Mastering Bruno's R&B Swagger
"That’s What I Like" is a masterclass in modern R&B vocals, blending elements of New Jack Swing, funk, and trap-soul. Released on the Grammy-sweeping album 24K Magic, this track demands a singer who can be rhythmically precise while maintaining a smooth, silky tone.
Bruno Mars is a light tenor with incredible agility. To sing this well, you need to master the art of the "run" (melisma) and have excellent breath control to handle the rapid-fire lyrics of the verses without losing the pocket.
AI Coach Tip: Rhythmic Precision
Many singers drag behind the beat in the verses. The lyrics "I got a condo in Manhattan" should feel conversational and snappy. Our analysis shows that anticipating the downbeat slightly helps improve rhythm scores.
Phase 1: The Verses (The Groove)
The verses are spoken-sung in a lower register. The key here is attitude. You aren't just hitting notes; you are selling a lifestyle. Keep your diction crisp on words like "Manhattan," "silk," and "satin."
The Trap: Because the verses are low and conversational, singers tend to get lazy with pitch. Make sure you are actually hitting the G3s and not just talking.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
On the line "You deserve it baby, you deserve it all," the melody begins to ascend. This is where you need to engage your breath support. You are building tension that will release in the chorus.
- Dynamics: Start the pre-chorus mezzo-forte and get louder as you approach the hook.
- Placement: Shift your resonance from your chest to your "mask" (forward placement) to prepare for the higher notes.
Phase 3: The Chorus & High Belt
The chorus features the signature line "Gold jewelry shining so bright." This requires a confident mix-voice belt up to C5. If you try to pull pure chest voice up this high, you will likely strain.
Bruno also uses rapid pentatonic runs (singing multiple notes on one syllable) throughout the chorus. To nail these, practice the scales slowly on a vowel sound like "No" or "Mum" before adding the lyrics back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest/mix note is a C5. However, in the ad-libs and background vocals, Bruno goes much higher into his falsetto, reaching E♭5 and F5.
It is very high. A typical Baritone will struggle with the sustained C5s. You can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down by 2 or 3 semitones to make it comfortable.
The trick to melisma is not sliding. You need to mentally articulate every single note in the run. Slow the track down to 50% speed in the app and practice precision before speed.
