The Anthem of Modern Synth-Pop
Blinding Lights is defined by its driving beat and soaring 80s-inspired vocals. Released in 2019, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) utilizes a high tessitura that blurs the line between chest voice, mix, and falsetto. Unlike a rock ballad, you don't need heavy grit; you need laser-focused placement and agility.
The song stays persistently high in range. To sing this well, stamina is your best friend. You must manage your breath support carefully to ensure you don't fatigue before the final chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Brighten the Tone
To match the "shimmering" production style, try lifting your soft palate and smiling slightly while singing. This brightens your resonance and makes hitting the C5 notes feel less strained.
Phase 1: The Verse (Lower Register)
The song begins in F Minor. The verses ("I've been tryna call...") sit in the lower part of the range. The challenge here is not pitch, but attitude. The tone should be breathy and slightly mysterious.
The Trap: Don't get too comfortable in your chest voice. Keep the sound "forward" (near your teeth/lips) so that when the chorus hits, you don't have to drag a heavy vocal weight up the scale.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus
On the line "I look around and Sin City's cold and empty," the melody begins to climb. This is the transition zone. You should start lightening your vocal coordination here. If you are a Baritone, this is where you engage your mix.
- Breath Support: Engage your diaphragm more aggressively here to prepare for the jump.
- Vowel Modification: Modify the "E" in "empty" to sound slightly more like "ih" to keep the throat open.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The hook ("I said, ooh, I'm blinded by the lights") is the centerpiece. The "Ooh" hits a C5. For most male singers, this is pure head voice or falsetto. For The Weeknd, it's a reinforced falsetto with a lot of nasal resonance (twang).
Do not try to belt this in full chest voice unless you are an advanced Tenor. It will sound too aggressive for the genre. Keep it light, piercing, and use a fast vibrato at the end of the phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest significant note is a C5 (Tenor High C) during the chorus hook. There are ad-libs that may touch D5 depending on the live version.
It is rated Medium-Hard. While the melody is catchy and repetitive, maintaining the high pitch and energy throughout the song requires excellent breath support and stamina.
The Weeknd uses a very fast, Michael Jackson-esque vibrato and bright, nasal placement. Try smiling while singing the high notes to brighten the tone.
