Mastering the "Soul Pop" Sound
"Someone You Loved" is a masterclass in modern pop balladry. Written in the key of Db Major, Lewis Capaldi utilizes a raw, emotive vocal style that prioritizes "feeling" over pristine technical perfection. However, to sing it safely without losing your voice, you need strong technical foundations.
The song builds gradually, starting with a soft, breathy texture and exploding into a full-throated belt in the bridge. Let's break down how to handle these dynamic shifts.
AI Coach Tip: Manage the "Grit"
Lewis uses a lot of vocal fry and rasp. Do not squeeze your throat to achieve this! The grit should come from relaxation and air flow, not tension. If you feel tickling or pain, switch to a clean tone immediately.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Controlled)
The verse melody sits low, around Db3 to Ab3. It is conversational. The challenge here is not pitch, but support. Singers often lose support on low notes, making them sound flat or "fry-heavy." Keep your diaphragm engaged even when singing quietly.
The Trap: Don't rush. The piano accompaniment is sparse. Use the space to enunciate words like "numb," "guard," and "time" to convey the sadness of the lyrics.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Opening Up)
The chorus lifts the energy. The line "I let my guard down" moves into the mid-range (F4). You should begin to shed the breathy tone and adopt a clearer, chest-voice dominant sound.
- Vowel Modification: On the word "Saved" in "and then you pulled the rug," modify the 'A' vowel slightly towards 'Eh'. This prevents the sound from getting too wide and splatty.
- Resonance: Aim for the hard palette (roof of your mouth) to get that ringing tone.
Phase 3: The Bridge (The Peak)
This is the hardest part of the song. The melody jumps to a sustained Bb4 on "And I tend to close my eyes." This is a high belt for most male singers.
To nail this, you must "anchor" your body. Plant your feet, engage your core, and think of singing down into the floor rather than reaching up for the note. This mental trick keeps your larynx stable and prevents cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a Bb4 (A#4) during the bridge ("close my eyes"). The melody frequently hovers around F4 and Ab4.
Cracking usually happens because you are carrying too much "heavy" chest weight up too high. Try thinning out the sound slightly as you ascend, or use the Singing Coach AI app to practice the transition slowly.
Yes! Lewis Capaldi has a baritone quality to his voice. The high notes are challenging, but achievable with mixed-voice technique. You can also transpose it down -2 semitones in our app.
