How to sing Up Against the Wall

Mastering the "Writer's Block" Sound

"Up Against the Wall" is a standout track from Peter Bjorn and John's iconic 2006 album Writer's Block. Unlike power ballads that require immense lung capacity, this song demands stylistic precision. It is defined by its driving bassline, motorik rhythm, and Peter Morén's dry, conversational vocal delivery.

To sing this effectively, you need to abandon heavy vibrato and operatic resonance. This song is about "straight tone" singing—delivering the notes clearly, directly, and with a slight rhythmic punch to match the percussion. Let's look at the technique.

Phase 1: The Verses

The verses sit in a very comfortable mid-range for baritones and tenors. The melody is almost spoken. The goal here is diction. You want the lyrics to cut through.

The Trap: It is easy to sound bored. While the style is detached, you still need energy. Support your breath from the diaphragm so the "talk-singing" doesn't sound weak or breathless.

Phase 2: The Repetitive Chorus

The line "Up against the wall" is repeated frequently. This is an endurance test for your pitch accuracy. When repeating the same phrase, singers have a tendency to go slightly flat with each repetition.

• Consonants: Hit the "P" in "Up" and the "T" in "Against" crisply. This adds percussive texture to your voice.
• Tone: Keep the sound forward in the "mask" (the front of your face) rather than swallowing it in the throat.

Phase 3: The Attitude

This genre relies heavily on attitude. The song conveys a sense of feeling trapped or stuck, but with a catchy, upbeat resolution. Your vocal tone should reflect this paradox—melancholy but energetic.

Try recording yourself singing with a "smile" (lifting the soft palate) to brighten the tone, which matches the bright production of the track.

Frequently Asked Questions