Mastering the "Wiped Out!" Vibe
"Single" is a standout track from The Neighbourhood's 2015 album Wiped Out!. Unlike power ballads, this song demands a mastery of texture and mood. Jesse Rutherford's vocals sit deep in the pocket, blending mumbled indie verses with a clean, melodic chorus. It’s less about vocal gymnastics and more about control and vibe.
To sing this well, you need to relax your jaw and focus on a "conversational" tone in the verses, while tightening your core for the sustained notes in the chorus. Let's break down the technique.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:45)
The song starts with a stripped-back, rhythmic delivery. The key here is to stay slightly "behind the beat." If you rush the lyrics, you lose the cool factor.
The Trap: Vocal fry. While some fry is stylistic, using too much will cause your pitch score to drop in the app. Try to keep a consistent airflow even when singing quietly.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:45 - 1:15)
The melody lifts here: "Baby, you're my number one." This line sits right in the passaggio (break area) for many baritones. You want to approach this with a light chest mix.
- Sustain: The notes are held longer here. Ensure you are breathing from your diaphragm before the line starts.
- Tone: Keep it bright but breathy. Don't push too much power or it will sound like a rock anthem, which contradicts the song's intimate feel.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The energy builds. You will need to increase your volume slightly, but maintain that smooth, indie-pop texture. The highest notes (around G#4) should feel effortless. If you feel strain in your neck, tilt your chin down slightly to neutralize the larynx.