Mastering The Weeknd's Retro Sound
Released on the critically acclaimed album After Hours, "In Your Eyes" captures the essence of 80s synth-pop. Unlike power ballads that rely on heavy belting, this song demands finesse, agility, and a mastery of the "mix" voice. The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) navigates a C Minor key with a vocal quality that is simultaneously melancholy and danceable.
To sing this well, you need to balance your breath support. If you push too hard, you'll lose the smooth, effortless vibe. If you don't support enough, the lower verses will disappear in the mix. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Timing
The bassline is strict. Our analysis shows users often drag behind the beat during the verses. Keep your articulation crisp and forward-moving, especially on lines like "I just pretend that I'm in the dark."
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Moody)
The song starts in a lower chest register (around C3-G3). The Weeknd uses a slightly breathy tone here to convey vulnerability. The challenge is maintaining pitch accuracy while keeping the volume relatively low.
The Trap: Don't swallow your words. The 80s aesthetic uses a lot of reverb, but your raw vocal needs clear diction to cut through the synth layers. Enunciate the ends of your phrases.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Lift)
The transition to the chorus ("In your eyes...") is the signature moment. You must lift out of your heavy chest voice into a light, resonant head mix. The melody hovers around G4 and B♭4, occasionally touching C5.
- Placement: Focus the sound in the "mask" (the front of your face/nose area). This gives it that piercing, bright quality without straining your throat.
- Dynamics: Do not shout. The power comes from the resonance, not volume. Think of it as a "cry" in your voice.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
As the song progresses toward the sax solo, The Weeknd adds more ad-libs. These often involve quick runs and higher falsetto flourishes. Keep your jaw relaxed and let the vibrato come naturally at the end of sustained notes.
The emotional arc is key—you are expressing regret and realization. Connect with the lyrics to improve your performance score.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest significant melody note is a C5, usually sung in falsetto or a light head mix. Ad-libs may occasionally go higher depending on the live version.
Yes. To mimic The Weeknd's style, the chorus requires a clean, airy falsetto or head voice. Staying in full chest voice will make the song sound too heavy and aggressive.
Low notes often go flat if you look down or compress your neck. Keep your chin parallel to the floor and ensure you have enough breath support even for the quiet parts.
