Mastering the Soulful Anthem
"A Woman's Worth" is a standout track from Alicia Keys' debut album Songs in A Minor. Unlike pop songs that rely on high belts, this song requires a grounded, conversational tone mixed with deep soul. It’s not just about hitting notes; it’s about the attitude and the "pocket" of the groove.
To sing this well, you need to be comfortable in your lower chest register and have the agility to perform subtle runs (melisma) without over-singing. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Rush
Alicia Keys often sings slightly "behind the beat" to create a relaxed, soulful feel. Our analysis shows users often rush the phrasing in the verses. Listen to the piano chords and let your voice sit back in the groove.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Warm)
The song sits in E Minor. The opening lines, "You could buy me diamonds," are sung in a range that is very accessible (G3-A3), but the challenge is tone. It shouldn't sound spoken; it needs a warm, breathy resonance.
The Trap: Many singers lose support on low notes, causing them to sound flat or "fry." Keep your diaphragm engaged even when singing quietly to maintain a rich tone.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Attitude)
Here the dynamics lift. "A real woman knows..." is the centerpiece of the song. You need a confident chest voice here. It’s not a shout, but a firm declaration.
- Phrasing: Notice how Alicia accents the word "Real" and "Worth."
- Vowel Shapes: Keep the vowels open on "Knows" and "Shows" to maintain that R&B roundness.
- Breath Control: The phrases are long. Make sure to take a quick, deep breath before the line "And a real man just can't deny."
Phase 3: The Ad-libs & Runs
As the song progresses to the bridge and final chorus, the vocals become more improvised. Alicia uses the minor pentatonic scale for her runs. These shouldn't be sharp or staccato; they should flow like water.
To master this, try humming the runs slowly first. If you can't sing it slow, you can't sing it fast. The Singing Coach AI app can slow down the track to 75% speed to help you nail these intricate turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody goes up to a B4/C5 in the ad-libs. It stays mostly in a comfortable mid-range, making it great for Altos and Mezzos.
Yes, but you will need to rely heavily on your chest voice to get the authentic soul sound. If you sing it too lightly in head voice, it loses its emotional weight.
Alicia has a natural rasp. Do not force your voice to grind, as this causes damage. Instead, focus on emotional connection and breathy onset to mimic the texture without the strain.
