A Masterclass in Vocal Vulnerability
Closing out the seminal album For Emma, Forever Ago, "Re: Stacks" is a haunting beautiful exploration of grief and renewal. Justin Vernon recorded this track in isolation, and the vocals reflect that setting perfectly. It is almost entirely sung in a reinforced falsetto (head voice), layered ("stacked") to create a choir-of-one effect.
The challenge here isn't range expansion or belting power; it is control. To sing this song effectively, you must maintain a consistent tone at a low volume without letting the pitch waver or the voice crack unintentionally.
AI Coach Tip: Manage Your Airflow
Because the song is sung in a breathy falsetto, you will expend air faster than usual. Our analysis suggests taking deeper, diaphragmatic breaths between the short phrases to avoid going flat at the end of lines like "the fountain in the front yard."
Phase 1: The "Excavation" (Verses)
The opening lines, "This my excavation and today is Kumran," set the tone. The key is F# Major. You want to approach this with a very light onset. Do not "hit" the notes; slide gently into them.
The Trap: Many singers tense their jaw when singing high and quiet. Keep your jaw loose and your tongue forward. The vowel shapes should be tall and narrow to help resonance in the head voice.
Phase 2: The Refrain
The refrain lines, "Your love will be safe with me," require a slight swell in dynamics (crescendo) and then a pull back. This push-and-pull is what gives the song its emotional weight.
Ensure that you are not switching into chest voice for the lower notes in the melody. The entire song should feel uniform in texture. If you switch registers, it will break the hypnotic spell of the track.
Phase 3: The Stacks (Harmonies)
If you are using the app to record harmonies, this is where the song shines. Vernon stacks thirds and fifths above the melody. The highest harmony reaches an F#5.
When recording the harmonies, aim for a "straight tone" (no vibrato). Vibrato can make the chords sound muddy when layered. Keep the tone laser-focused and pure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost exclusively. Justin Vernon utilizes a reinforced falsetto (head voice) for 95% of the track. He occasionally dips into a very light mix for the lowest notes, but the resonance stays in the head.
It is in F# Major (Gb Major). However, on the original recording, the guitar is tuned slightly sharp, making it sit in the "cracks" between standard pitches. The Singing Coach AI app corrects this to standard pitch for practice.
A little breathiness is good for the style, but too much leads to loss of control. Try focusing on "cord closure." Practice the melody on a "Gug" sound to help bring the vocal cords together without adding chest weight.
