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.
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.