The Anthem of Soul
"(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" is a masterclass in dynamic singing. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin specifically for Aretha Franklin, the song demands more than just hitting the right notes—it requires emotional authenticity. The track builds slowly from a reflective, intimate verse to a soaring, gospel-infused chorus.
To sing this well, you need to understand the concept of "tension and release." The verses hold back, while the chorus releases all that built-up energy. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Relaxed Phrasing
Aretha often sings "back phrasing" (slightly behind the beat) to create a relaxed, soulful feel. Don't rush the lyrics "Looking out on the morning rain." Let the words sit in the pocket of the groove.
Phase 1: The Verse (0:00 - 0:54)
The song begins in C Major. The entry "Looking out on the morning rain" sits in the lower range (A3-C4). You want a warm, chest-voice tone here, but keep it breathy and gentle. Do not push volume yet.
The Trap: Many singers try to add too many vocal runs (melisma) in the first verse. Keep the melody straight and simple initially; this makes the later ad-libs more impactful.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
On the line "When my soul was in the lost and found," the melody begins to ascend. This is your ramp-up. You should start increasing your volume and switching from a breathy tone to a more solid, resonant chest mix.
- Lost and found: Requires clear diction.
- You came along: This is the turning point where the mood shifts from melancholy to hopeful.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus, "You make me feel," is the centerpiece. The word "feel" and "natural" hit the C5/D5 range. This requires a confident belt. To achieve the "Aretha sound," place the sound forward in your "mask" (the front of your face/nose area) to get that bright, piercing resonance without straining your throat.
Be careful on the final "Woman"—it's a sustained note that requires steady breath support. Engage your diaphragm to keep the pitch steady.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody peaks at C5, but Aretha's improvised ad-libs and riffs frequently hit D5 and E5 in the final chorus and outro.
The melody is accessible, making it a great song to learn. However, mastering the soulful nuances and dynamic control makes it an intermediate challenge to perfect.
Ensure you are using "mixed voice" rather than pulling your heavy chest voice up too high. Practice the chorus on the vowel "Nay" to help find the right placement before singing the lyrics.
