Mastering the Psychedelic Croon
People Are Strange is a masterpiece of mood and atmosphere. Released on the 1967 album Strange Days, it captures the alienation of the counterculture movement. For a singer, the challenge isn't vocal acrobatics—it's character.
Jim Morrison's performance draws heavily from cabaret and vaudeville styles. The delivery is slightly detached, eerie, and conversational. To sing this well, you need to resist the urge to "perform" too hard. It requires a relaxed chest voice and precise, slightly lazy timing.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Phrasing
A common mistake is singing strictly on the grid. Morrison often sings slightly behind the beat (back-phrasing) to create a relaxed, confident feel. Don't rush the word "Strange" in the chorus.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:38)
The song opens in E Minor. The lines "People are strange when you're a stranger" sit low in the Baritone range. You want to maintain a warm chest resonance here.
The Trap: Many singers lose volume on the low notes. Keep your diaphragm engaged and think of the sound vibrating in your sternum. The tone should be dark but clear.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:38 - 0:56)
Here, the melody lifts. "Women seem wicked when you're unwanted" requires more energy. While you don't need to belt, you should add a bit of "bite" or twang to your voice to cut through the mix.
- Articulation: Over-enunciate the consonants (especially the 'k' in wicked and 't' in unwanted) to mimic Morrison's theatrical style.
- Dynamics: Swell slightly in volume on the ascending lines, then pull back immediately for the verses.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The solo section features Morrison doing ad-libs. This is where you can explore your upper range (up to G4). The key is to keep the throat open. If you squeeze, you'll lose that signature "haunting" quality.
For the final "When you're strange," let the note trail off with a controlled vibrato. It shouldn't cut off abruptly; let it fade like a ghost.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody goes up to an E4, but with ad-libs and belts, Morrison hits a G4. It is very comfortable for most male voices.
Yes, but you may sound brighter than Morrison. To capture the original vibe, try darkening your vowels (shape your mouth like an 'O') to add more depth to your tone.
That is mostly production (reverb), but you can simulate it by using a breathy onset to your notes and maintaining smooth legato lines.
