Mastering the Art of Heartbreak
"All I Want" by Kodaline is a staple of modern indie-folk, known for its raw emotion and slow-building crescendo. Released on the album In a Perfect World, this track challenges a singer not with complex runs, but with the need for extreme vulnerability and control.
The song structure is deceivingly simple. It relies on a consistent C Major progression, but the vocal melody spans from a mumbled, conversational range in the verse to a soaring, belted climax in the bridge. Let's break down the technique required to perform it authentically.
AI Coach Tip: Breathiness vs. Support
Many singers confuse "emotional" with "weak." In the verses, you want a breathy tone, but you must still engage your diaphragm. If you lose support, your pitch will go flat on the low C3 notes.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 1:12)
The song begins in a very low, intimate register. The line "All I want is nothing more" sits in the middle of the chest voice, but Steve Garrigan sings it with a "fry" texture at the end of phrases.
The Trap: Because it is quiet, singers often drop their jaw too little. Keep the mouth shape vertical to ensure the lyrics are intelligible even at low volume.
Phase 2: The Falsetto Chorus (1:12 - 2:30)
This is the signature sound of the song. You must transition smoothly from chest voice into a light, airy head voice (falsetto).
- Placement: Feel the resonance in your nasal mask and forehead.
- Vowels: Modify the vowels to be narrower. On "to hear you knocking at my door," think of the "oo" sound to help the falsetto transition.
- Stability: The AI Coach looks for stability here. Shaky falsetto usually means you are releasing too much air.
Phase 3: The Climax / Bridge (3:20 - End)
The drums kick in, and the vocals shift gears completely. The repeated line "If you loved me, why'd you leave me?" climbs to the top of the modal register (Chest/Mix). This requires energy.
To hit the high notes (A4) with power, you cannot stay in the breathy coordination used in the verse. You must increase vocal cord closure. Anchor your body, bend your knees slightly, and drive the sound from your core, not your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest significant note is an A4 in the bridge section. Depending on your interpretation, this can be sung in a strong falsetto or a mixed belt.
It is mechanically simple but emotionally difficult. The challenge lies in the dynamic control—starting very quiet and building to a powerful climax without losing pitch.
The cracks happen when pushing chest voice too high. Practice the 'yawn-sigh' exercise to smooth out the break between your chest and head voice registers before attempting the chorus.
