Learning to sing a particular song can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore how to learn to sing “Can’t Smile Without You” by Barry Manilow. This classic song showcases a unique vocal technique and has been performed by other famous singers as well.
Understanding the Song
Before diving into the vocal technique, it’s important to understand the song itself. “Can’t Smile Without You” is a heartfelt ballad that requires both emotional connection and technical precision. Taking the time to analyze the lyrics and the meaning behind them will help you deliver a more authentic and powerful rendition.
Vocal Technique: Belting
One of the unique vocal techniques used in “Can’t Smile Without You” is belting. This powerful singing technique involves using your chest voice to produce a strong, resonant sound. It is often employed in pop and musical theater genres to convey intense emotions and create a high-energy performance.
Practical Tips for Learning the Song
Here are some practical tips to help you learn and master “Can’t Smile Without You”:
- Start by listening to different versions of the song. Pay attention to the vocal techniques used by different artists, including Barry Manilow himself. This will help you identify the nuances of the song and inspire your own interpretation.
- Use Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training tool to practice your pitch accuracy. This will ensure that you hit the right notes and stay in tune throughout the song.
- Work on your breath support by incorporating exercises from Singing Carrots’ breath support article into your warm-up routine. Building strong breath control will help you sustain long phrases and give your voice the necessary power and resonance for belting.
- Experiment with different vocal registers to find the one that suits your voice best for this song. Singing Carrots’ article on voice registers and vocal break will guide you through the different registers and how to access them.
- Practice opening your mouth and throat while singing, as discussed in Singing Carrots’ article on open mouth and throat. This will help improve your resonance and projection, essential for belting.
- Record yourself singing the song and listen to it critically. Take note of any areas where you can improve and make adjustments accordingly.
- Lastly, don’t forget to add your own emotion and interpretation to the song. Singing Carrots’ article on singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking provides valuable insights on how to bring your unique voice and personality into your performance.
Other Songs with Belting Technique
The belting technique used in “Can’t Smile Without You” is also employed in other popular songs. Here are a few examples:
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical Dreamgirls
- “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked
By practicing the belting technique in “Can’t Smile Without You,” you will not only improve your performance of this specific song but also develop a valuable vocal skill that you can apply to a wide range of songs.
So, get started today and enjoy the process of learning and mastering “Can’t Smile Without You” by Barry Manilow. Let the unique vocal technique of belting and the practical advice shared here, along with the resources on Singing Carrots, guide you towards a memorable and heartfelt performance!