Mastering the Northern Soul Energy
"Plan B" captures the essence of Dexys Midnight Runners during their transition into the Celtic-Soul sound of the Too-Rye-Ay era. Released in 1981, it requires a vocalist who isn't afraid to be raw, emotive, and rhythmically punchy.
Kevin Rowland's vocal style here is less about perfect classical technique and more about attitude and projection. The song demands a strong chest voice and the ability to cut through a dense arrangement of brass instruments. Let's break down how to handle the dynamics and emotion.
AI Coach Tip: The "Cry" Technique
Rowland uses a "sob" or "cry" in his voice (tilting the thyroid cartilage). This allows you to hit higher notes with emotion without shouting and straining your vocal cords. Think of the feeling of frustration when you sing.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verses
The verses in "Plan B" are conversational but urgent. The backing track is driven by a steady beat and horn stabs. Your job is to lock in with the rhythm.
The Trap: It's easy to get lazy with diction here. Ensure your consonants are crisp so the lyrics don't get lost in the brass mix. Keep the placement forward in the "mask" of your face.
Phase 2: The Chorus Explosion
When the chorus hits ("Plan B!"), you need to increase volume and intensity. This isn't a melody to sing softly. It requires full engagement of your diaphragm.
- Attack: Hit the "P" in "Plan" with energy, but don't let too much air escape, or you'll run out of breath for the sustain.
- Resonance: Aim for a brighter tone. A dark, classical tone will sound out of place in this Northern Soul style context.
Phase 3: The Emotional Bridge
The song builds in intensity. As Rowland improvises and ad-libs, he often slides up to notes rather than hitting them directly. This stylistic choice adds to the "desperate" feel of the lyrics.
Practice sliding from a third below the target note up to the pitch to mimic this effect, but be careful not to stay flat. The Singing Coach AI pitch tracker is great for visualizing these scoops.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally tops out around A4 in chest/mix voice, though ad-libs may vary. It sits comfortably in a Tenor's energetic range.
Use diaphragm support! Rowland sounds like he is shouting, but he is actually using controlled projection. If your throat hurts, you are squeezing your vocal cords. Relax the neck and push from the belly.
Yes. If the original key feels too high or aggressive, use the Singing Coach AI app to lower the track by -1 or -2 semitones while you learn the phrasing.
