The Art of Theatrical Rock
Released as part of his final album Blackstar, "Lazarus" is a masterclass in vocal storytelling. David Bowie uses his voice not just as a melodic instrument, but as a vehicle for profound emotion. The song blends jazz elements with art rock, requiring a vocalist who can handle irregular phrasing and dynamic shifts.
Unlike a standard pop song, accuracy here isn't just about hitting the right note—it's about hitting it with the right *texture*. Let's break down how to capture the haunting quality of this track.
AI Coach Tip: Breath Control
Bowie starts lines with a heavy exhalation. Our analysis suggests maintaining a 60% airflow on the verses to achieve that "fragile" tone without losing pitch stability.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 1:12)
The song opens in the lower register (A2 - D3). The line "Look up here, I'm in heaven" requires a relaxed, open throat. If you squeeze your vocal cords here, you will sound croaky (vocal fry) rather than resonant.
The Trap: Many singers lose pitch on the low A2. To fix this, think of the sound vibrating in your chest, but keep your posture lifted to support the breath.
Phase 2: The Build (1:12 - 2:45)
As the drums kick in, the vocal intensity must rise. The melody lifts to the mid-range. On "By the time I got to New York," you need to switch from a breathy tone to a clearer, more focused chest voice.
- Consonants: Bowie enunciates sharply. Don't slur "New York" or "scar."
- Vibrato: Use a delayed vibrato at the end of sustained notes to mimic the theatrical style.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:45 - End)
The emotional peak arrives with "Oh, I'll be free." The melody jumps to a G4. This isn't a falsetto note; it's a desperate, full-voiced belt.
To hit this G4 safely, you need to "cry" into the note. Tilt your thyroid cartilage (a technique often used in sobbing) to thin out the vocal folds while maintaining chest resonance. This allows you to reach the pitch with power but without strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a G4 on the line "Oh, I'll be free." It requires significant breath support to hold comfortably.
Yes, though Tenors may need to focus on adding "weight" or chest resonance to the lower verses to match Bowie's natural Baritone timbre.
That "wobble" is a wide, slow vibrato combined with a breathy onset. Practice oscillating your pitch slightly slower than a standard pop vibrato.
