The Funk-Rock Vocal Workout
"This Love" is the track that launched Maroon 5 into superstardom. Released on their debut album Songs About Jane, it blends funk, pop, and rock into a highly energetic anthem. For a singer, the challenge lies in Adam Levine's signature high-placed tenor voice and the relentless rhythmic groove of the melody.
To sing this well, you need more than just range. You need rhythmic discipline to match the staccato guitar chops and enough breath stamina to sustain the repetitive high notes in the chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Forward Placement
Adam Levine sings with a lot of "twang" or forward resonance (right in the mask of the face). If you try to sing this with a dark, open throat sound, you will fatigue quickly. Keep the sound bright and nasal.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:38)
The song begins with a driving beat. The opening line "I was so high I did not recognize" sits in a comfortable mid-range for most singers, but the danger here is laziness. You cannot slur the words.
The Trap: Singers often drag the tempo. Treat your voice like a percussion instrument here. Attack the consonants cleanly on the downbeats to lock in with the groove.
Phase 2: The Chorus Belt (0:38 - 1:16)
Here comes the stamina test. "This love has taken its toll on me" jumps up to a C5. The melody is repetitive, hitting this high note over and over again. This requires consistent breath support.
- Breath Control: Don't release all your air on the first "Love." Pace yourself through the phrase.
- Tone Color: Use a bright mix. If you push pure chest voice too hard, you might strain. Think of "whining" into the note to access your mixed register safely.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The bridge offers a moment to show off vocal agility and softer dynamics. It transitions into some lighter falsetto work before bringing the energy back for the final choruses. Watch out for the ad-libs in the outro, where Levine often flips up to an F5.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest sustained chest/mix note in the main melody is a C5. However, in the ad-libs and harmonies, the voice reaches up to F5.
Yes, but the chorus will be a workout for your upper register. Singing Coach AI allows you to transpose the track down -2 semitones to B♭ Minor, which makes the C5 a more manageable B♭4.
Adam uses a "pressed" phonation with a high larynx position. While you shouldn't strain, adding a bit of "cry" or "whine" to your voice will help emulate that piercing pop-rock sound.
