Mastering the Pop Groove
Left and Right is a masterclass in modern pop production and vocal agility. Released in 2022 on Charlie Puth's album Charlie, this collaboration with Jung Kook utilizes clever panning (audio moving from left ear to right ear) and requires a singer who can stay perfectly in the pocket of the groove.
While the range isn't as operatic as some rock ballads, the challenge lies in the passaggio (the bridge between chest and head voice) and the rhythmic delivery. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Because the instrumentation is minimal in the verses, your consonants need to be crisp. Avoid slurring words. Our analysis shows higher scores for users who emphasize the rhythmic end of phrases.
Phase 1: The Verses (Charlie & Jung Kook)
The song sits in D Major. The verses are sung mostly in chest voice but require a light, conversational tone. You don't want to "push" here. Think of it like you are whispering loudly to someone right next to you.
The Trap: Dragging the tempo. The bassline is bouncy. Keep your vocals staccato and forward-placed to match the energy of the track.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Falsetto Control)
The hook "Memories follow me left and right" relies on a smooth falsetto. This sits around A4-B4 and touches up to D5 in ad-libs.
- Head Voice: Keep the sound placed high in your soft palate. It should feel "airy" but not weak.
- The Slide: There are subtle vocal slides (portamento) between notes. Don't hit the notes too squarely; allow a little flexibility to get that R&B feel.
- Integration: If your voice cracks when switching from the verse to the chorus, practice the transition slowly on a "Nu" or "Mum" sound first.
Phase 3: Jung Kook's Texture (1:08)
When Jung Kook enters, the texture becomes breathier. To mimic this style without losing pitch accuracy, engage your diaphragm but allow more air to escape through the vocal cords (an aspirate onset). This creates that intimate, "close to the mic" sound that K-Pop vocalists are famous for.
The line "I can feel you over here" moves across the stereo field. While you can't sing in "stereo," you can use dynamics—start slightly softer and swell into the note to mimic the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest sung note is a D5 in the ad-libs/harmonies (falsetto). The chest voice melody stays mostly below F#4.
Not necessarily! In the Singing Coach AI app, you can choose to sing either Charlie's part, Jung Kook's part, or the main melody for the whole track.
Cracking usually happens when you carry too much "weight" (chest voice) up too high. Lighten your volume as you ascend towards the chorus to make the flip into head voice easier.
