The Ultimate Heartbreak Anthem
Released on The 1975's second album, I Like It When You Sleep..., "Somebody Else" is a masterclass in mood and restraint. Unlike power ballads that rely on sheer volume, Matty Healy delivers this track with a conversational, almost defeated tone that sits right in the pocket of a synth-pop groove.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the "theater kid" projection and embrace a closer, more intimate microphone technique. The challenge lies in maintaining pitch accuracy while using a breathy tone, which often causes singers to go flat.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Compression
Analysis shows that users often "over-sing" the chorus. The 1975's style requires less vocal cord compression. Think of sighing the notes rather than hitting them.
Phase 1: The Verses (G2 - C4)
The verses ("So I heard you found somebody else...") are sung in a lower chest register. The key here is diction. Healy has a specific way of dropping consonants to make the lyrics flow together like a stream of consciousness.
The Trap: Because the range is low, singers often lose energy. Keep your soft palate raised to add resonance, even at low volumes, or the vocals will sound muddy against the bassline.
Phase 2: The Chorus Switch (C4 - G4)
The chorus ("I don't want your body") sits in the passaggio (bridge) for most male voices. You have two choices here: belt it lightly or mix it. The original recording uses a very light chest-mix.
- "I don't want your body": Keep the vowel narrow (think "uh" instead of "ah") to navigate the F4/G4 without straining.
- "But I'm picturing your body": This line descends, requiring you to maintain the energy even as the pitch drops.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Falsetto (Up to D5)
The bridge introduces atmospheric vocal layering. You will need to access your head voice or falsetto. The transition needs to be instantaneous. If you hear a "clunk" or break in your voice, you are carrying too much chest weight up the scale.
Practice sliding from your low note to your high note on a "Whee" sound to smooth out the break before attempting the lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody reaches a D5 in falsetto/head voice during ad-libs and harmonies. The core chest melody stays around G4.
Yes, this song is ideal for Baritones. Matty Healy himself sings in a baritone/tenor range. The verses sit comfortably low, allowing for a rich tone.
It requires diaphragm support. Even though the sound is breathy, your core must be engaged to control the airflow, otherwise, you will gasp for air between every phrase.
