The Ultimate Indie-Pop Tongue Twister
Released in 2013, "Chocolate" became a defining track for The 1975. While the range isn't operatic, the vocal performance is iconic for its unique Mancunian styling, rapid-fire delivery, and rhythmic precision. Matty Healy treats his voice almost like a percussion instrument in the verses, weaving in and out of the catchy guitar hooks.
To sing this well, you need to abandon traditional "proper" enunciation and embrace a looser, more stylized approach. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Diction vs. Flow
If you try to pronounce every word clearly, you will lose the vibe. Our analysis shows higher scores come from users who prioritize the rhythm of the syllables over clear articulation. Relax your jaw and let the words slur slightly.
Phase 1: The Verses (Percussive Delivery)
The verses ("Hey now, call it a split...") are sung in the key of B Major. The challenge here is speed. The phrasing consists of quick 16th notes that require agility.
The Trap: Running out of breath before the end of the line. The tempo is 100 BPM, but the vocal density makes it feel faster. Practice "sipping" air quickly between the shorter phrases rather than taking deep gulps.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Melodic Lift)
The chorus ("Oh, we go where nobody knows...") lifts the energy. The melody hovers around the F#4 and G#4. You should approach this with a bright, forward "mask" placement.
- Tone: Keep it light and poppy. Avoid a heavy chest voice; think "heady mix."
- Rhythm: The entry to the chorus is syncopated. Don't rush the downbeat.
- Style: Lean into the vowels. The word "go" is often stretched and stylized ("ge-oh").
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The bridge maintains the driving rhythm. As you move to the outro, the repetition allows you to ad-lib slightly with the melody, but ensure you stay in key. The song ends on a fade, so maintain your energy right until the final bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody tops out at a G#4 (in the chorus). There are falsetto ad-libs in the background that go higher, but the core performance is very accessible for Tenors.
This is Matty Healy's signature style! He often sacrifices clear diction for melodic flow and accent. Singing Coach AI evaluates your rhythm and pitch, so don't worry if your pronunciation isn't Queen's English.
Yes. Since the song sits in the mid-range, Baritones can sing it comfortably. If the G#4 is too high, use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down by 1 or 2 semitones.
