The Anthem of Modern Folk Rock
Stubborn Love is a masterclass in dynamic build-up. Released on The Lumineers' self-titled debut album, it combines intimate storytelling with stadium-sized shout-along choruses. While it doesn't have the complex acrobatics of an opera, it requires immense emotional authenticity and stamina.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the idea of a "perfect" clean tone. The charm of this song lies in its raw edges, the slight cracks in the voice, and the driving rhythm. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Vowels
In the chorus, singer Wesley Schultz modifies the word "Love" to sound more like "Lahv." Dropping your jaw creates more space in the throat, allowing you to belt the F4 and A4 notes without straining your neck muscles.
Phase 1: The Storytelling Verses
The song starts in a low, conversational register. Lines like "She'll tear a hole in you, the one you can't repair" sit in the C3-F3 range. This is comfortable for most male voices, but the danger is sounding bored.
The Technique: Focus on diction. Consonants should be crisp. Keep the volume at a mezzo-piano level to create contrast for the explosion that comes later in the chorus.
Phase 2: The "Head Up" Chorus
This is the signature hook: "Keep your head up, love." The melody jumps up, and the texture changes from singing to "shout-singing" (a controlled belt).
- Breath Support: Engage your diaphragm heavily before the line starts. If you run out of air, your throat will close up on the high notes.
- Placement: Move the resonance from your chest to your "mask" (the front of your face). This gives the sound the necessary "ping" to cut through the guitars.
- The Belt: The highest notes here touch F4 and G4. Don't flip into falsetto; commit to the chest mix.
Phase 3: The Outro Build
The final minute of the song is an endurance test. You are repeating the mantra "Keep your head up, love" over and over, often improvising higher notes (up to A4).
To survive this section, you need to relax your tongue and jaw. Tension is the enemy here. If you feel your voice getting tired, drop the volume slightly but keep the intensity in your articulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody hits an F4, but ad-libs and harmonies in the final choruses reach up to an A4.
Yes, but stylistically, this genre benefits from some "grit." You can simulate this by adding a slight vocal fry at the beginning of phrases.
Cracking usually happens when you push too much air through a closed throat. Practice the chorus on a "Mum" sound first to find the right placement before adding the lyrics back in.
