How to Learn Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You”
Learning to sing a particular song can be both exciting and challenging. In this article, we will explore how to learn Stevie Wonder’s hit song, “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and the unique vocal techniques used in the song.
About “I Just Called to Say I Love You”
“I Just Called to Say I Love You” is a beautiful ballad performed by the legendary Stevie Wonder. Released in 1984 as part of the soundtrack for the movie “The Woman in Red,” this song quickly became a worldwide hit and is still cherished by many today.
The Vocal Technique: Belting
One of the unique vocal techniques used in “I Just Called to Say I Love You” is called belting. Belting is a powerful singing technique that allows you to project your voice and create a strong, resonant sound. Stevie Wonder showcases his incredible vocal control and range through belting in this song.
Practical Tips for Learning the Song
Here are some practical tips to help you learn and master Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You”:
- Analyze Your Voice: Before diving into the song, take some time to analyze your voice. Understand your voice type, vocal range, and any vocal challenges you may have. Singing Carrots offers a vocal range test (link) that can help you assess your vocal range.
- Work on Breathing: Proper breath support is crucial for belting. Practice breathing exercises and techniques to improve your breath control and stamina. Singing Carrots provides valuable resources on breathing basics (link) and breath support (link) that can assist you in this area.
- Open Mouth and Throat: To achieve a resonant belting sound, focus on opening your mouth and throat while singing. Singing Carrots explains the importance of opening your mouth and throat (link) and provides exercises to help you improve.
- Practice Vocal Warm-ups: Before attempting the song, warm up your voice with vocal exercises. Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training (link) offers interactive warm-ups and exercises for range and agility.
Similar Songs and Further Resources
The belting technique used in “I Just Called to Say I Love You” is also common in other popular songs. A few notable examples include:
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- “All by Myself” by Celine Dion
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
To further enhance your singing skills and explore more vocal techniques, Singing Carrots offers a comprehensive singing course (link) covering singing theory and practical tips.
Now that you have the tips, resources, and insights on how to learn Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” embark on your singing journey. Practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of mastering this beautiful song!