Jessie Ware delivered a breathtaking rendition of The Way We Were at the BAFTAs, and it left us speechless. Whether you are a fan of the original or discovering this classic for the first time, Jessie Ware’s interpretation offers a masterclass in vocal technique, emotional storytelling, and artistic individuality. Let’s break down what makes this performance so special and what singers of all levels can learn from it.
Thin Vocal Folds and Breath Control in The Way We Were
One of the standout qualities of Jessie Ware’s performance is her use of thin vocal folds with just a touch of breath filtering through the sound. This creates a delicate, intimate texture right from the opening lines.
To achieve this kind of sound, the mouth stays relatively closed, and the focus shifts away from pushing breath. Instead, it becomes about managing volume. Keeping the volume low prevents too much air from being forced through the vocal folds, which is what gives the tone that soft, almost whispered warmth.
This is something any singer can begin practicing by humming gently with a relaxed jaw and gradually opening into vowel sounds without increasing airflow.
Falsetto vs. Thin Vocal Folds: The Subtle Difference
A key moment in The Way We Were comes when we hear what might sound like falsetto, but Jessie Ware is actually doing something more nuanced. The difference between falsetto and thin vocal folds with breath is subtle but important. In true falsetto, the vocal folds become stiff and there is a noticeable “plane change,” a sudden shift in tonal quality.
What Jessie Ware does instead is move in and out of thinner vocal fold configurations smoothly, without that abrupt tonal break. This surging between closed folds and breathier moments is what keeps the warmth in her sound.
While staying entirely in falsetto can create a blanket-like, airy tone, Jessie Ware’s approach allows for more colour and emotional depth throughout the performance.
The Role of Thyroid Tilt in Jessie Ware’s Sound
Thyroid tilt is one of the most important concepts for singers looking to understand how Jessie Ware creates her signature sound in this performance. The thyroid cartilage, the top part of the larynx where the vocal folds live, tips forward to create what we perceive as a “sung” quality. This tilt is the primary difference between a speaking voice and a singing voice. In The Way We Were, this tilt allows Jessie Ware to carry her thinner vocal fold sound higher in her range without flipping into a belty or speech-like quality. It also helps thicken the vocal folds slightly as she ascends, making it possible to navigate through the passaggio (the transition zone between vocal registers) with grace and control. At certain points, this quality almost takes on a musical theatre flavour, which adds to the richness of the performance.
A Unique Interpretation: Not a Copy of the Original
One of the most admirable things about this performance is that Jessie Ware does not simply imitate the iconic version of The Way We Were. It would be easy for any singer to fall into a direct copy when performing a song so deeply associated with its original artist, but Jessie Ware makes deliberate choices to put her own stamp on it.
She avoids mimicking the same stresses and phrasing, choosing instead to let her own musical instincts guide the delivery. This is a valuable lesson for all singers: honouring a song does not mean replicating it. Finding your own voice within a well-known piece is what separates a good cover from a truly memorable performance.
Slack Onset and Vocal Fold Closure
Another technical detail worth noting is Jessie Ware’s use of a slack onset on certain phrases. A slack onset is the slowest movement of the vocal folds coming together, producing a gentle, eased beginning to a note. This technique can actually help singers achieve both thicker and thinner vocal fold sounds without adding unnecessary pressure.
It is a fantastic exercise for any singer to practice. Try starting a phrase with a gentle “huh” before the word, letting the vocal folds come together slowly rather than snapping shut. This builds coordination and control, which are essential for singing songs like The Way We Were.
Emotional Storytelling and Staying Present
Beyond the technical elements, Jessie Ware’s performance is a lesson in emotional storytelling. There are moments where she stands in silence, simply staying present with the music and giving the audience space to absorb the instrumental sections.
This is something every professional singer learns to do well, but it is often overlooked by developing singers. The moments between singing are just as important as the singing itself.
When it comes to conveying emotion, a useful approach is to think about performing an action rather than simply labelling a feeling. Instead of trying to “sound sad,” consider what action you are performing with the words. Are you:
- Reflecting on a memory
- Holding back tears
- Confessing something vulnerable
- Letting go of the past
This kind of specificity helps colour the voice naturally, which is exactly what makes Jessie Ware’s performance so moving. Her emotional or character decision in certain moments draws the listener in completely.
Darker Timbre and Stylistic Choices in The Way We Were
Jessie Ware brings a slightly darker timbre to this performance, which suits the reflective nature of The Way We Were beautifully. This darker quality comes from a combination of factors:
- An increase in the depth of the vocal tract space
- A lowering of the larynx
- Possible lowering of the soft palate
- Vowel choices that naturally produce a warmer, rounder sound
These are all stylistic decisions, and what makes them effective is that they feel entirely natural. They do not sound forced or artificial. The darker tone brings more emotional weight to the performance and feels authentically connected to Jessie Ware’s own voice.
Volume, Mouth Shape, and Microphone Awareness
As The Way We Were builds, Jessie Ware navigates volume increases while maintaining her thinner vocal fold quality. Rather than switching into a thicker, beltier sound, she adds a slight tightening at the back of the throat to boost volume.
We also see her open her mouth wider during louder passages and move slightly away from the microphone, both of which are signs of a singer who understands acoustic volume and mic technique. For singers working on their own dynamics, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Opening the mouth wider can help project sound without pushing
- Moving away from the microphone compensates for increased acoustic volume
- A more open mouth can also subtly darken the tone
- There is a maximum volume achievable with thin vocal folds before the voice needs to transition to a thicker quality
Vibrato and Vocal Oscillation
While there is not a huge amount of vibrato in this performance, the moments where it does appear are worth examining. Vibrato, the natural oscillation of pitch in a sustained tone, can be produced in several ways. In Jessie Ware’s case, we can observe some movement beneath the chin, which suggests the larynx itself is involved in creating the oscillation. This is one of many approaches to vibrato, and how a singer chooses to produce it (or how much of it to use) is a deeply personal and stylistic choice.
Why Simple Songs Are the Hardest to Sing
This performance of The Way We Were is a perfect reminder that simple songs are often the most challenging to sing well. Without flashy vocal runs or dramatic acrobatics to lean on, the singer has nowhere to hide. It all comes down to storytelling, tone, and emotional honesty.
Jessie Ware demonstrates this beautifully: every phrase is intentional, every silence is purposeful, and every vocal choice serves the song. For singers looking for a challenging practice piece, The Way We Were is an excellent choice. It takes you through a wide vocal range, especially through the passaggio zone, and demands control, nuance, and genuine emotional connection.
Jessie Ware’s performance at the BAFTAs is proof that vocal artistry is not about perfection or imitation. It is about making the song your own, connecting with the story, and trusting your instrument. There is so much for every singer to learn from what she does with her voice, and this performance is nothing short of stunning.
If you want to learn more about how you can learn to implement these singing techniques into your own voice, let’s sit down for a chat and discuss if the vocal academy is the right fit for you. You can join us here.