The Emotional Pop Ballad Masterclass
"The One That Got Away" is a standout track from Katy Perry's Teenage Dream album. Unlike her high-energy anthems, this is a mid-tempo ballad that relies heavily on emotional connection. The challenge isn't just hitting the notes; it's conveying the nostalgia and regret of a lost love while navigating the jump between a conversational verse and a soaring chorus.
To sing this well, you need stamina. The chorus sits high in the chest/mix voice range and repeats frequently. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it without straining your voice.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Volume
Many singers push too hard on the high notes in the chorus ("In another life..."). Our analysis shows that keeping the volume at a 7/10 rather than a 10/10 allows for better pitch accuracy and less fatigue.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:52)
The song begins in a lower register, hovering around B3 and C#4. This is your chance to focus on storytelling. The delivery should be almost conversational.
The Trap: Because it feels low, some singers get "lazy" with their support, causing the pitch to go flat. Keep a light engagement in your core even on the quiet notes like "Summer after high school when we first met."
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:52 - 1:24)
This is the vocal workout. The melody jumps up to a sustained E5 on the word "life" in the phrase "In another life." This note sits right in the break area (passaggio) for many singers.
- Placement: Aim the sound forward, towards the "mask" of your face. If you keep the sound back in your throat, you will strain.
- Vowel Modification: On "life," try shaping your mouth slightly towards "lofe" or "lahf." Narrowing the vowel helps maintain the mix voice without cracking.
- Dynamics: Don't release all your air on the first line. You need to sustain the energy through four repetitions of the melody.
Phase 3: The Bridge (2:40 - 3:05)
The bridge ("All this money can't buy me a time machine...") offers a slight reprieve but ramps up the emotional intensity. The melody descends, allowing you to use a slightly breathier, more desperate tone to convey the sadness of the lyrics before building back up for the final chorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is an E5. There are backing harmonies that may go higher, but the lead vocal peaks there.
It is moderately difficult. While the range isn't extreme for a Soprano, the repetitive nature of the high chorus notes requires excellent breath control and vocal stamina.
Cracking usually happens when you carry too much "chest weight" up. Try practicing the chorus on a "Nay" sound first to find the correct mix coordination before adding the lyrics back in.
