The Art of the Modern Ballad
"Hold On" showcases Michael Bublé's ability to blend pop sensibilities with the rich, warm tone of the jazz era. Released on his 2009 album Crazy Love, this track demands significant control over your dynamics. You start with an intimate, conversational tone and build to a powerful, desperate plea in the bridge.
To sing this well, you need to master your "mix" voice. Bublé climbs high into the Baritone range without switching to falsetto, maintaining power and emotional intensity. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
On the high notes in the chorus ("You just gotta hold on"), try modifying the vowel 'O' towards 'Uh'. This lowers the larynx slightly and prevents the sound from becoming too thin or strained.
Phase 1: The Verses (Bb2 - Eb3)
The song begins in Eb major. The opening lines ("Didn't they always say we were the lucky ones?") sit very low in the range. The challenge here is clarity.
The Trap: Singers often use "vocal fry" (a creaky sound) to hit these low notes. Instead, focus on a clean chest resonance. Keep your jaw loose and visualize the sound resonating in your sternum.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Eb3 - G4)
The energy lifts significantly. The melody is catchy but requires sustained breath support. You are singing long phrases that sit right in the "passaggio" (break) area for many male voices.
- Hold On: Don't scoop up to the note too slowly. The AI Coach looks for precise pitch onset here.
- Resilience: The emotion needs to be hopeful yet pained. Use vibrato only at the very end of the sustained notes for a polished sound.
Phase 3: The Bridge Climax (Ab4)
This is the vocal peak of the song. The backing track swells, and the vocals hit a powerful Ab4. This is a high note for a baritone to belt.
To hit this safely, you need to engage your core muscles (support) and think of the sound going "forward" into the mask of your face, rather than pushing it from your throat. If you feel tightness, you are pushing too hard. Back off the volume and focus on placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest/mix note is an Ab4 during the bridge. The melody frequently touches G4 in the choruses.
No, but the song was written for a Baritone voice (Bublé). Tenors will find the high notes easier but may struggle to get the rich warmth on the low Bb2 verses.
Michael uses a "tall" mouth shape. Try dropping your jaw and keeping the back of your throat open (like the beginning of a yawn) to create that warm, rounded resonance.
