The Queen of Camden Meets Ska
Originally recorded by Toots & the Maytals, Amy Winehouse's cover of "Monkey Man" (featured on the deluxe edition of *Back to Black*) is a masterclass in energy, rhythm, and attitude. Unlike her slower ballads, this song demands high stamina and precise rhythmic placement.
To sing this well, you need to lock into the "skanking" rhythm. The challenge isn't hitting high notes—most of the song sits comfortably in the chest voice—the challenge is keeping up with the tempo while maintaining Amy's signature laid-back phrasing.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Rush
Ska is fast, but Amy often sings slightly *behind* the beat (back-phrasing). Our analysis shows that users who rush the lyrics lose points on 'Style'. Relax into the groove.
Phase 1: The Verses (Staccato Delivery)
The verses ("Ay, ay, ay... I was only hugging up the big monkey man") require clipped, staccato delivery. You want to articulate the consonants clearly to cut through the heavy brass section. Amy drops her jaw for vowels to create a rounder, darker tone even when singing quickly.
The Trap: Running out of breath. Because the tempo is high, you must snatch quick breaths between phrases without disrupting the flow.
Phase 2: The "Ay Ay Ay" Hook
This repeated hook is the heart of the song. It sits around B4/C5. To get Amy's sound, avoid a clean, "pretty" head voice. You want a mix that leans heavily on chest resonance.
- Projection: Imagine you are shouting to a friend across a noisy room.
- Vowel Shape: Modify the "Ay" towards an "Ah" sound to keep the throat open and avoid a pinched nasal tone.
Phase 3: The Attitude (The Growl)
Amy Winehouse is famous for her vocal texture. In *Monkey Man*, she uses vocal fry and growls at the beginning of phrases to add grit. This isn't about damaging your cords; it's about safe constriction.
To practice this safely, try making a gentle "grudge" noise like you are lifting something heavy, then slide into the note. This engages the false vocal cords safely to produce that gritty soul sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is generally a C5 during the ad-libs and the "Ay Ay Ay" sections, making it very accessible for Altos and Contraltos.
Yes, especially for those wanting to practice rhythm. The range isn't extreme, but the speed offers a great workout for diction and breath support.
Focus on "lazy" consonants and back-phrasing. Amy rarely hit the beat exactly on the 1; she danced around it. Use the Singing Coach AI app to visualize where your vocals land compared to the beat.
