The Anthem for the Outsiders
"Wild Things" is a standout track from Alessia Cara's debut album Know-It-All. While it lacks the operatic range of Queen, it presents a different challenge: attitude and rhythm. The song is an anthem of self-acceptance, demanding a vocal performance that feels conversational yet punchy.
To sing this well, you need to master the balance between the "spoken" quality of the verses and the open, anthemic quality of the chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The verses move quickly. Our analysis shows users often slur the words "Don't mistake my steady rhythm for a skip." Focus on crisp consonant enunciation to keep the rhythm tight and improve your score.
Phase 1: The Rhythmic Verses (0:00 - 0:42)
The song begins with a simple beat. The challenge here isn't pitch—it sits comfortably in the middle register—but timing. Alessia uses a lot of syncopation.
The Trap: Singers often drag behind the beat. Practice singing the verses without the melody, focusing purely on the rhythm of the words. It should feel percussive. Keep your volume at a medium conversational level.
Phase 2: The Chorus Anthem (0:43 - 1:12)
The energy lifts as you hit the chorus. The line "Find me where the wild things are" requires a more open throat position. The melody climbs to a C#5 (Db5).
- Open Vowels: Modify the word "are" to sound more like "ah" to help resonate in the upper chest/mix voice without straining.
- We Make Our Own Rules: This line is the hook. Sing it with conviction. The notes are staccato (detached) rather than legato (smooth).
- Breath Support: Take a solid breath before the chorus hits; it’s a long phrase with high energy.
Phase 3: The Bridge and Outro
The bridge pulls back slightly before the final explosion of energy. This is your chance to show dynamic contrast. Start softer and build volume as the drums kick back in.
Alessia has a unique tone that often leans into "vocal fry" at the start of phrases. You can mimic this stylistically, but be careful not to overuse it, as it can dry out your cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest note in the main melody is a C#5 (Db5) during the chorus. There are ad-libs that may go higher, but the core melody stays within a comfortable belt range.
It is moderately difficult. While the range isn't extreme, the breath control required for the fast-paced verses and the sustained energy in the chorus makes it a great workout for intermediate singers.
Yes! This song is excellent for Altos and Mezzos. The verse sits quite low (down to F#3), which allows lower voices to shine with rich tone.
