A Masterclass in Reggae-Rock Fusion
Roxanne is more than just a hit; it's a pivotal track that introduced the world to The Police's unique blend of punk energy and reggae rhythms. Released in 1978, Sting's vocal performance is legendary for its raw power, high register, and distinctive tonal quality.
To sing this well, you need agility. You must be able to switch instantly from the clipped, staccato phrasing of the verses to the full-throated, aggressive belt of the chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Rhythm
In the verses, sing slightly "behind" the beat to capture that authentic reggae feel. Our analysis shows users often rush the phrasing on "you don't have to put on the red light."
Phase 1: The Verse (Reggae Feel)
The song starts in G minor. The verses are sung in a sparse, staccato style. Sting uses a cleaner, almost conversational tone here. The key is to keep the volume controlled.
The Trap: Do not add grit yet. If you start aggressive in the verse, you will have nowhere to go dynamically when the chorus hits. Keep the vowels short and crisp.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (The Build)
The line "I loved you since I knew you" acts as the bridge between the two styles. You need to begin adding vocal compression here. The melody starts to climb, and you should feel the resonance move from your chest up into your pharyngeal mask.
Phase 3: The Chorus (The Rock Belt)
This is the challenge. "Roxanne!" is belted repeatedly at a high pitch (around Bb4/C5). This requires massive core support.
- Placement: Use a "call" or "yell" coordination. Do not flip into falsetto unless you are doing the specific backing harmonies.
- Vowel Modification: Modify the "A" in Roxanne towards an "Eh" or "Ah" sound. A pure "A" (as in apple) will close your throat at this pitch.
- Grit: To get Sting's rasp, use false-cord distortion safely. Do not grind your vocal cords together; instead, increase airflow speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody belts reach up to a C5, but Sting often ad-libs up to a G5 in the outro. It is exceptionally high for a male chest voice.
It is very difficult for a baritone in the original key. We recommend using the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down -2 or -3 semitones to make the "Roxanne" belt accessible.
Grit should come from compression above the vocal cords, not tension within them. Ensure your neck muscles are relaxed. If you feel tickling or pain, stop immediately and rest.
