Bringing 70s Funk to Modern Pop
Late Night Talking is a standout track from Harry Styles' 2022 album Harry's House. Unlike the emotional ballads often found in his discography, this song is all about the groove. It features a bright, retro synth-pop sound that demands a vocal performance that sits right in the "pocket" of the beat.
To sing this well, you need to balance a conversational tone in the verses with a punchy, energetic lift in the chorus. The challenge isn't necessarily extreme high notes, but rather maintaining pitch accuracy while delivering syncopated rhythms.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Because the tempo is upbeat (approx. 115 BPM), words can get muddy. Focus on crisp consonants on the lines "we've been doing all this late night talking" to score higher on clarity.
Phase 1: The Low Groove (Verse)
The song begins with Harry singing in his lower chest register. Notes dip down to a B2 on lines like "Things haven't been quite the same." For many Tenors, this is near the bottom of the comfortable range.
The Trap: Singers often "fry" or lose volume on these low notes. Keep your chest high and maintain breath support to ensure the low B2s resonate clearly without sounding groggy.
Phase 2: The Chorus Lift
The energy shifts in the chorus. The melody jumps up, centering around F4 and G4. The phrase "Can't get you off my mind" requires a forward, bright placement.
- Smile Technique: To get Harry's bright tone, try singing the chorus with a slight smile. This lifts the soft palate and brightens the resonance.
- Breath Control: The chorus lines are long and continuous. Take a deep, low breath before "We've been doing all this..." to make it through the phrase without gasping.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The bridge introduces call-and-response elements and ad-libs. This is where you can show personality. The highest belted note, a B4, occurs in the ad-libs towards the end. It should feel loose and fun, not strained.
Unlike a rock ballad, you don't need heavy distortion here. Keep the tone clean, agile, and playful to match the synthesizer instrumentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice note is a B4, usually heard in the ad-libs and final chorus layers.
Yes. The range is moderate compared to other Harry Styles songs like "Sign of the Times." It's excellent for practicing rhythm and lower-register control.
Harry uses a very "spoken" quality in his verses. Don't over-sing. Treat the verses as if you are talking to a friend, then dial up the singing resonance for the chorus.
