The Ultimate Pop Anthem
"22" is a defining track from Taylor Swift's Red album, marking her full crossover into pop territory. It is energetic, catchy, and seemingly simple, but capturing the right "carefree" attitude while hitting the technical high notes is a challenge.
To sing this well, you need to balance a conversational, almost spoken tone in the verses with a bright, powerful belt in the chorus. You don't need operatic technique here; you need charisma and forward placement. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: The "Smile" Technique
To hit the high D5 notes in the chorus without straining, smile while you sing. This lifts the soft palate and naturally brightens your tone, making the pitch easier to reach and matching the song's happy vibe.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:43)
The song starts in G Major with an acoustic guitar riff. The entry "It feels like a perfect night" sits in the lower register (G3-A3). The key here is articulation.
The Trap: Many singers try to sing this too melodically. Taylor uses a "talk-singing" style here. Keep it light, rhythmic, and slightly "bratty" (nasal) to convey the fun, mocking attitude about "making fun of our exes."
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build (0:43 - 0:54)
On the line "It feels like one of those nights," the energy shifts. You need to start increasing your volume. This section sits in the middle of the voice (mix voice). Keep your airflow consistent so you don't run out of breath before the chorus hits.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (0:54 - 1:15)
This is the payoff. "I don't know about you" jumps up in energy. The melody repeatedly hits D5. This is a pop belt.
To execute this safely, engage your core muscles for support. Do not squeeze your throat. Think of projecting your voice to the back of the room. The vowel sounds (like "You-ou-ou") should be open and horizontal, not vertical and dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a D5 (on the word "You"). In the background harmonies, it goes higher, but the lead vocal stays within a standard pop belt range.
Yes. It follows a standard structure and the range is accessible for most female voices (Mezzo-Sopranos). It is excellent practice for breath control and high-energy performance.
Avoid heavy vibrato. Keep your tone straight and "forward" (feeling the vibration in the front of your face/mask). The Singing Coach AI app can analyze your tone color to ensure you match the genre.
