Mastering the Soulful Groove
"Someone New" is a standout track from Hozier’s debut album, known for its infectious rhythm and soulful delivery. Unlike his slower ballads, this song demands agility. You need to navigate fast-paced lyrical runs in the verses while maintaining a laid-back, "cool" attitude in the delivery.
To sing this well, you need to lock into the groove. Hozier uses a technique that blends spoken-word style rhythm with melodic singing. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Tempo
Many singers drag the tempo during the verses. Our analysis shows that anticipating the downbeat slightly helps capture the bouncy energy of the original track. Keep it light and snappy.
Phase 1: The Verses (Rhythmic Phrasing)
The verses are wordy and sit in a comfortable mid-range for Baritones. The challenge is diction. Lines like "Don't take this the wrong way, you knew who I was with" need to be articulated clearly without sounding robotic.
The Trap: Singers often run out of breath because the phrases are long. Practice "sip breathing"—taking quick, silent breaths at punctuation marks—to keep the flow uninterrupted.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Falsetto Switch)
The hook relies on the contrast between the chest voice verses and the airy chorus. When Hozier sings "Honey," he flips into a light head voice or falsetto.
- The "Honey" High Note: This isn't about power; it's about texture. Keep the volume controlled and the tone breathy.
- Chest Return: Immediately after the falsetto, you drop back into chest voice for "There is no right way." This switch needs to be seamless.
- Groove: Lean into the backbeat. The chorus should feel like a release of tension from the verses.
Phase 3: The Bridge Dynamics
The bridge builds intensity. Hozier introduces a bit more grit here. You can add a slight vocal fry at the beginning of phrases to emulate his signature soul style.
To achieve this safely, relax your jaw and let the resonance vibrate in your chest. Do not push from the throat, or you risk strain. Think of the sound vibrating against your sternum.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted chest-voice notes hover around G4, but the falsetto/head voice sections in the background harmonies reach up to D5.
Yes. It is excellent for learning rhythm and register switching. The range isn't extreme, making it accessible for most male voices and adaptable for female voices.
Hozier uses a "yawny" vowel shape (low larynx) combined with good cord closure. Try singing with a more vertical mouth shape to darken the tone.
