A Hidden Gem of 70s Soul
While Wild Cherry is globally famous for "Play That Funky Music," their track "Hold On" showcases a different side of the band. It is a powerful, emotive ballad that closes their debut album. Singing this song requires you to shift gears from aggressive funk to smooth, sustained soul phrasing.
The song demands excellent breath management. The verses are quiet and intimate, while the chorus requires a full, resonant belt to convey the plea in the lyrics. Let's break down the vocal approach.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Sustain
The phrase "Hold On" is often held for several beats. Ensure you don't run out of air or let the pitch sag at the end of the note. Keep the vibrato steady.
Phase 1: The Verse (Intimacy)
The track begins with a mellow vibe. The key here is legato singing—smoothly connecting one note to the next without choppy breaks. Keep your volume at a conversational level (mezzo-piano).
The Trap: It's easy to sound bored in the verses if you lack energy. Even though it is quiet, keep the intensity in your eyes and breath support active to maintain engagement.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Power)
As the band swells, so must your voice. The chorus features the repeated line "Hold On." This is sung in the upper chest register (around E4-G4). You need to open your mouth vertically (drop the jaw) to create a resonant space.
Avoid "squeezing" the throat. Instead, anchor your breath low in the body to support the higher pitch. Think of the sound traveling forward out of your mouth, rather than getting stuck in the throat.
Phase 3: The Climax and Ad-libs
Towards the end of the song, Rob Parissi introduces more grit and vocal runs. This is typical of 70s rock/soul. You can experiment with adding a slight "cry" or break in your voice for emotional effect, but use it sparingly.
The ad-libs often reach up to A4. If this is out of your comfortable chest range, practice thinning out your tone into a mixed voice to hit the notes cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal belts up to an A4 during the ad-libs and climax. The chorus sustains generally sit around E4 to G4.
Yes, though the high notes in the climax might be a stretch. You can transpose the track down -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to make it more comfortable for a lower voice.
Soul comes from dynamics and phrasing. Don't sing every note at the same volume. Lean into the first beat of the measure and use a relaxed vibrato at the end of long notes.
