The Reggae-Pop Workout
Released on the 2016 album Dangerous Woman, "Side to Side" features Nicki Minaj and showcases Ariana Grande's ability to blend smooth R&B tones with an upbeat reggae rhythm. While it sounds effortless, the song is a test of vocal stamina and stylistic placement.
The song stays primarily in the key of F# Minor. To nail this track, you need to master the balance between a relaxed "lazy" jaw for the verses and a supported mix voice for the chorus. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Stylistic Diction
Ariana is famous for her unique enunciation. In this song, she softens her consonants significantly. Don't over-articulate the "t"s and "d"s in the verses, or you will lose the reggae bounce.
Phase 1: The Verses (Rhythm & Flow)
The verses ("I've been here all night") sit in a comfortable midrange for most female voices. The challenge here is not pitch, but rhythm. You must sit slightly behind the beat to achieve that "island" vibe.
The Trap: Running out of breath. The phrases are short but come rapidly. Practice "snack breaths"—taking quick, silent sips of air through your mouth between lines without lifting your shoulders.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
The intensity builds on the line "I'm talkin' to ya." The melody ascends to a C#5. This needs to be sung in a chest-dominant mix. If you flip to head voice too early here, the song loses its driving energy.
- Support: Engage your core muscles as you ascend.
- Placement: Keep the sound forward in the "mask" of your face.
- Vowels: Modify the "ya" sound to be more open to prevent strain.
Phase 3: The Chorus Hook
The chorus ("Side to side") is repetitive, which means you need to keep the pitch accurate every single time. It hovers around A4 and B4, a bridge area for many singers where the voice wants to crack.
To maintain consistency, imagine the notes are moving horizontally rather than up and down. Keep your soft palate lifted to add resonance without shouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody hits an F#5, though the main belted sections focus heavily on C#5 and D5.
Yes. The lowest note is G3, which is very comfortable for Altos. The high notes in the chorus can be modified to falsetto if the belt is too high, or transposed down -2 semitones in the app.
Ariana uses a very light, heady mix. Avoid dragging heavy chest weight up. Think "light and bright" rather than "loud and heavy."
