The Ultimate Stadium Rocker
Start Me Up is the opening track from The Rolling Stones' 1981 album Tattoo You. While it may seem simple on the surface, delivering it with the same conviction as Mick Jagger is a challenge in vocal texture and rhythm. The song relies heavily on a syncopated delivery that sits loosely on top of the iconic guitar riff.
To sing this well, you need to abandon "pretty" singing. This track demands a forward, bright placement (often called "twang") and an attitude that feels improvised, even though the melody is specific.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Rush
The biggest mistake users make is rushing the verses. Jagger sings slightly behind the beat (laid back). Listen to the snare drum and try to place your consonants just milliseconds after it hits to get that "Stones" feel.
Phase 1: The Verses (Staccato Delivery)
The verses ("If you start me up...") are sung in a punchy, staccato style. You aren't holding long notes here. The range is very comfortable for most male voices (C3 to F4), but the focus should be on diction.
The Trap: Don't slur the words together yet. Keep the "If you start me up" clear and rhythmic, acting almost like a percussion instrument alongside the guitar.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Open Chest Voice)
The energy lifts for the line "You make a grown man cry." Here, you slide up to the higher range (around F4/G4). You want an open throat but a narrow mouth shape to keep the sound piercing and rock-appropriate.
- "Grown man cry": This is the emotional peak. Use a "cry" vocal mode (a slight whimper in the tone) to add emotional weight without shouting.
- "Spread out the oil": Jagger often "scoops" these notes, starting slightly flat and sliding up to the correct pitch.
Phase 3: The Ad-libs and Ending
As the song progresses, the vocals become looser. The famous "My eyes dilate, my lips go green" section requires a mix of spoken-word attitude and singing. Towards the end, there are higher yelps and shouts that can reach up to Bb4, but these are often shouted rather than sung with perfect technique.
To practice these safely, use your diaphragm for support so you don't scratch your throat. Think of calling out to someone across the street.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main sung melody hits a G4 (on "cry" and "ride"). However, the ad-libbed shouts and yelps in the outro can reach A4 or Bb4.
Not necessarily. The song sits comfortably for high Baritones and Tenors. If the G4 feels too tight, you can transpose the track down -1 or -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
Jagger uses a lot of "scoops" (sliding up to notes) and changes his vowel shapes to sound wider. He also accentuates his consonants heavily for rhythmic effect.
