Singing a particular song can be a fun and rewarding experience for any vocalist. In this article, we will explore how to learn to sing “This Old Heart of Mine” by The Isley Brothers. This classic Motown hit is a great choice for singers looking to practice and develop their vocal skills.
Unique Vocal Technique:
One of the unique vocal techniques used in “This Old Heart of Mine” is the use of melismatic runs and riffs. The song features intricate vocal embellishments, where the singer slides between different notes within a phrase. These melismatic runs add a sense of soulful expression and require good control of pitch and vocal agility.
Practical Advice:
Here are some practical tips to help you learn and master “This Old Heart of Mine”:
- Listen to the Original: Start by listening to the original recording of the song by The Isley Brothers. Pay attention to the vocal style, phrasing, and overall feel of the performance. This will help you familiarize yourself with the song.
- Break Down the Song: Divide the song into sections and work on each section separately. Study the lyrics and melody, and analyze the song structure. This will make it easier for you to learn and remember the song.
- Practice Vocal Warm-ups: Before diving into the song, warm up your voice with vocal exercises. Singing Carrots offers a great vocal warm-up tool called the Pitch Training – Educational Singing Game. This will help you prepare your voice for the vocal challenges of the song.
- Work on Pitch Accuracy: “This Old Heart of Mine” has some challenging melodic intervals. Use the Pitch Accuracy Test on Singing Carrots to practice your pitch accuracy. This tool will assess your pitch and provide feedback, helping you improve your intonation.
- Study Vocal Techniques: Since the song incorporates melismatic runs and riffs, it’s important to develop your vocal agility. Singing Carrots offers a variety of articles and videos on vocal techniques that can help you improve. Check out the articles on Contemporary Vocal Techniques and the videos on Twang and Growling. These resources provide valuable insights and exercises to enhance your vocal skills.
Related Songs:
In addition to “This Old Heart of Mine,” there are several other popular songs that feature similar vocal techniques:
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Learning “This Old Heart of Mine” will not only develop your vocal skills but also allow you to explore the rich history of Motown music. So, get ready to sing your heart out and enjoy the process of learning and performing this classic hit!