The Anthem of Hi-NRG Pop
When "Relax" dropped in 1983, it didn't just climb the charts; it exploded. Produced by Trevor Horn, the song is a masterclass in production, but the vocal performance by Holly Johnson is what gives it its iconic grit. The track blends New Wave with Hi-NRG, demanding a vocal style that is part singing, part shouting, and entirely confident.
Unlike a ballad where you can hide behind vibrato, "Relax" exposes timing issues immediately. The driving bassline creates a rigid grid, and your vocals must lock in perfectly. Here is how to tackle the main sections.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Attack
Many singers drag behind the beat during the verses. The delivery of "Relax, don't do it" needs a sharp, percussive attack on the first syllable to match the synthesizer stabs.
Phase 1: The Verses (Restraint)
The song sits in E Minor. The verses stay in a comfortable lower register (around E3-A3). The key here is tone color. You shouldn't be singing "pretty."
The Technique: Use a bit of "vocal fry" or grit at the onset of words. The delivery should feel slightly menacing and breathless, but ensure you have enough air support to keep the pitch steady. Do not belt this part; keep it simmering.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Release)
This is the release of tension. The line "Relax, don't do it" jumps up in energy. While the pitch doesn't skyrocket (hovering around D4-E4), the volume does.
- Placement: Move your resonance forward into the "mask" (the front of your face) to cut through the heavy synth production.
- Vowels: Modify the vowel on "Relax" to be slightly more open (like "Re-lahx") to avoid tension in the jaw.
- Breathing: You have very little time to breathe between the repeated phrases. Practice "snatch breaths"—quick, silent inhales through the mouth.
Phase 3: The "Hough!" & Ad-libs
Holly Johnson's signature style includes various yelps and forceful exhales (often transcribed as "Hough!"). These aren't just noise; they are rhythmic percussion instruments.
To execute these without hurting your throat, engage your diaphragm sharply, exactly as if you were coughing. Do not scrape your vocal cords; let the air do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal belts up to a G4. While not incredibly high for a Tenor, sustaining this power over a dance beat requires significant stamina.
You can, but you will need to rely on microphone technique. Bring the mic closer for the verses to capture the "breathiness," and focus on rhythmic accuracy rather than raw volume.
The repetitive nature of the chorus is a cardio workout. Plan your breath points. Our App visualizes exactly where to inhale so you don't get caught empty-lunged.
