Mastering the Modern Disco Classic
Released on Bruno Mars' 2012 album Unorthodox Jukebox, "Treasure" is a high-energy homage to the disco and funk era of the late 70s and early 80s. While it feels feel-good and effortless, singing it correctly requires significant technical skill, particularly in rhythm and upper-register control.
To sing this well, you need to channel the brightness of Earth, Wind & Fire and the smooth pop sensibility of Michael Jackson. The track sits in Eb Major, which allows for warm lows but demands a powerful mix voice for the choruses.
AI Coach Tip: The "Smile" Technique
To get that piercing, bright tone that Bruno uses, try smiling slightly while you sing the chorus. This lifts your soft palate and brightens the resonance without adding strain to your throat.
Phase 1: The Verses (Groove is King)
The verses ("Give me your, give me your, give me your attention baby") are all about rhythm. The melody is relatively flat, sitting comfortably in the mid-range. Do not sing this legato (smoothly connected).
The Strategy: Sing with a staccato bounce. Treat your voice like a percussion instrument here. Keep the consonants crisp and the vowels short to lock in with the bass guitar.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
The section starting with "Pretty girl, pretty girl, pretty girl" is where the energy builds. The melody begins to ascend, creating tension that leads into the chorus. You need to start mixing your chest voice with head voice here to prepare for the higher notes, rather than dragging heavy chest voice up.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The hook "Treasure, that is what you are" hits a C5. This is a high note for most male singers to hit in full chest voice. Bruno uses a very forward, "twangy" mix here.
To hit this note safely:
- Support: Engage your core muscles firmly.
- Placement: Feel the vibration in your nose and mask, not your throat.
- Vowel Mod: Modify "Are" to sound more like "Oar" or "Uh" to keep the throat open.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody belts up to a C5. However, the background harmonies and ad-libs in the final chorus reach up to an Eb5 in falsetto.
It is moderately difficult. While the range is demanding for Tenors, the main challenge is maintaining the high energy and rhythmic precision without running out of breath.
Focus on a bright, forward tone (nasal resonance) and clean, punchy diction. Bruno rarely slurs his words in upbeat tracks; he attacks them with precision.
