Mastering the Retro Soul Vibe
"Love on the Brain" from the Anti album showcases Rihanna channeling the spirit of 1950s doo-wop and soul legends like Etta James. The song relies heavily on a 6/8 time signature and a vocal delivery that swings between raw chest power and delicate falsetto.
To sing this authentically, you need to abandon "perfect" pop technique for something more visceral. It requires playing with vocal texture—allowing your voice to crack or rasp intentionally at key emotional moments.
AI Coach Tip: The "Cry" Technique
Rihanna uses a "cry" in her voice on the descending runs. To mimic this, slightly tilt your thyroid cartilage (simulate a whimper) before attacking the note. Our app detects if your tone is too flat or too bright for the genre.
Phase 1: The Verses (G3 - B4)
The verses are sung in a lower, conversational register. The challenge here is breath support. You want an airy, "smoky" quality without running out of air. Keep your larynx neutral.
The Trap: Many singers go too breathy and lose pitch accuracy on the low G3s. Maintain cord closure even when singing quietly.
Phase 2: The Falsetto Flips
The chorus features a signature "yodel" or flip on the line "Must be love on the brain." The word "brain" jumps up into head voice/falsetto instantly.
- The Flip: Don't try to smooth out the break between chest and head voice. The "crack" is stylistic and desirable here.
- Resonance: Aim the sound towards the soft palate to get that vintage, hollow sound.
Phase 3: The Climax (Belt to E5)
Towards the end of the song ("Don't you stop!"), Rihanna belts up to an E5. This is the peak of the track. You must switch from the light head voice used earlier to a full, forward-placed mixed belt.
To hit this safely, engage your core deeply and think of the sound traveling out of your forehead. If you feel a scratch in your throat, you are using too much neck muscle tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is an E5, which occurs during the ad-libs in the final chorus. The main melody typically hovers around C5-D5.
Rihanna uses vocal fry and compression. Do not just squeeze your throat. Practice vocal fry exercises in your lower range first, then gently apply that texture to mid-range notes.
It is challenging due to the dynamic control required. Beginners often struggle with the transition from the soft verses to the powerful chorus. Use the app to practice the transitions at 75% speed.
