Defining the Retro-Soul Sound
"Rehab" isn't just Amy Winehouse's signature song; it's a defining moment in 21st-century music. Produced by Mark Ronson for the album Back to Black, the track blends 1960s girl-group pop with gritty R&B. The vocal performance is character-driven, relying less on perfect pitch and more on attitude, unique phrasing, and emotional honesty.
To score high on this track, you need to abandon classical technique and embrace "conversational singing." You are telling a story, often with a hint of defiance and sarcasm. Let's break down the technical requirements.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Timing
The biggest mistake users make is singing exactly on the beat. Amy utilizes "back-phrasing"—intentionally delaying the start of a line to create a lazy, relaxed feel. Don't rush!
Phase 1: The Hook (0:00 - 0:26)
The song opens with the chorus. The line "They tried to make me go to Rehab" sits firmly in the chest voice. The challenge here is the "No, No, No."
The Trap: Many singers make this sound too pretty. It needs to be punchy and declamatory. Think of it as a rhythmic percussion instrument rather than a melodic line. Keep the vowels open and slightly flattened.
Phase 2: The Verses (0:26 - 1:15)
The verses ("I'd rather be at home with Ray") are where the jazz influence shines. The range drops lower (down to G3/A3). You need a warm, resonant tone here.
- Breath Control: The phrases are long and conversational. You need to grab quick "sip" breaths between lines like "I ain't got the time / And if my daddy thinks I'm fine."
- Accent: Amy's vocals are famous for their "London-Soul" blend. Vowels like "time" become "toime," and "go" leans towards "gow." This vowel modification helps achieve the authentic style.
Phase 3: The Bridge (1:35 - 1:55)
This section ("The man said why's your name on the list") adds urgency. The instrumentation swells, and you need to match that energy.
To project here without straining, use "mask resonance" (buzzing sensation in the front of your face). This allows your voice to cut through the heavy brass section of the backing track. The emotion here should shift from dismissive to frustrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
The song spans from G3 to F5. It sits comfortably in the Contralto and Mezzo-Soprano range, relying heavily on chest voice power rather than high head-voice notes.
Amy sings long, conversational phrases without obvious pause points. Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing during the instrumental breaks to sustain the "I ain't got the time" sections.
Avoid "pushing" from the throat to get the rasp. Amy's grit came from resonance and placement, not strain. Focus on a relaxed jaw and strong breath support to get the volume safely.
