The Ultimate Breakup Anthem
"Cry Me a River" is the song that transformed Justin Timberlake from a boy band member into a solo superstar. Released on his debut album Justified, the track blends pop melodies with Timbaland's dark, beatbox-infused R&B production.
Singing this song isn't just about hitting notes; it's about attitude. The vocal delivery switches between a low, almost mumbled conversational tone in the verses to a soaring, crystalline falsetto in the chorus. You need agility and control to handle the transitions.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Attack
JT attacks his consonants aggressively (e.g., the 'K' in "bridges burned"). Our analysis shows users often sing too legato (smoothly). Try to make your articulation punchy to match the beat.
Phase 1: The Low Verse (0:24 - 1:05)
The song starts in G Minor with a Gregorian chant-inspired backing. The verse vocals sit low in the chest voice (down to G2/A2).
The Trap: Many singers lose projection in this low range, making the lyrics sound muddy. Keep your vocal cords fully adducted (closed) but keep the volume low to maintain that mysterious, "stalker-like" intensity without vocal fry.
Phase 2: The Falsetto Hook (1:05 - 1:48)
The chorus "Cry me, cry me..." is iconic. This must be sung in a head voice or falsetto. It needs to sound effortless, not strained.
- Resonance: Aim the sound toward the "mask" (the front of your face) to get that bright, piercing tone.
- Pitch Accuracy: The melody steps down chromatically. Be careful not to slide off the notes; hit them squarely in the center of the pitch.
Phase 3: The Ad-Libs & Outro
As the song progresses, Timberlake adds complex runs and ad-libs over the main melody. The bridge builds tension with the repeated line "The damage is done, so I guess I be leaving."
The vocal run on "I guess I be leaving" is a classic R&B pentatonic riff. Break this down into individual notes (G-F-D-Bb-G) and practice slowly. The key to the "JT sound" is keeping these runs rhythmic rather than loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody reaches up to a Bb4 in mixed voice/falsetto, though harmonies and ad-libs can go higher depending on the live version.
Yes. The chorus loses its signature texture if sung in chest voice. If you struggle with falsetto, use the Singing Coach AI app to practice your head voice exercises.
Focus on nasal resonance and rhythmic precision. JT treats his voice like a percussion instrument, locking in tightly with Timbaland's beat.
