely redefined "Respect" when she recorded it in 1967. It became a feminist anthem and a landmark of the Soul genre. The song is famous for its driving rhythm, powerful brass, and Aretha's demanding, no-nonsense vocal delivery.
Singing "Respect" isn't just about hitting the notes; it's about the "pocket." You need to lock in with the drums and deliver the lyrics with authority. It sits primarily in a high chest/mix register, making it a workout for any vocalist.
AI Coach Tip: Forward Placement
To get that bright, piercing tone without hurting your throat, visualize the sound resonating in the "mask" of your face (around your nose and cheekbones). Do not yell from the throat.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 1:15)
The song kicks off immediately with high energy. The verses ("What you want / Baby, I got it") are delivered in a call-and-response style with the backing vocals. The pitch centers around C4 to G4, which is comfortable for most, but the rhythm is key.
The Trap: Many singers drag behind the beat. This song requires you to be slightly ahead or right on top of the beat to maintain the urgency.
Phase 2: The Spelling Break (1:45 - 2:00)
This is the most iconic moment: "R-E-S-P-E-C-T". It is a rhythmic breakdown that demands total syncopation with the band. You must articulate every letter sharply.
- R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Keep the consonants percussive. Use your diaphragm to punch out each letter.
- Sock it to me: The backing vocals repeat this phrase rapidly. If you are singing lead, you need to weave your ad-libs around this repetitive hook.
Phase 3: The Outro Ad-libs (2:00 - End)
As the song fades, Aretha unleashes her full power. She improvises with runs and high belts, hitting a G5. This section is about freedom and attitude.
To practice these high belts, start with a "Nay-Nay-Nay" sound. The "N" consonant helps close the vocal cords efficiently, while the "ay" vowel encourages the bright, twangy sound needed for Soul music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aretha hits a powerful G5 belt during the outro ad-libs. There are also occasional harmonic squeals that can reach higher, but the core melody tops out at G5.
Yes. While the melody isn't overly complex, the stamina required to maintain that high energy and strong chest belt for nearly 3 minutes makes it an advanced song.
Vocal growl should come from the false vocal cords, not by grinding your true cords together. Practice gently clearing your throat to find the vibration, then apply that texture to a note. Use sparingly to avoid fatigue.
