The Anthem of Heartbreak
"Rolling in the Deep" is the song that solidified Adele as a global superstar. The opening track of her album 21, it blends gospel, blues, and pop into a powerful vocal showcase. It is deceptively simple in melody but incredibly demanding in terms of tone and endurance.
To sing this correctly, you need to master the art of the "belt"—singing high notes with chest-voice power—without shouting. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: The "Glottal" Onset
Adele often starts her phrases with a slight "click" in the throat (a glottal stop) to add percussive emotion, like on the word "There's" in the first line. Practice this gently; overdoing it can cause fatigue.
Phase 1: The Smoky Verse (0:00 - 0:43)
The song begins in C Minor with a driving beat. The vocals here should be dark, moody, and restrained. The phrase "There's a fire starting in my heart" sits low (B♭3).
The Trap: Many singers lose energy here because the notes are low. Keep your soft palate lifted and your diction crisp ("fever pitch," "dark") to ensure the lyrics cut through the bass.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb (0:43 - 1:02)
As the drums kick in, the melody rises. "The scars of your love remind me of us" requires you to begin mixing your head voice with your chest voice. You are building tension here. Do not give away all your volume yet; you are setting the stage for the explosion.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (1:02 - 1:24)
This is the moment everyone waits for. "We could have had it ALL." The word "ALL" hits a powerful D5. This must be sung with a dropped jaw and a very open throat.
To hit this without damaging your voice, engage your abdominal muscles (support) before you make the sound. Think of shouting "Hey!" to a friend across the street—that is the placement you want, but with sustained musicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a D5 (on "all" in the chorus). The song ranges from a low B♭3 to that D5. Ad-libs in the end may go higher depending on the live version.
Yes, primarily due to the stamina required. Maintaining the power and chest resonance throughout the repetitive chorus requires excellent breath support to avoid vocal fatigue.
Adele is a Mezzo-Soprano with a very strong, dark lower register (almost Contralto qualities). This song sits perfectly in the "sweet spot" for Mezzos.
