Mastering Sting's Signature Vocals
"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" is a masterclass in vocal stamina and bright, forward resonance. Released on the 1981 album Ghost in the Machine, the song blends pop, rock, and reggae influences, demanding a singer who can navigate rhythmic verses and soaring choruses without fatiguing.
Sting's voice is high and agile. To sing this well, you need to manage your breath support carefully during the wordy verses so you have enough fuel for the sustained high notes in the chorus. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: The "Nasal" Twang
To hit the high notes in the chorus ("Magic-ic-ic-ic") without shouting, try placing the sound forward in your "mask" (the front of your face). A slightly nasal quality helps cut through the music while relieving pressure on the vocal cords.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:48)
The verses ("Though I've tried before to tell her...") are sung in a conversational, almost spoken-word rhythm. The challenge here is timing. Sting sings slightly behind the beat in some areas and right on top of it in others.
The Trap: Do not get lazy with your diction. The words come fast. Keep your lips active and your jaw relaxed to ensure every word is intelligible.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:48 - 1:20)
This is the energy peak. The melody jumps up to an A4 on the word "Magic." This note sits right in the passaggio (break area) for many male singers.
- Placement: Avoid pulling your chest voice up too heavy. Think of "thinning" out the sound as you go higher.
- Vowels: Modify the vowel on "Magic" slightly towards "Mah-gic" to open the throat, but keep the brightness.
- Sustain: The repetition of "magic" requires consistent breath pressure. Engage your core!
Phase 3: The Coda (3:10 - End)
The outro features the famous "Eee-Oh-Oh" chant. This section is pure joy and high energy. The pitch remains high, and ad-libs often reach up to A5.
If you are tiring by this point, switch to a head-voice dominant mix. The key is to keep the energy high even if the volume drops slightly. It should feel like a celebration, not a struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody hits a belted A4 frequently in the chorus. However, Sting's ad-libs and yelps in the outro reach as high as A5.
It is challenging for a Baritone due to the high sustained tessitura. You may want to transpose the song down -2 or -3 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to make it more comfortable.
Cracking usually happens when you push too much air pressure. Try practicing the line quietly first, using a 'bratty' or 'whiny' sound to find the connection, then gradually add volume.
