The Anthem of Electronic Pop
Lean On by Major Lazer and DJ Snake, featuring MØ, is one of the most streamed songs of all time. Unlike traditional power ballads, this track relies on "indie-pop" stylings, distinctive vowel shapes, and rhythmic precision. It’s less about how high you can sing, and more about the attitude and texture of your voice.
MØ's vocal performance is characterized by a slightly nasal placement and a "lazy" articulation that is actually quite calculated. Let's break down exactly how to tackle the verses and that explosive chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
MØ often flattens her vowels. For example, "Blow a kiss" sounds more like "Bleh a kess." Our analysis shows that users who mimic this narrower vowel shape score higher on stylistic accuracy.
Phase 1: The Verses (G3 - Bb3)
The song begins in a lower, conversational register. The line "Do you recall, not long ago" sits around G3-Bb3. This is comfortable for most Alto and Mezzo voices, but can be tricky for Sopranos who aren't used to their chest voice.
The Trap: Don't make it too breathy. While it sounds relaxed, there is a clear, solid tone underneath. Keep your larynx neutral and focus on clear diction, specifically on the consonants.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the energy lifts ("Blow a kiss, fire a gun"), the range moves up slightly. You need to build tension here without shouting. This section acts as the ramp for the drop. The melody is repetitive, so use dynamics to make it interesting—start softer and get slightly louder with each repetition.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
"Blow a kiss, fire a gun / All we need is somebody to lean on." This is the core of the song. The notes here hit a C5, which is a belting note for many singers.
To hit this comfortably, use a forward placement (aim the sound at your nose/mask). Do not push from the throat. The rhythm here is syncopated, meaning it stresses the off-beats. The AI Coach will track your timing strictly here—if you are dragging, you will lose points.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main vocal melody is a C5. However, there are ad-libs and background vocals that may go higher depending on the version.
Yes. The range is very accessible (G3-C5), making it a great song to practice rhythm and style without worrying about extreme high notes.
MØ uses a lot of "vocal fry" at the start of phrases and breaks her voice slightly (yodel) on higher notes. You can practice this by sliding between notes rather than hitting them cleanly.
