The Art of the "Sia Slur"
Cheap Thrills is a masterclass in modern pop styling. Originally written for Rihanna, the track ended up on Sia's 2016 album This Is Acting. It combines a dancehall beat with catchy, repetitive synth lines. While the notes aren't as high as "Chandelier," the difficulty lies in the attitude and the unique vowel shaping.
To sing this well, you need to relax your jaw and adopt a slightly brighter, more forward resonance. You aren't just hitting notes; you are creating a vibe. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Sia intentionally softens consonants. If you articulate too clearly, it sounds like musical theatre. Our analysis shows that blending words together (Legato) improves your style score significantly.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:09 - 0:42)
The song begins in F# Minor. The verses ("Come on, come on, turn the radio on") are sung in a comfortable chest voice. The rhythm is key here. It is almost spoken, but with a melodic bounce.
The Trap: Being too rigid. You need to sit slightly behind the beat to get that relaxed, reggae-pop feel. Keep your volume at a conversational level.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (0:42 - 0:58)
Here the intensity builds. "Baby I don't need dollar bills to have fun tonight." The melody lifts slightly, but you should still maintain a chest-dominant mix. Do not switch to head voice yet.
- Breath Control: The phrases are long. Take a quick, deep breath before "Baby I don't need..." so you don't run out of air before "tonight."
- Tone: Add a little "cry" or "whine" to your voice to mimic Sia's emotional delivery.
Phase 3: The Chorus (0:58 - 1:32)
The main hook "I love cheap thrills" is repetitive and catchy. The notes here sit around B4 and C#5. This isn't a power belt; it's a "call out." Use forward placement (feel the vibration in your mask/nose) to project without straining.
Listen for the background ad-libs ("La, la, la..."). These are often sung in a light head voice or falsetto. Switching between the chesty main line and the light backing vocals is great practice for vocal agility.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody hits a C#5 (on the word "thrills"). Some ad-libs and harmonies go higher, but the core song stays within a comfortable mid-range.
No. The Singing Coach AI focuses on Sia's melodic lines. However, practicing the rhythm of the rap section can improve your overall timing.
Sia has a naturally bright tone, but if you sound too nasal, you might be closing your soft palate too much. Try yawning to lift the palate while keeping the sound forward.
