Mastering Celine's Signature Optimism
"That's the Way It Is" was the lead single from Celine Dion's greatest hits album, representing a shift toward a more modern, mid-tempo pop sound. While it isn't as dramatically operatic as "All By Myself," it presents a unique challenge: maintaining high energy and perfect pitch through a relentlessly upbeat melody without sounding fatigued.
To sing this track effectively, you need a balanced mix. If you pull too much chest weight up, you will sound shouty. If you use only head voice, you will lose the pop punch. Let's break down the technical approach.
AI Coach Tip: Placement is Key
Celine uses a very forward, "mask" placement for this song. Smile slightly while singing the chorus to brighten the tone and help raise the soft palate. This makes the B4 and C#5 notes much easier to sustain.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 0:50)
The song begins in E Major. The verses sit in a comfortable mid-range (F#3 to B3). The danger here is sounding bored. You need to use a warm, slightly breathy tone to draw the listener in, but ensure your diction is crisp on words like "surrender" and "faith."
Rhythm Check: The phrasing is syncopated. Avoid rushing the ends of lines. The AI Coach often flags users for singing ahead of the beat during the verses.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:50 - 1:30)
Here is where the energy lifts. The melody jumps to the upper part of the staff. The repeated line "Don't give up on your faith" requires a strong mixed voice.
- Love: On the word "Love," Celine uses a straight tone that blooms into a vibrato at the very end.
- Way It Is: Keep the vowels narrow. Sing "Way" more like "Weh-ee" to prevent the sound from spreading too wide and cracking.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Modulation (2:40 - End)
The bridge builds tension, leading to the classic "Celine Modulation." The key shifts up a whole step to F# Major. This is the stamina test. You will be belting notes consistently around D#5 and E5.
Engage your core support heavily here. Do not lift your shoulders. Keep the sound buzzing in your nose and forehead (mask resonance) to cut through the backing track without hurting your vocal cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead melody hits a sustained E5 during the final chorus in the key of F# Major. Backing vocals may go higher.
Yes, though it sits high for most tenors. You can either sing it an octave lower or use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the track down -3 or -4 semitones to a comfortable male key.
Cracking usually happens when you carry too much "chest voice" weight upward. Try practicing the chorus on a "Nay" sound to find your mixed coordination before singing the lyrics.
