The Ultimate Pop-Rock Belt
"Treat You Better" is the lead single from Shawn Mendes' second studio album, Illuminate. It is a masterclass in modern pop vocals, combining intimate, conversational verses with an explosive, high-energy chorus. The song demands significant vocal stamina, as you spend a large portion of the track in your upper chest register (passaggio).
To sing this well, you need to manage your breath support carefully. The energy shift between verse and chorus is drastic. If you push too hard too early, you will fatigue before the final bridge. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Jaw Tension
When belting the line "Better than he can," many singers tend to jut their jaw forward. This constricts the larynx. Keep your chin slightly down and your jaw loose to hit the A4/B4 notes cleanly.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:49)
The song starts with a palm-muted acoustic guitar riff. The vocals here should be rhythmic and almost spoken. The range is comfortable (B2 - F#3), allowing you to focus on the story.
The Trap: Don't make this section too "pretty." Shawn uses a slight rasp and very crisp diction ("I won't lie to you"). Keep the volume at a moderate level (mezzo-piano) to create headroom for the chorus.
Phase 2: The Build-Up (Pre-Chorus)
As the percussion kicks in, the melody starts to climb. The line "I know I can treat you better" sits right in the transitional bridge area of the voice. You need to start mixing your chest resonance with head resonance here to lighten the load.
- Breath Control: Take a solid, low diaphragmatic breath before the line "Don't need to waste your time."
- Dynamics: Gradually increase volume. This is not a sudden jump; it is a ramp.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (0:50 - 1:20)
This is the workout. The chorus sits persistently high, revolving around F#4, G4, and hitting sustained A4s. The phrase "Better than he CAN" is the centerpiece.
To hit these high notes with Shawn's power, use "forward placement." Imagine the sound vibrating behind your nose and teeth rather than in your throat. This adds a bright "ring" to the voice that cuts through the mix without needing excessive air pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest sustained note in the main melody is a B4. However, in the ad-libs and the bridge, Shawn hits a piercing C#5 in a mixed belt.
Don't force it. You can transpose the track down -2 or -3 semitones using the Singing Coach AI app to practice the melody comfortably before working your way up.
Shawn uses "vocal fry" at the beginning of phrases and compression at the top. Ensure you are fully hydrated and warmed up. If it hurts, stop immediately and switch to a clean tone.
