Mastering Emotional Vulnerability in Pop
"The Heart Wants What It Wants" represents a pivotal moment in Selena Gomez's discography. Released in 2014, it moves away from high-energy dance-pop to a minimalist, electro-pop ballad style. The challenge here isn't hitting high notes; it's maintaining stability in the lower register while sounding emotionally raw.
To sing this well, you need to master the "conversational" style. It requires a balance of breathy texture and vocal fry without losing your core support. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Airflow
Selena uses a lot of air in her tone (aspirate onset). While this sounds intimate, it can dry out your cords if you don't support it from the diaphragm. Ensure you aren't "pushing" the air from your throat.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low Register)
The song begins in a very comfortable speaking range (around G3/Ab3). The lines "You got me sippin' on something" need to be delivered almost like a confession.
The Trap: Singers often lose pitch accuracy when singing this low. They tend to "speak" the notes rather than sing them. Focus on maintaining a consistent stream of sound, even when the volume is low.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus
As the beat kicks in on "Save your advice 'cause I won't hear," the rhythm tightens. You need to be more percussive with your consonants here.
- Rhythm: The delivery becomes slightly faster. Lock in with the snare drum.
- Tone: Start transitioning from the darker chest voice of the verse to a slightly brighter mix as you approach the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The repeated line "The heart wants what it wants" is the emotional center. It sits in a mid-range that allows for a "crying" vocal quality.
Selena uses a technique where she slides slightly into the notes (portamento) to emphasize the longing. Don't hit the notes too squarely or robotically; allow a little flexibility in the pitch onset to convey the hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally stays below C5. There are some ad-libs and harmonies that reach slightly higher, but the core performance is firmly in the Alto/Mezzo range.
Use "cry-like" vocal breaks and emphasize the breath at the end of phrases. The Singing Coach AI app analyzes your "sentiment" to see if you are matching the song's mood.
Yes, but you may find the verses quite low. You can use the transpose feature in the Singing Coach AI app to bump the key up +2 semitones for a brighter placement.
