Mastering the "New Wave" Attitude
Released on the 1980 album Glass Houses, "It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me" was Billy Joel's response to the changing music scene. It’s a track that demands attitude as much as it demands pitch accuracy. It sits comfortably in the Baritone/Tenor range but requires a punchy, staccato delivery typical of the New Wave and Rockabilly genres.
To sing this well, you need to step away from the smooth, legato style of ballads and embrace a tighter, more rhythmic approach. Breath control is critical here, as the verses are dense with lyrics.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The line "Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk" moves incredibly fast. Our analysis shows users often slur these words together. Focus on sharp consonant enunciation to keep the rhythm tight.
Phase 1: The Conversational Verses
The song starts with a driving bass line, and the vocals enter around C3. This section is almost spoken. The melody stays relatively flat, hovering around the low-mid register.
The Trap: Because it feels conversational, singers often fall behind the beat. You must be right on top of the snare drum. Think of the vocals as a percussion instrument in the verses.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As you move into "Oh, it doesn't matter what they say in the papers," the melody begins to climb. You need to switch from the cool, detached delivery of the verse to a more engaged, fuller tone.
This section acts as a tension builder. Ensure you are breathing deeply before this line, as you won't have much time to catch your breath before the chorus hits.
Phase 3: The Chorus & Style
The hook "It’s still rock and roll to me" is where you can let loose. The highest notes (touching G4) happen during the ad-libs and the bridge.
Billy Joel utilizes a specific vocal technique here often heard in 50s rockabilly: the "hiccup" (think Buddy Holly). You can hear this on words like "m-m-maybe" or "b-b-baby." Adding these stylistic glottal stops will drastically improve your style score in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is generally considered a G4, found in the ad-libs and bridge sections. It is very accessible for most male voices.
It is rated Medium difficulty. While the range isn't extreme, the speed of the lyrics and the specific rhythmic timing make it a challenge for beginners to perfect.
Avoid using too much vibrato. This song requires a straighter, punchier tone to match the New Wave aesthetic. Save the vibrato for the sustained notes at the very end.
