How to Learn Singing “I’d Rather Be Blue Over You” from Barbra Streisand

How to Learn Singing “I’d Rather Be Blue Over You”

If you’re a fan of Barbra Streisand and want to learn how to sing her iconic song “I’d Rather Be Blue Over You,” you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the unique vocal technique used in the song, provide practical advice on how to approach it, and highlight other popular songs where you can find similar vocal techniques.

The Vocal Technique: Belting

“I’d Rather Be Blue Over You” is a classic example of belting, a powerful vocal technique commonly used in musical theater and pop music. Belting involves singing with a strong, chest-dominant voice, producing a rich and robust sound that cuts through the music. Streisand is known for her exceptional belting skills, and this song showcases her ability to deliver emotional and powerful vocals.

Practical Advice for Learning the Song:

  1. Analyze Your Voice: To understand your voice type and vocal range, take the Vocal Range Test on Singing Carrots. This will help you determine if the song is suitable for your voice.
  2. Breathing Basics: Proper breathing technique is crucial for belting. Check out the article on Breathing Basics to learn more about breath support and respiration.
  3. Warm Up Your Voice: Before diving into the song, warm up your voice with vocal exercises. Singing Carrots offers a Pitch Training program that includes warm-ups and exercises for range and agility.
  4. Study the Original Recording: Listen to Barbra Streisand’s version of the song multiple times to familiarize yourself with the melody, phrasing, and dynamics. Pay attention to how she uses belting to convey the emotions of the song.
  5. Work on Vocal Technique: Practice belting exercises like the ones provided in the Singing Carrots resources. Check out the videos on How to Twang and How to Growl to improve your belting skills.
  6. Articulation and Expression: Pay attention to the articulation of the lyrics and the emotional expression of the song. Singing Carrots offers resources on Articulation and Singing with Intuition, Skills, Emotion, and Thinking that can help you enhance these aspects of your performance.

Similar Songs:

If you enjoy singing “I’d Rather Be Blue Over You,” you might also love these popular songs that showcase belting:

  • “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the musical “Funny Girl” – also sung by Barbra Streisand.
  • “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical “Dreamgirls” – sung by Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson.
  • “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked” – sung by Idina Menzel.
  • “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA – sung by Agnetha Fältskog.

Learning to sing “I’d Rather Be Blue Over You” requires practice, dedication, and a solid understanding of belting technique. By incorporating the practical advice and using the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you’ll be on your way to mastering this iconic song. Happy singing!