Sass, Rhythm, and The Whistle
Released as the lead single from *Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel* (2009), "Obsessed" is a masterclass in R&B/Pop phrasing. Unlike her power ballads like *Hero*, this track focuses heavily on rhythmic delivery, crisp diction, and tonal attitude. It blends hip-hop cadences with Mariah’s signature airy head voice.
To score high on this track, you need more than just pitch accuracy; you need character. The delivery transitions from a low, spoken-word chest voice to a floating chorus, topped off with background whistle notes that sit at the very edge of the human vocal range.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breath
The verses are wordy and fast ("all up in the blogs, sayin' we met at the bar"). Users often run out of air before the end of the phrase. Practice "sip breathing"—taking quick, silent breaths at punctuation marks.
Phase 1: The Verses (Sing-Rap Flow)
The verses are in C Minor and sit in a lower, comfortable speaking range. The challenge is the rhythm. You are essentially rapping with a melody.
Technique: Keep your consonants percussive. Emphasize the "B" in "blogs" and "bar." Do not drag the vowels out; keep them short and staccato to match the beat.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Airy Head Voice)
The chorus shifts gears completely. When singing "Why you so obsessed with me?", drop the aggressive chest voice and switch to a breathy mix or pure head voice.
- Tone: Think "soft" but supported. If you are too breathy without diaphragm support, the pitch will go flat.
- The "Ooh, Ooh" Hook: This needs to be legato (smooth), contrasting the choppy verses.
Phase 3: The Whistle Register (Ad-libs)
Throughout the outro and background layers, Mariah hits notes in the 7th octave (C7). This is the "whistle register."
To attempt this, you must have a relaxed throat. If you feel tightness or pain, stop immediately. You are looking for a "zipper" sensation in your vocal cords where only a tiny portion vibrates. If you cannot whistle, substituting these notes with a high falsetto is a perfectly acceptable way to complete the song in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest notes are the background ad-libs in the whistle register, reaching a C7. The main melody stays within a more accessible range.
Not necessarily. The Singing Coach AI detects pitch relative to your chosen octave. You can sing the ad-libs in falsetto, or focus on nailing the verses and chorus for a high percentage score.
Use vocal fry at the beginning of phrases in the verses. It adds that bored, unbothered texture that defines the song's character.
