The Art of the "Gritty Belt"
Kings of Leon's 2008 hit Use Somebody is a staple of alternative rock, known for Caleb Followill's raw, yearning vocal delivery. The song is written in C Major and spans two full octaves (C3 to C5). While the notes themselves fit comfortably within a Tenor's range, the challenge lies in the tone.
To sing this authentically, you need to balance clear pitch with emotional "grit." Many singers make the mistake of screaming to achieve this sound, which leads to vocal fatigue. Let's break down how to achieve power without pain.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
On the high belt "Somebody," don't sing a closed "Ee" sound. Modify the vowel to a more open "Ih" or "Eh" (as in "sit" or "set"). This lowers the larynx and allows you to belt the A4 without straining.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Controlled)
The song begins in the lower register: "I've been roaming around..." (sitting near C3/D3). This section needs to be conversational but supported. Do not let the voice become too breathy, or you will run out of air before the end of the phrase.
The Trap: Because the verse is low, singers often drop their diaphragm support. Keep the tension in your abs, not your throat, to maintain a steady volume.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Belt)
The energy explodes here. "You know that I could use somebody." The melody jumps up to G4 and A4. This is a classic chest-mix belt. You want to feel the resonance in your hard palate (behind your front teeth).
- "You know": Attack this confidently. If you slide into it, you may land flat.
- "Somebody": This is the climax. Use the vowel modification mentioned in the tip above.
- Grit: Add the rasp *after* you have secured the note. Think of it as a texture, not a volume knob.
Phase 3: The "Whoa-oh" Section
Following the second chorus and during the bridge/outro, Caleb unleashes a series of "Whoa-oh-oh" lines. These reach up to C5. For most singers, this is best approached in a reinforced falsetto or a light head voice.
Switching from the gritty chest voice of the chorus to this lighter coordination requires agility. Practice the transition slowly to avoid the dreaded "voice crack."
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note is a High C (C5) found in the "Whoa" ad-libs. The highest sustained belted note in the chorus is an A4.
Yes. The verses are very comfortable for baritones. The chorus A4 is challenging but achievable with a good mix. If it's too high, you can transpose it down -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to B Major.
Safe distortion comes from vocal compression and "twang," not from grinding your vocal cords. Practice making a "fry" sound (like a creaky door) and gently blending it into your tone.
