Mastering the Dynamic Shift
Benson Boone's Beautiful Things took the world by storm largely due to its incredible dynamic range. It starts as a tender, acoustic ballad and explodes into a gritty, rock-anthem chorus. This contrast is the heart of the song, and it's also the hardest part to sing correctly without straining your voice.
To sing this well, you need control over your "mix" voice. You cannot pull your chest voice all the way up to the C#5, or you will crack. Instead, you need to thin out the sound while keeping the aggressive tone. Let's break down the strategy.
Phase 1: The Acoustic Verses (0:00 - 1:10)
The song begins in G# Major with a guitar accompaniment. The opening line "For a while there it was rough" sits low in the range (around G#2 - C#3). The tone here should be intimate and conversational.
The Technique: Use a slightly "low larynx" position and allow a bit of airiness (breath) in the tone. Do not compress your vocal cords yet. Think of this section as telling a secret to a friend.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As the lyrics move to "I want you, I need you, oh god," the intensity builds. You need to start closing your vocal cords (increasing compression) to remove the breathiness. This prepares your voice for the belt that is coming.
- Resonance: Shift your resonance from your chest to your "mask" (the front of your face/nose area).
- Support: Engage your core muscles. You will need significant breath support for the upcoming transition.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (1:50+)
This is the viral moment. The line "Please stay!" jumps up to a powerful belt peaking at C#5. Benson adds a distinct "grit" or rasp here.
To achieve this safely, do not just scream. You must use a strong mixed voice with "twang" to get the power. If you want to add the grit, it must come from the false cords, not by grinding your true vocal cords together. Practice the clean note first; add the distortion later.