Mastering the "Anti-Ballad"
"A Change of Heart" is a masterclass in synth-pop restraint. Released on The 1975's sophomore album I Like It When You Sleep..., this track deviates from power vocals, focusing instead on a dry, almost deadpan delivery that mimics a conversation. The song details the falling out of love, and the vocal performance must reflect that exhaustion and clarity.
To sing this well, you must resist the urge to "perform" too much. Matty Healy's style relies on specific pronunciation (often dropping t's) and a lack of heavy vibrato. Let's break down how to capture that specific 80s-inspired vibe.
AI Coach Tip: Reduce Vibrato
Our analysis shows many users add too much vibrato on the long notes. For this style, keep your tone straight and flat until the very end of the phrase. Think "synth pad," not "opera singer."
Phase 1: The Conversational Verses
The verses ("Are we awake?", "You used to have a face straight out of a magazine") sit in a comfortable lower-mid range. The challenge here is rhythm and diction.
The Technique: Practice speaking the lyrics first. Healy sings very close to his speaking voice. Keep the volume at a 4/10. Do not push air; allow the microphone (or your phone) to do the work. The goal is intimacy, not projection.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift
When the line "I've had a change of heart" arrives, the melody lifts, but the energy remains contained. It creates a feeling of resignation rather than anger.
- Tone Color: Keep the sound "forward" in the mask of the face (nasal resonance) rather than deep in the chest. This gives it that bright, 80s pop sheen.
- Phrasing: Be careful not to rush. The synth beat is strict. Lay your vocals slightly behind the beat to create a relaxed, "cool" feel.
Phase 3: The Emotional Arc
By the end of the song, as the repetition of "I've had a change of heart" continues, you can introduce slightly more breathiness to simulate fatigue or sadness. The final notes should fade out gently, mirroring the synthesizer decay.
This song is an excellent exercise for Baritones looking to improve their mixed voice control without having to belt high notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally tops out around G4. There are some higher ad-libs and harmonies, but the core vocal line is very accessible for most male voices.
You don't need to fake an accent, but paying attention to Healy's vowel shapes (which are taller and more open) will help the song sound authentic to the genre.
It's a fine line between "deadpan" and "bored." Focus on the rhythm and the clarity of the lyrics. The emotion comes from the storytelling, not the volume.
