Mastering the Modern Baritone
Listen to the Man by George Ezra is a feel-good anthem from his debut album Wanted on Voyage. While it sounds effortless and breezy, the vocal performance is anchored in a deep, resonant chest voice that can be challenging for untrained singers, especially Tenors.
The song relies less on vocal acrobatics and more on tone consistency, rhythmic groove, and a relaxed open throat. Let's break down exactly how to achieve that rich "Ezra" sound without forcing your voice.
AI Coach Tip: Relaxation is Key
When singing low notes like the F#2 in the verse, the tendency is to tuck the chin or push the larynx down. This causes vocal fry or "muddy" tone. Keep your chin parallel to the floor and think of the sound vibrating in your chest, not your throat.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low Control)
The song opens in B Major with George singing deep in his range. The melody hovers around the second octave. The challenge here is clarity. You need to articulate the lyrics ("I feel your head resting heavy on your single bed") without losing the musicality.
The Technique: Use a neutral larynx position. If you try to artificially darken your voice to sound like George, you will sound muffled. Allow your natural chest resonance to do the work.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Laid Back Groove)
The chorus ("You don't need to listen to the man...") lifts slightly but stays firmly in chest voice. The rhythm is crucial here. George sings slightly behind the beat, giving the track its lazy, summer afternoon vibe.
- Breath Support: Even though the notes are low, you need active breath support to keep the pitch from going flat.
- Dynamics: The chorus should be louder than the verse, but achieve this by increasing airflow, not by squeezing your throat.
- Vowel Shapes: Keep vowels tall and vertical to maximize resonance.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The bridge maintains the upbeat energy. The repetition of "Hallelujah" allows for some improvisation. This is the perfect place to practice your vibrato on the sustained notes at the end of phrases.
For higher voice types (Tenors/Sopranos), this song might feel uncomfortably low. Singing Coach AI allows you to transpose the track up +2 or +4 semitones so you can practice the style without straining your lower limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
George Ezra hits a solid F#2 in the verses. This is considered the lower end of a standard Baritone range.
Yes, but you may struggle with volume on the F#2. You can either transpose the song up using our app, or treat the low notes as a vocal workout to expand your lower range.
Focus on "Chest Resonance." Put your hand on your sternum while you sing—you should feel a strong vibration. Keep your throat open as if you are about to yawn to create space for the sound.
