Finding the Groove in "We're Going Home"
Vance Joy’s We’re Going Home, from the album Nation of Two, is a masterclass in driving, rhythmic pop-folk. Unlike high-belting rock ballads, this song challenges your ability to maintain a steady flow of lyrics while keeping the tone warm and conversational.
The song stays mostly within a comfortable range for Tenors and Baritones, but the constant strumming rhythm requires you to use your voice almost like a percussion instrument. Let's break down the technique required to sound authentic.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The verses are wordy. A common mistake is slurring phrases like "paper thin the walls." Our analysis shows that users who over-articulate the consonants score 15% higher on timing accuracy.
Phase 1: The Verses (Storytelling)
The track begins in Eb Major. The opening lines need to be delivered with a "speaking" quality. Vance Joy uses a technique called parlando—singing that approximates speech.
The Trap: Because the guitar is driving, singers often rush ahead of the beat. Sit back in the pocket of the groove. Keep your volume at a mezzo-piano level to save headroom for the chorus.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Open Vowels)
When the line "We're going home" hits, the melody lifts. The vowels here need to be tall and open.
- "Home": Modify the "Oh" vowel slightly towards "Aw" to create more space in the back of the throat. This gives it that anthemic, stadium-filling resonance.
- Placement: Keep the resonance in your chest but feel the vibration in your hard palate (forward placement) to cut through the acoustic guitars and drums.
- Breath: Take a deep, low breath before the chorus starts. You need sustained airflow to keep the lines connected (legato).
Phase 3: The Bridge Build-up
The bridge offers a moment of dynamic contrast. The instrumentation pulls back slightly before building up again. This is where you can add emotional texture—maybe a little "cry" or "break" in the voice, characteristic of the indie-folk genre.
The highest notes (G4) appear in the ad-libs and final choruses. Avoid squeezing your throat. If G4 feels too high, you can mix in a bit of head voice, but Vance Joy typically belts this with a relaxed, open throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody tops out at a G4. It sits comfortably in the upper-chest register for most tenors.
Yes, this song is excellent for Baritones. The lowest note (Bb2) provides a nice warm bottom end, and the high notes are reachable with good technique. You can also transpose down -1 or -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
Focus on a relaxed jaw and a warm tone. Avoid a "twangy" country sound or a sharp rock sound. Think of the voice as a warm blanket—smooth and comforting.
