A Masterclass in "Acting Through Song"
"Good for You" from Dear Evan Hansen is a defining moment for the character Heidi Hansen. It represents the breaking point of a mother who has tried everything. Rachel Bay Jones delivers this track with a mix of rock grit and heartbreaking vulnerability. It is not just about hitting the notes; it's about conveying exhaustion and betrayal simultaneously.
To sing this well, you must navigate the tricky balance between speech-level singing in the verses and a powerful, sustained belt in the chorus without sounding screechy. Let's break down the technical approach.
AI Coach Tip: Anger vs. Technique
Many singers constrict their throat when trying to sound "angry." Our analysis shows that keeping the jaw loose and using the diaphragm for power—rather than the throat—results in a 20% higher pitch accuracy score on this track.
Phase 1: The Simmer (Verses)
The song begins in a lower, conversational register (G3-A4 range). The line "So you got what you always wanted" should not be sung "prettily." It needs a bite. Use hard consonants on "G" and "K" sounds to emphasize the character's frustration.
The Trap: Don't get too quiet. While it is conversational, you need enough breath support to project the emotion, otherwise, the pitch will sag flat.
Phase 2: The Build (Pre-Chorus)
As the song moves towards the chorus ("All I did was try to start over"), the instrumentation thickens. You need to start lifting your soft palate here to create more space. This prepares your voice for the mix/belt that is coming next.
- Resonance: Shift your resonance forward into the "mask" (nose and cheekbones).
- Vowels: Keep vowels narrow. Wide vowels on high notes will cause strain.
Phase 3: The Belt (Chorus & Climax)
The chorus ("Good for you!") sits right in the passaggio for many singers. Rachel Bay Jones uses a very heady mix that sounds like a belt. The climax of the song hits a sustained E5.
To hit the E5 safely, modify the vowel on "You." Instead of a pure "Oo" (which closes the throat), think of a mix between "Oo" and "Oh" (like the word "Yoke"). This keeps the larynx stable while maintaining the belt quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is an E5. The song covers a range from roughly G3 to E5.
This song is ideal for a Mezzo-Soprano with a strong belt or mix. Sopranos can sing it but may need to work on the lower richness; Altos may find the sustained E5 challenging.
Cracking usually happens when you carry too much "chest weight" up. Practice the chorus in a "bratty" or "witchy" voice first to find the right cord closure without the strain, then round out the tone.
