Bruce Springsteen’s classic tune “Thunder Road”, from his 1975 album “Born To Run”, is a great model for study if you’re trying to get a handle on writing a song that doesn’t use a chorus. Though the song steers clear of the standard verse-chorus-bridge format typical of so many songs in the popular music […]
Moving a chorus melody an octave higher can help differentiate it from a similar-sounding verse melody. There’s a sneaky little problem that can creep into a song as you write it, something that often escapes detection. The only thing you’re likely to notice is that the song seems tiresome and over-long, but you can’t figure […]
In the process of songwriting, many songwriters actually start with the chorus. That’s because the chorus tends to use shorter, stronger (and simpler) chord progressions, hooky melodies that use repeating ideas, and emotional lyrics. By comparison, the verse can be a bit more of a challenge. You need lyrics that describe people and/or situations, and […]
A climactic moment is an important part of the energy plan of your song. _________ Check out “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-Ebook Bundle – Powerful and effective songwriting instruction! _________ The more even the energy map of a song is, the more important a climactic moment becomes. A lot of people think they know […]
“Progression” in music causes expectations. What things other than chords progress in your songs? _____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-Ebook Bundle. 11 Songwriting Principles That Will Turn Your Writing Around – Guaranteed. _____________ The idea of chords progressing is a well-known one to us. But other song elements also progress. I’ve mentioned in this blog many times […]
A well-written bridge lyric will boost the basic energy of your song in a very natural way. _____________ Download “The Essential Secrets of Songwriting” 6-Ebook Bundle. 11 Songwriting Principles That Will Turn Your Writing Around – Guaranteed. _____________ For each section of your song, the lyric will take on a different characteristic. That’s because the changing nature of […]
