The High-Energy Arena Rock Anthem
"Any Way You Want It" is a masterclass in arena rock energy. Recorded for the 1980 album Departure, this track demands full commitment from the very first second. Unlike ballads that build slowly, Steve Perry starts this song at 100% intensity and never looks back.
To sing this well, you need stamina. The melody is relentless, often sitting in the passaggio (the break between chest and head voice). If you don't manage your breath support, you will fatigue before the final chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Percussive Diction
Steve Perry treats his voice like a percussion instrument here. On lines like "She loves to move, she loves to groove," focus on sharp consonants. This helps you stay in the pocket of the rhythm without dragging.
Phase 1: The Verses (High Tenor Pacing)
The song kicks off in G Major. The verses require a bright, forward placement. Phrases like "I was alone, I never knew" might feel low compared to the chorus, but keep the resonance in your mask (cheekbones/nose). If you drop into a heavy chest voice here, you won't be able to climb up for the chorus.
The Trap: The tempo is fast. Singers often slur the words to keep up. Practice the verses at 75% speed in the app to lock in the articulation.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Belt)
The chorus hook "Any way you want it" sits right in the high belt range (reaching up to B4). This is the signature Steve Perry sound.
- Placement: Think "up and over." Direct the sound toward your hard palate.
- Vowel Modification: On the word "Want," modify the vowel slightly towards "Wuh-nt" or "Wa-nt" (like 'cat') depending on your voice type, to prevent the throat from closing up.
- Support: Engage your core muscles firmly before the onset of the phrase.
Phase 3: The Breakdown & Outro
The guitar solo leads into a breakdown: "She loves to laugh, she loves to sing." This is your chance to breathe, but don't lose the intensity. The dynamics drop, but the vocal presence must remain.
The outro features classic call-and-response ad-libs. This is where Perry often hits his highest notes (High C / C5). If you are a Baritone, feel free to flip into falsetto here to save your voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody sustains B4s, but the ad-libs in the outro and harmonies reach up to a High C (C5).
It certainly helps, as the song sits in the tessitura of a high tenor. However, Baritones can sing this by using a strong mixed voice or transposing the key down -2 or -3 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
The "grit" comes from compression, not strain. Ensure you have a clean tone first, then add slight pharyngeal constriction (twang) to cut through the mix.
