The Ultimate 90s Funk Rock Jam
Released on the 1991 album Pocket Full of Kryptonite, "Two Princes" is a masterclass in rhythmic vocal delivery. Chris Barron's vocal style is loose, playful, and heavily influenced by scat singing, yet it requires precise timing to lock in with the drum groove.
To sing this well, you need to stop thinking about sustained notes and start thinking about percussion. The vocals act as another rhythm instrument in the mix. Let's break down exactly how to tackle the verses, the hook, and the infamous scat solo.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Rush
Because the lyrics are dense ("If you want to buy me flowers..."), singers tend to speed up. Our analysis shows that laying back slightly on the beat creates that authentic funk pocket. Relax your jaw.
Phase 1: The Verses (Percussive Diction)
The verses are conversational but punchy. The key here is consonant clarity. You are telling a story about two suitors.
The Trap: Running out of breath before the pre-chorus. The line "He has diamonds in his pockets" moves quickly into the next phrase. Practice "sip breathing"—taking quick, silent breaths between phrases without breaking the groove.
Phase 2: The Hook (Just Go Ahead Now)
The chorus is deceptively simple. "Just go ahead now" sits right in the passaggio for many baritones (around D4/E4).
- Tone: Keep it bright and forward. Imagine you are shouting to a friend across the street, but keep the volume controlled.
- Pitch: Watch out for the slide down on "now." It needs to be deliberate, not lazy.
Phase 3: The Scat Solo
This is the signature moment of the song. Barron improvises with nonsense syllables ("Dop, doo, do-do-do-dah..."). To master this:
1. Commitment: You cannot sing scat halfway. You must commit to the sounds fully.
2. Vowels: Use sharp vowels like "Dih" and "Doh" to mimic the snare and kick drum.
3. Range: The scat section hits some of the highest notes in the song (up to G4). Use a heady mix here to avoid straining your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody goes up to an F#4/G4, but during the ad-libs and scat sections, Chris Barron hits notes that touch on A4. It is generally a safe range for Baritones.
Avoid singing too "classically." Allow your voice to have some grit and vocal fry at the ends of phrases. It should sound like you're having fun, not reciting a poem.
Yes! Tenors will find the chorus very comfortable. You may want to add a bit more chest resonance (weight) to your voice in the verses to match the original tone.
