Mastering the Modern R&B Pop Sound
"Yummy" by Justin Bieber may seem deceptively simple due to its repetitive chorus, but it is a masterclass in vocal texture and breath control. Released in 2020 as the lead single from his album Changes, this track leans heavily into R&B trap-pop elements, requiring a relaxed yet precise delivery.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the "belt" mentality. This song lives in the "pocket"—it requires sitting slightly back on the beat and using a mix of breathy chest voice and agile falsetto. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: The "Breathy" Tone
Justin uses an "aspirate onset" for many lines, meaning he lets air escape before the cord closure. While stylish, this burns oxygen quickly. Ensure you are taking quick, diaphragmatic sips of air between phrases to avoid running out of breath.
Phase 1: The Verses (Chest Mix)
The verses ("Bonafide stallion...") sit in a comfortable mid-range for Tenors (F3-C4). The challenge here is rhythmic. The trap beat has a distinct bounce. You shouldn't sing this squarely on the metronome click; aim for a relaxed, conversational flow.
The Trap: Over-articulating. In this genre, vowels are often modified to sound smoother. Don't hit the consonants too hard, or you'll kill the vibe.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Hook)
The famous "Yeah, you got that yummy-yum" hook is the core of the song. Bieber flips into a light head voice (falsetto) here. This transition needs to be seamless.
- Pitch Accuracy: The melody bounces between F4 and A4 rapidly. Keep your jaw loose.
- Dynamics: Keep it soft. If you push too much volume, you will strain and sound shouting rather than "smooth."
- Falsetto: If you struggle with falsetto, practice sliding from your high range down to your low range on a "Whoo" sound like an owl.
Phase 3: The Runs and Ad-Libs
Towards the end of the song, Justin adds descending pentatonic runs. These are fast and fluid. The highest note, D5, appears in the background vocals/ad-libs.
To nail these runs, practice them slowly on a "No" or "Mum" syllable to get the notes distinct before speeding them up. The Singing Coach AI app can slow the track down to 75% speed to help you practice these specific runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is a D5, found in the ad-libs/harmonies. The main melody generally tops out around A4/Bb4 in head voice.
Yes. The stylistic signature of "Yummy" is the light, airy head voice in the chorus. Singing it in full chest voice will change the genre feel entirely.
The song is in F Major. It follows a I-iii-vi-IV chord progression throughout the entire track.
