The Ultimate Empowerment Anthem
Released as the lead single from her 2013 album Prism, "Roar" is a mid-tempo power pop track that relies heavily on vocal dynamics. Unlike some of Katy Perry's higher-pitched songs, this track sits in a very accessible range for most female singers, but the challenge lies in the power and stamina required to maintain the energy.
The song is an exercise in building intensity. It starts small and introspective, mimicking the lyrics about being quiet and polite, and explodes into a full-throated declaration of strength. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Forward Placement
To get the bright, piercing sound of the chorus without hurting your throat, visualize the sound resonating in your "mask" (the front of your face/nose). This forward placement gives you the "eye of the tiger" tone.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:40)
The song begins in the lower register, around B♭3. The lyrics "I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath" need to be sung with a chest-dominant mix. It should feel grounded and conversational.
The Trap: Singers often get too breathy here trying to sound emotional. Keep the vocal cords connected. If you are too airy in the verses, you will run out of air before you even hit the chorus.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (0:40 - 0:55)
This is the ramp-up. As you sing "You held me down, but I got up," you need to start lifting the soft palate. The melody ascends, and the volume should increase naturally.
- Rhythm: The staccato delivery on "get ready 'cause I've had enough" is crucial. Don't slur the words.
- Dynamics: Think of this section as a compressed spring waiting to release.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (0:55 - 1:30)
This is the payout. The line "I got the eye of the tiger" hits squarely in the belting range. The highest note here touches E♭5. To hit this safely, engage your diaphragm and drop your jaw to create space.
The repeated "Ro-o-o-o-o-ar" requires consistent airflow. Do not squeeze your throat. If you feel tightness, you are pushing from the throat instead of the body. Try bending your knees slightly as you hit the high notes to ground your support.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is an E♭5. It occurs during the ad-libs and the peak of the final choruses.
It is a great intermediate song. The range isn't extreme, but it teaches you how to sustain power. Beginners can lower the key by -1 or -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to practice safely.
Cracking usually happens when you carry too much "heavy" chest voice up too high. Try lightening the sound slightly and mixing in more head resonance as you ascend.
