Mastering Speed and Power
"Whatever It Takes" is a vocal endurance test. Dan Reynolds is known for his percussive vocal style, and this track exemplifies it perfectly. The song demands a singer who can switch instantly between rapid-fire spoken delivery in the verses and wide-open, powerful belts in the chorus.
The primary challenge isn't just hitting the notes—it's managing your air. The tempo is relentless, and there are very few pauses for recovery. Let's break down the technique required to survive the song.
AI Coach Tip: "Snatch" Your Breaths
In the verses ("Falling too fast to prepare for this..."), you don't have time for a slow, deep breath. Practice quick, diaphragmatic inhalations through the mouth between phrases. This keeps your energy high without gasping.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verses (0:09 - 0:45)
The verses sit in a comfortable mid-range (around F3), but the difficulty lies in diction. You need to treat this almost like percussion.
The Trap: Slurring words together. The AI Coach listens for consonant clarity. Make sure your "T"s and "K"s are sharp on lines like "break the chains" and "masterpiece." Keep the volume moderate; save your power for the chorus.
Phase 2: The Chorus Belt (0:55 - 1:24)
The song explodes into the chorus with the line "Whatever it takes!" This hits a powerful Bb4. This note needs to be sung with a chest-heavy mix to match the rock energy of the track.
To achieve this, use forward placement. Imagine aiming the sound at your front teeth rather than the back of your throat. This adds "bite" to the tone and helps you cut through the heavy production without straining your vocal cords.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Dynamics (2:16 - 2:40)
The bridge offers a slight reprieve before the final onslaught. Pay attention to the line "I'm an apostrophe." Reynolds uses a quick vocal "flip" into head voice here for stylistic effect. It adds vulnerability before the power returns.
- Hypocrisy: Ensure this word is enunciated clearly despite the speed.
- Prodigy: Don't slide up to the note; hit it cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main belt in the chorus reaches a Bb4. There are background harmonies and falsetto moments that may go higher, but the Bb4 is the core power note.
It utilizes a technique called "melodic rapping" or rhythmic singing. While not pure hip-hop, it requires the same breath control and rhythmic precision as rap.
If you feel pain, you are likely pushing from your throat. Engage your core (diaphragm) and try to keep your larynx neutral. If the Bb4 is too high, use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the song down -1 or -2 semitones.
