Mastering the Pop-Rock Edge
"There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back" was released on Shawn Mendes' second studio album, Illuminate. It stands out for its aggressive acoustic guitar drive and high-energy vocal delivery. Unlike his softer ballads, this track requires a blend of rhythmic precision (almost bordering on rap) and powerful chest belting.
The song is physically demanding. You need to maintain forward momentum without running out of breath, especially during the pre-chorus buildup. Let’s break down the technical approach required to score high.
AI Coach Tip: Rhythmic Diction
In the verses, Shawn uses "patter" phrasing. Do not slur your words. The AI detects consonant clarity on lines like "I wanna follow where she goes." Keep your lips active and your tongue forward.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low Range & Rhythm)
The song starts in the lower register (around D3). It’s conversational but urgent. The danger here is getting too comfortable and dragging the tempo. You must be right on top of the beat.
The Trap: Because the pitch is low, singers often drop their breath support. Keep your core engaged so the voice doesn't sound "fry-heavy" or lazy. You need that buzzing energy right from the first line.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As the electric guitar riff enters ("'Cause if we lost our minds..."), the melody begins to climb. You need to start mixing your voice here. Don't pull your heavy chest voice up too quickly, or you will fatigue before the chorus hits.
- Dynamic Build: Start at a medium volume and get louder with each measure.
- Compression: Add a slight "cry" to your voice to thin out the vocal cords while maintaining intensity.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (A4)
The chorus ("Oh, I've been shaking...") hits a powerful A4. This is a high note for many male singers. Shawn Mendes uses a "gritty" texture here, which is achieved by safe constriction above the vocal cords, not by grinding them together.
To hit the A4 safely: Think of shouting "Hey!" across a street. Use that placement—forward in the mask, resonant, and loud—but anchor it deep in your body. If you feel a tickle in your throat, back off the volume and add more breath support.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest sustained chest-voice note is an A4. There are ad-libs that may go higher, but the core melody tops out there.
It is challenging for a Baritone, but possible. The A4 is in the "danger zone." You can transpose the track down -1 or -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to make it more comfortable.
Rasp should be a stylistic choice, not a result of damage. Try to incorporate a "vocal fry" onset into the note, or use "twang" to create a piercing sound that mimics grit without the strain.
