The Ultimate Ballad Challenge
Unchained Melody is one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, but Bobby Hatfield's 1965 version for The Righteous Brothers remains the gold standard. It is a masterclass in dynamic swelling, starting from a gentle croon and erupting into a powerful, emotional climax.
To sing this well, you need more than just pitch accuracy. You need "legato"—the ability to connect notes smoothly without gaps in the sound. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Breath Management
The phrases in this song are long and slow. Take a deep, low breath before lines like "I've hungered for your touch." If you run out of air, the tone will become thin and shaky.
Phase 1: The Gentle Start (0:00 - 1:45)
The song begins in C major. The opening line "Oh, my love, my darling" should be sung with a warm, chest-dominant resonance, but keep the volume low (mezzo-piano). Use a slightly breathy tone to convey intimacy.
The Trap: Many singers start too loud. If you start at 100% volume, you have nowhere to go when the song builds. Save your power for the bridge.
Phase 2: The Bridge & Build-up (1:45 - 2:40)
As the drums kick in, the intensity rises. The lyrics "Lonely rivers flow to the sea" require a stronger, clearer tone. You should be transitioning from a breathy tone to a solid chest voice here.
Focus on vowel modification. As you go higher in your range, slightly narrow your vowels (think "Ah" towards "Uh") to keep the larynx stable and avoid strain.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:40 - End)
This is the moment everyone waits for: "I need your love!" Bobby Hatfield hits a powerful A4 in full chest/mix voice. This requires significant diaphragmatic support.
The song concludes with a beautiful falsetto run ending on a High C (C5). To hit this, lighten your vocal fold compression instantly. Think of the sound floating up into the top of your head rather than pushing it out of your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is an A4 (on "need"). The falsetto ending reaches a High C (C5).
Yes, but the high A4 belt can be challenging. You can use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down -2 or -3 semitones to make it more comfortable.
Ensure you aren't carrying too much "chest weight" up. As you ascend, allow your voice to thin out slightly into a mixed voice. Practice the transition on a "Nu" or "Mum" sound first.
