The Anthem of "1989"
Blank Space is a masterclass in modern pop vocal production. Written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback, this track marked a definitive departure from country into pure electropop. The song is satirical, playing on the media's portrayal of Swift as a "crazy ex-girlfriend," and the vocal delivery matches this with an exaggerated, theatrical performance.
To sing this well, you need more than just pitch accuracy; you need attitude. The verses are rhythmically dense and require precise diction, while the chorus demands a soaring, open mix voice.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The line "Got a long list of ex-lovers" is infamous for being misheard as "Starbucks lovers." Our analysis engine specifically checks for the "x" sound in "ex-lovers" to ensure you are articulating clearly.
Phase 1: The "Talk-Singing" Verses
The song starts in a lower register (around A3). The style here is almost spoken word, known as "Sprechgesang." The melody stays relatively flat, but the rhythm is syncopated.
The Trap: Because it feels like talking, singers often run out of breath before the end of the line. Practice the phrase "Magic, madness, heaven, sin" with a steady stream of air to maintain the vocal fry texture without losing power.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Tension
As you move into "Screaming, crying, perfect storms," the melody begins to climb. The energy shifts from the nonchalant verses to emotional intensity. You need to brighten your tone here.
- Rhythm: The delivery is staccato. Keep the notes short and punchy.
- Volume: Don't get too loud yet. Save your volume for the chorus drop.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus ("So it's gonna be forever") jumps to the higher part of the chest/mix voice. The top note here touches C5 and D5. This section requires a "forward placement"—imagine directing the sound towards your front teeth.
The transition on the word "insane" in "drive you insane" is a crucial stylistic moment. Taylor flips into a lighter head voice briefly before coming back down. Mastering this flip is key to sounding like the original track.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a C5, though ad-libs and harmonies reach up to a D5.
It's accessible for beginners because the range isn't extreme, but the rhythmic precision makes it deceptively challenging to score 100% on.
The verses are wordy. Use the Singing Coach AI app to identify the micro-pauses between phrases where you can take a "sip" of air without breaking the flow.
