The Ultimate Wedding Ballad
Dan + Shay's "Speechless" became an instant classic upon its release in 2018. It perfectly blends contemporary Country storytelling with 90s R&B vocal stylings. The song is heavily reliant on Shay Mooney's impressive vocal agility and upper register control.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of "melisma"—moving a single syllable across multiple notes—without sounding sloppy. The emotion needs to be sincere, starting intimate and growing into a powerful declaration.
AI Coach Tip: Precision Runs
Many singers slide through the runs in the chorus. Our analysis shows that users who separate each note in the "Speechless" riff score 20% higher on pitch accuracy. Keep it clean.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:50)
The song begins in Db Major. The verses are conversational and sit in the lower-middle part of a Tenor's range (F3-Ab3). The key here is breath control. You want a slightly "airy" quality to convey intimacy, but support the tone enough that it doesn't fall flat.
The Trap: Don't sing the verses too loudly. Save your volume for the chorus to create dynamic contrast.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:50 - 1:40)
This is the hook. The melody lifts, and the energy increases. The word "Speechless" involves a quick riff that defines the song. You must be comfortable mixing your chest and head voice here to hit the higher notes (around Bb4) without straining.
- Rhythm: The phrasing is slightly syncopated. Don't rush the downbeat.
- Tone: Switch from the breathy verse tone to a clearer, more resonant sound.
- Ad-libs: Shay adds small vocal flourishes at the ends of lines. Start simple before attempting these.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The intensity peaks here. The vocal line pushes higher, touching C#5 in the ad-libs. This requires a strong head voice or a very light, balanced mix. If you feel tension in your neck, flip into falsetto rather than shouting.
The final chorus allows for improvisation. Use the "Speechless" motif but vary the timing slightly to show emotion, just as Shay does in live performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal hits a C#5 (Db5) in the ad-libs and high harmony layers. The core melody sits comfortably up to Bb4.
It's a crossover hit. While Dan + Shay are Country artists, the vocal technique required here leans heavily on R&B and Pop influences.
Slow them down. Use the Singing Coach AI app to reduce the tempo to 50%. Sing each note of the run staccato (detached) first, then smooth them out as you speed up.
