The Ultimate 90s Summer Anthem
Someday is the definition of a laid-back groove. Released in 1999 on Sugar Ray's album 14:59, this track focuses less on vocal gymnastics and more on attitude, tone, and rhythm. It encapsulates a nostalgic, breezy feel that requires a specific vocal approach to get right.
To sing this well, you need to relax your throat and focus on the "pocket" of the beat. Mark McGrath's delivery is almost conversational, sitting comfortably in a baritone range. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Push Too Hard
Many singers try to belt the chorus, but this song requires a smooth delivery. Our analysis shows that maintaining a consistent, relaxed volume scores higher than pushing for power. Keep it cool.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:48)
The song begins in E major. The opening lines "Someday, when my life has passed me by" should be sung with a chest-dominant resonance but with very little tension. It's storytelling.
The Trap: Because the notes are easy to hit, singers often drag the tempo. You must stay locked in with the guitar strums. Keep your diction clear but relaxed—don't over-enunciate, or you lose the "California" vibe.
Phase 2: The Catchy Chorus (0:48 - 1:10)
The hook "I just want to fly" is the most energetic part of the song, but it still doesn't require high belting. The melody lifts slightly, but stays well within a comfortable chest voice range.
- "Fly": Aim for a brighter tone here. Lift your soft palate slightly to give the vowel some shimmer.
- "Put your arms around me baby": This line descends rapidly. Ensure you don't lose breath support at the bottom of the phrase, or the last word will disappear.
- Rhythm: The lyrics are syncopated. Use the app to visualize the timing of the words against the beat.
Phase 3: The Bridge (2:16 - 2:38)
The bridge offers a melodic variation with repetitive phrasing. It builds slight tension before releasing back into the final chorus. This is where you can add a little more "grit" or vocal fry to the start of phrases to add emotion.
Keep your breathing shallow and frequent to maintain the continuous flow of lyrics without gasping for air between lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody reaches up to an F#4. It is a very accessible song for Baritones and Tenors alike, staying mostly in the middle chest register.
The backing vocals contain some falsetto harmonies, but the lead vocal line is sung almost entirely in chest voice. You can practice the harmonies in the Singing Coach AI app by isolating the backing tracks.
Absolutely. Someday is famous for its acoustic-driven sound. The strumming pattern is crucial to the vocal delivery—try singing while tapping the rhythm to get the feel right.
