The Ultimate Test of Vocal Agility
Released on the 1997 album Butterfly, "My All" is widely considered one of Mariah Carey's finest vocal performances. Influenced by Latin guitar rhythms and R&B soul, the song requires a singer who can navigate complex runs (melisma) while maintaining an intimate, breathy texture.
The difficulty lies in the contrast. The verses are sung in a whispery, low chest register, while the chorus and bridge demand power and precision in the upper mixed voice. Here is your roadmap to singing it correctly.
AI Coach Tip: Airflow Control
Don't confuse "quiet" with "unsupported." Even in the whisper sections, your diaphragm must be engaged. If you cut the airflow, your pitch will go flat on the lower notes like G3.
Phase 1: The Breathy Verse (0:00 - 1:15)
The song opens in G Minor. The line "I am thinking of you" sits low in the tessitura. Mariah uses a technique often called the "whisper register"—it is chest voice mixed with a significant amount of air.
The Trap: Many singers sound "groggy" here. To fix this, place the resonance forward in your mask (nose and cheekbones) even while singing quietly. This keeps the tone bright and intelligible.
Phase 2: The Chorus & Runs (1:15 - 2:30)
The melody lifts. The phrase "I'd give my all" requires a smooth transition from your breathy verse tone to a clearer, more connected sound. The signature challenge here is the melisma—singing multiple notes on one syllable.
- Accuracy: The runs in "My All" are fast and rhythmic. Slow them down to 50% speed in the app to practice note separation.
- Dynamics: Swell into the higher notes. Don't attack them aggressively; let the volume grow naturally with the pitch.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:30 - End)
The bridge builds tension, leading to the final chorus where Mariah unleashes a full belt/mix up to G5. The ad-libs in the background are iconic, but focus on the main melody first.
To hit the high G5 without strain, drop your jaw and anchor your body. Avoid "squeezing" the note out. Think of the sound traveling down into your body rather than up out of your head to maintain depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody peaks at a belted/mixed G5. However, Mariah's background harmonies and ad-libs often explore the whistle register and higher head voice octaves.
Not necessarily. The verses are actually quite low (G3), which suits Altos perfectly. The high belts can be taken in a head voice if the mixed belt is too challenging.
Drink plenty of water. The "breathy" tone dries out vocal cords quickly. Ensure you are supporting the sound with your abs, not your throat muscles.
