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.
AI Coach Tip: Diction Control
A common mistake users make is over-enunciating the verses. This song requires a "lazy" mouth shape. Keep the consonants soft to match the original style.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody hits a G#4. There are falsetto layers that go higher, but the core performance relies on a solid upper-chest range.
Technically, the notes are accessible. The difficulty lies in the style. Capturing The Neighbourhood's specific "moody" atmosphere without sounding flat is the challenge.
This track is perfect for Baritones and lower Tenors. The key of C# Minor allows for a rich lower register while still offering some impressive moments in the upper midrange.
