Singing Guide: Top Gun
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Top Gun is a movie that launched the career of Tom Cruise. The movie is famous for its iconic aviation scenes. However, in this article, we will focus on the vocals and how to sing like Top Gun's main song's performer, Kenny Loggins.
Kenny Loggins is an American singer-songwriter and former member of the duo Loggins and Messina. He is known for his soft rock and adult contemporary hits, including "Footloose," "Danger Zone," and "I'm Alright."
Kenny's unique vocal style involves a mix of smooth crooning with occasional bursts of high energy rock singing. His voice is often described as powerful and distinctive.
Tips to sing like Kenny Loggins
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Master your breathing technique. A good breathing technique is essential to singing any song, and Kenny Loggins' vocals require a lot of energy. To achieve that, you need to breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Singing exercises, such as the exercise offered in the Farinelli Breathing video, can be an excellent way to improve your breathing technique.
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Practice your vocal registers. Loggins uses a mix of falsetto and head voice for his high notes and a mix of chest voice and a lighter approach to his low notes. Try practicing with the Chest Voice Explained video or with the Singing Comfort Zone video, which provides training on combining different voice registers.
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Work on your pitch accuracy. "Danger Zone" is a high-energy song that requires a firm grasp of pitch accuracy. Sing along with the Pitch Accuracy Test and practice matching the melody.
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Focus on vocal articulation. A vital aspect of Kenny Loggins' style is his clear articulation. Try using the Finger Bite exercise to improve your articulation as it pushes you to pronounce words precisely.
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Learn the lyrics and melody. Before attempting to sing "Danger Zone," learn the lyrics and melody thoroughly. Singing from memory enhances your performance and confidence.
Now that you have established the techniques, let's discuss some of Kenny's famous songs that showcase his style:
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Danger Zone - This high-energy rock song is an excellent example of Kenny Loggins' powerful voice. The song requires plenty of range and energy, and it features a mix of head voice and chest voice. Use the Pitch Accuracy Test to practice hitting the high notes while keeping pitch intact.
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Footloose - This song challenges your vocal timbre. The chorus demands a high-pitched voice with a twinge of rock and roll. Practice your twang technique with the How to Twang video, which is specifically designed to help you achieve that kind of tone.
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Meet Me Half Way - This song features plenty of falsetto notes and an excellent example of Kenny Loggin's soft and gentle side. Practice your falsetto singing with the Mixed Voice video.
If you're still having trouble emulating Kenny Loggins' vocal style, take Singing Carrots' introductory singing course. The course is beginner-friendly and covers the basics of singing theory and practical tips, perfect for those starting in the world of singing.
In conclusion, mastering Kenny Loggins' style takes a combination of breathing, pitch accuracy, and articulation. Take advantage of the Singing Carrots resources, including the articles/videos and the Pitch Training and Vocal Range Test, among others. With enough practice, dedication, and guidance, you can sing like the roaring and soulful Kenny Loggins.