Mastering the Modern Standard
"Close Your Eyes" is a quintessential modern standard. Written by Michael Bublé as a tribute to his wife, it demands sincerity and a warm, resonant tone rather than vocal acrobatics. The song structure is traditional, moving from an intimate verse to a soaring bridge, making it perfect for intermediate singers looking to refine their storytelling.
To sing this well, you need to master the "crooner" placement: a lowered larynx and a relaxed jaw. This creates the rich, buttery sound Bublé is famous for. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Phrasing
Bublé often sings slightly behind the beat (back-phrasing) to create a relaxed feel. Our analysis shows users often rush ahead. Listen to the drums and aim to be relaxed, not urgent.
Phase 1: The Verse (Intimate & Breath)
The song begins in G Major. The opening lines "Close your eyes, let me tell you..." should be sung with a "spoken" quality. You don't need heavy projection here.
The Technique: Use a mix of breath and tone. Think of singing into someone's ear. However, ensure you have enough breath support so the end of your phrases doesn't go flat.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Opening Up)
As the song transitions to "You're one of a kind," you need to open your mouth shape vertically. This adds depth to the sound. The melody sits comfortably in the middle range, so focus on smooth legato lines—connecting one word to the next without chopping them up.
Phase 3: The Bridge Climax
The energy builds significantly here. The line "Here's to you, the one that always pulls us through" reaches up to a G4. This is the peak of the song.
To hit this safely, engage your diaphragm and keep the sound forward in your "mask" (the front of your face). Do not yell. Bublé maintains a rounded, controlled belt even at the loudest parts. If you feel tension in your neck, you are pushing too hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a G4 in the bridge section. There are also some optional falsetto textures, but the power comes from the chest voice.
Not at all. Tenors will find the high notes quite easy, but the challenge will be getting the rich, low resonance in the verses that a Baritone naturally has.
Bublé uses a "delayed vibrato." Hold the note straight for a split second, then let the vibrato come in at the very end. Practice this slowly in the app.
