Mastering the Anthem of Self-Love
Released as the third single from Alessia Cara's debut album Know-It-All, "Scars to Your Beautiful" is a modern pop-soul anthem that demands authenticity over perfection. The song is structurally standard, but vocally deceptive. It features a rapid, spoken-word style delivery in the verses that sits quite low in the female register, contrasting with a soaring, full-voiced chorus.
To sing this well, you need to balance the rhythmic precision of hip-hop with the melodic power of a pop diva. You must navigate the transition from a conversational chest voice to a powerful mixed belt without losing breath support.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Low Notes
Many singers lose volume and clarity on the F3s in the verses ("She just wants to be beautiful..."). Don't push your chin down to reach them. Keep your head level and speak the notes forward into the mask of your face.
Phase 1: The Verses (Rhythmic Flow)
The verses are sung in a rhythmic, almost rap-like cadence. The notes hover around F3 to A3, which is the bottom of the range for many sopranos.
The Trap: Because the range is low, singers often "fry" their voice or let the pitch go flat. Focus on clear diction and keeping a consistent stream of air, even though you are singing quietly. Treat it like a conversation.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (The Build)
"There's a hope that's waiting for you in the dark..." Here, the melody lifts, and the energy needs to build. You are moving away from the conversational tone into a more sung, melodic approach. This section acts as the ramp for your voice to prepare for the belt.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus explodes with the line "You don't have to change a thing." The melody sits comfortably in the C5-D5 range, requiring a strong belt or a reinforced mix.
- Vowel Shapes: On the word "Beautiful," modify the vowel slightly towards "Beu-ti-ful" (dropping the jaw) to avoid squeezing on the high notes.
- Placement: Think of projecting the sound to the back of the room. Do not hold the sound in your throat; let it resonate in your hard palate.
- Stamina: The chorus is repetitive and high energy. Ensure you are taking deep, low breaths between phrases to sustain the power until the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a D5 (on the word "change" and "beautiful"). Ad-libs towards the end may go higher.
Actually, the hardest part for a Soprano is often the verses, which sit down at F3. The chorus is usually in a sweet spot for Sopranos. Singing Coach AI can transpose the track up +2 semitones if the verses are too low.
The verses are wordy. Identify the punctuation marks in the lyrics and plan your breaths. Do not wait until you are empty to inhale; take quick "sip" breaths between phrases.
