The Anthem of Reinvention
"Changes" is the opening track on David Bowie's 1971 album Hunky Dory. It is one of his most enduring songs, famous for its chameleonic nature and that unforgettable stuttered chorus. Vocally, it sits perfectly for a Baritone or low Tenor, but the challenge lies in the character work.
Bowie's performance here is theatrical. He shifts from a crooning, jazzy style in the verses to a forceful, rock-oriented belt in the chorus. To score high, you need to master this dynamic shift without losing pitch accuracy.
AI Coach Tip: The Stutter
For the "Ch-ch-ch-changes" line, do not rely on your throat. Treat the "Ch" sound like percussion. Use short, sharp bursts of air from your diaphragm to articulate the stutter rhythmically, keeping it tight on the beat.
Phase 1: The Verses (C Major)
The song starts with a reflective, almost conversational tone. The melody in the verses ("I still don't know what I was waiting for") is syncopated and swings slightly.
The Trap: Singers often rush the phrasing here. Bowie sings slightly behind the beat, giving it a relaxed, cabaret feel. Focus on clear diction and a warm, chest-dominant resonance.
Phase 2: The Chorus (F Major Modulation)
The energy explodes here. As you hit "Turn and face the strange," the key modulates and the volume increases. You need to open your throat vertically (drop your jaw) to get that fuller, anthemic sound.
The melody climbs up to F4 and G4. These aren't extremely high notes, but they require sustained power. Avoid pinching your nose; aim the sound towards the hard palate for clarity.
Phase 3: The Bridge ("Strange Fascination")
This section drops back down into a lower, more mysterious register. The line "Strange fascination, fascinating me" requires excellent breath control. You are singing in the lower chest voice, so maintain a steady airflow to prevent the voice from becoming "fry" or gravelly unless intended for style.
The final "Changes" belts at the end of the song are an opportunity to use a mixed voice to add brightness and cut through the fading instrumentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest chest/mix note is generally a G4, though depending on ad-libs it can touch A4. The core melody sits comfortably between C3 and F4.
No. "Changes" is actually very friendly for Baritones. If the chorus feels too high, use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose it down -1 or -2 semitones without losing the song's energy.
Bowie uses a distinct, somewhat fast vibrato and very clear, almost exaggerated British vowels. Practice rounding your vowels (singing "Ch-ah-nges" rather than "Ch-aa-nges") to mimic his tone.
