Singing Coach AI
Vulnerability Meets Power
"Bad Liar" is a standout track from Imagine Dragons' 2018 album Origins. Written during a turbulent time in lead singer Dan Reynolds' life, the song requires a high level of emotional connection. Unlike their more aggressive tracks like "Believer," this song relies heavily on sustained notes and dynamic contrast.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of the "breathy onset" for the verses while maintaining enough stamina to belt the chorus without straining your throat. Let's break down the technique.
Phase 1: The Verses (B2 - E4)
The song begins in B Major. The verses sit in a comfortable speaking range for Baritones. The key here is intimacy. You shouldn't be projecting loudly yet.
The Trap: Because it feels low and easy, singers often get lazy with their pitch, leading to flat notes. Keep a slight "smile" in your mouth shape to brighten the tone and keep the pitch centered.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As you move towards the chorus, the instrumentation builds. You need to transition from your breathy tone to a cleaner, more solid chest voice. This creates the tension needed for the release in the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (G#4)
The hook "But I'm a bad liar" jumps up in energy. The melody hits a G#4, which is the "break" area for many male singers.
To hit this note safely, use "mixed voice." Instead of pulling your heavy chest voice up (which causes yelling), allow the sound to resonate in your nasal pharynx (mask resonance). This gives you the power of a belt without the strain on your vocal cords.