Mastering the Soulful Groove
While Carl Douglas is often synonymous with his martial arts anthem, "Changing Times" showcases a deeper, more soulful side of his vocal ability. Released in the mid-70s, this track demands a singer who can sit comfortably in the "pocket" of the rhythm section without rushing.
To sing this well, you need to channel a relaxed chest resonance. Unlike high-energy disco tracks, this song relies on a moderate tempo where the vocal delivery needs to be smooth, conversational, yet emotive. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Timing
Many singers rush the verse phrasing. Our analysis shows that singing slightly behind the beat (back-phrasing) captures the authentic funk/soul feel of the original recording.
Phase 1: The Verses (Storytelling)
The song begins in a comfortable mid-range suitable for Baritones and low Tenors. The key is clear diction combined with a warm tone.
The Trap: It's easy to sound monotonous here. Douglas uses subtle inflections at the end of lines to keep the listener engaged. Try to "lean" into the vowels rather than clipping them short.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the instrumentation thickens, your volume needs to match. This isn't a scream; it's a swell. You need to keep your throat open and use your diaphragm to support the slight rise in pitch.
- Resonance: shift the placement slightly forward to the "mask" of the face to cut through the mix.
- Breathing: Take deeper, lower breaths to sustain the longer phrases leading into the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus and Ad-libs
The hook relies on repetition and groove. The phrase "Changing Times" should be delivered with conviction. In the outro, Douglas introduces ad-libs that reach up to G4.
To hit these upper notes with that gritty soul texture, allow a little bit of "vocal fry" into the onset of the note, but support it fully with air to avoid strain. This gives it that raw, 70s analog character.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main vocal line is generally a G4, though ad-libs in the fade-out may vary slightly depending on the version.
Not necessarily. While Carl Douglas has a natural texture, you can sing this cleanly. Focus on the rhythm and the emotion first; style comes second.
Use the Singing Coach AI app to isolate the bass and drums. Practice speaking the lyrics in time with the snare drum before you try to sing the melody.
