Mastering the Modern Standard
Released in 2013 and dedicated to his wife Chrissy Teigen, "All of Me" instantly became a modern standard. Unlike many pop songs, it features no drums—just a simple piano pattern and John Legend's voice. This transparency means there is nowhere to hide.
The song requires a singer who can navigate the "passaggio" (the bridge between chest and head voice) smoothly. Emotional delivery is key here; precision is important, but feeling is paramount. Let's break down the technical approach.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Vowels
On the high notes of the chorus ("All of YOU"), singers tend to spread their mouth wide, which tightens the throat. Try modifying the vowel towards "Uh" or "Eu" to keep the larynx stable and the tone warm.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Intimate)
The verses ("What would I do without your smart mouth") sit in a lower, conversational register (around F3). The challenge here is clarity. You don't want to "swallow" the words.
Technique: Keep your volume at a mezzo-piano. Focus on "legato" singing—connecting the words smoothly together rather than chopping them up. Use a little breathiness in your tone to create intimacy.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (Building Tension)
As you hit the line "My head's under water but I'm breathing fine," the melody begins to climb. This is where you need to engage your diaphragm.
- Breathing: Ensure you take a deep, low breath before this phrase. You need enough air to sustain the tension.
- Placement: Move the resonance from your chest slightly forward into the "mask" of your face to get a brighter tone.
Phase 3: The Chorus (The Belt)
The chorus is the emotional peak. "Cause all of me..." requires a strong chest-dominant mix. The melody jumps to Ab4 and Bb4.
To hit these notes without straining, imagine you are calling out to someone across the street, rather than screaming. Keep your throat open (yawning sensation) and rely on the airflow, not throat tension, to generate the power.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest chest/mix note is a Bb4. In live versions, John Legend sometimes improvises higher, but the core melody tops out at Bb4/Ab4.
Yes, this song is ideal for Baritones and Tenors. The verses sit comfortably low, and the chorus high notes are achievable with a good mixed voice technique.
Focus on vowel modification. Narrow your vowels on the high notes instead of widening them. This keeps the larynx neutral while allowing for emotional volume.
