The Gold Standard of R&B Ballads
"I’ll Make Love to You" is the ultimate test of dynamics and control. Written by Babyface and released in 1994, this song stayed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks. While the harmonies of Boyz II Men are iconic, the lead vocal performance (primarily by Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman) requires mastering the shift from a sensual whisper to a powerhouse belt.
To sing this well, you need to channel 90s R&B technique: heavy use of melisma (vocal runs), precise breath control, and an emotive delivery that never feels forced until the climax.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Over-Sing the Verse
A common mistake is singing the first verse too loudly. The opening lines should be breathless and intimate. Our analysis penalizes "pushing" in the first 45 seconds. Keep it mezzo-piano.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 1:45)
The song sits in D Major. The opening verses are sung with a "spoken" quality. You want to use a lot of air in your tone here. Listen to how Shawn Stockman articulates the words—it is rhythmic but very smooth.
The Trap: Losing pitch support while trying to sound "breathy." Ensure you are engaging your diaphragm even when singing quietly to avoid going flat on the low notes.
Phase 2: The Chorus Harmony
In the chorus ("I'll make love to you, like you want me to..."), the lead vocal is supported by tight harmonies. If you are singing solo, focus on the melody line but keep your vibrato consistent at the end of phrases. The vowels should be round and open (e.g., "You" should sound like "Yoo" with a dropped jaw).
Phase 3: The Climax & Runs (2:50 - End)
This is where Wanya Morris takes over, and the difficulty spikes. The bridge builds tension, leading into high belts and intricate runs.
- The Ad-libs: You will need a strong upper chest mix to hit the A4s and B4s without straining.
- The Runs: R&B runs are based on the pentatonic scale. Do not slur the notes together. To get a high score on the app, each note in the run must be distinct. Practice them slowly on a "Nu" or "Mum" sound before adding lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is generally an A4, but the ad-libs and falsetto runs reach much higher, up to A5 or B5 depending on the live version.
Speed kills accuracy. Use the "Practice Mode" in Singing Coach AI to slow the track down to 50%. Master the melody of the run first, then gradually increase the speed.
It is written for Tenors, but Baritones can sing the verses comfortably. The bridge may require falsetto or transposition (try -2 semitones) if you struggle with the high belt.
