Mastering the "Imagine Dragons" Gritty Belt
"Natural" is a high-energy anthem released on the 2018 album Origins. Lead singer Dan Reynolds is known for his percussive vocal style and intense, gritty belts. This song is a perfect workout for singers looking to improve their chest voice endurance and rhythmic accuracy.
The track relies heavily on dynamics, moving from a brooding, spoken-word style in the verses to an explosive wall of sound in the chorus. Here is the blueprint for singing it correctly without blowing out your voice.
AI Coach Tip: Consonant Diction
In the verses ("Will you hold the line"), don't slur your words. Dan treats his voice like a drum. Our analysis shows that over-enunciating the 't', 'd', and 'k' sounds improves rhythmic scoring by 15%.
Phase 1: The Verses (A2 - D3)
The song starts low in the chest register. The key here isn't melody, but attitude. The lyrics "Well, you hold the line" sit around A2 and C3.
The Trap: Many singers get too "breathy" here trying to sound mysterious. Keep your vocal cords fully adducted (closed) to get that fry-tinged, spoken authority. It should feel like you are telling a secret, not whispering.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As you hit the line "That's the price you pay," you need to begin lifting your soft palate. The song is building intensity. You are moving from the conversational A2 range up toward the D4, preparing for the launch.
- Breath Support: Take a massive, low breath before "leave behind" because the chorus hits immediately after without a break.
- Placement: Move the resonance from your chest to your "mask" (the front of your face) to ensure the upcoming high notes pierce through the music.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (A4)
The chorus drop on the word "Natural" is a belted A4. This is high for a Baritone and requires significant energy.
To achieve the grit without pain, use "twang" (narrowing the pharynx) combined with strong abdominal support. Do not squeeze your throat. The distortion should come from a relaxed placement, often utilizing safe "false chord" activation. Think of calling out to someone across a noisy street—loud, but projected, not screamed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is an A4 (on the word "Natural"). There are backing vocals and ad-libs that may reach slightly higher.
Yes! It is better to sing the chorus cleanly with good power than to force a grit sound and hurt yourself. You can add the texture later as you develop safe distortion techniques.
It is a perfect hybrid. The low verses (A2) favor Baritones, while the high chorus (A4) sits in a Tenor's "money zone." It is a great challenge for both voice types.
