Song Structure + RPM
There is a large bulk of these newsletters where I discuss storytelling or lyric. But, today I want to start discussing the more musical elements of songwriting. Creative folks can argue all day and all night about whether lyrics or melody play a more integral role in a song's success. But, in reality, both have to be excellent in order for a song to take off. So, today, let's talk about what makes a song musically successful: song structure + RPM.
Songs have form. In popular music during the 20th and 21st century, a basic structure has remained static. Most songs flow forth in the following manner: verse - pre-chorus - chorus - verse - pre-chorus - chorus - bridge - chorus. The Beatles, Beyoncé, Migos, Dolly Parton, and thousands of other artists have built careers out of songs with this structure. Musically, each section does a different thing.
Verses, where most of the storytelling will take place, can be approached in many different ways. They can be sing-songy or rhythmic, but tend to contain some space so that the listener has time to understand the story. You have a lot of freedom in the verse. Pre-Choruses typically have a rhythmic melody or short phrase that connects the verse to the chorus, building tension in anticipation of a release. A chorus contains a simple melody that the listener can sing back immediately. Because the chorus will be repeated three times, its simplicity is a necessity. And, the bridge provides some musical turn that can give the song whatever it has been lacking: emotional catharsis, rhythmic bombast, a quiet moment, etc.
With a basic understanding of song form under our belt, I want to make sure you understand how to make each section feel different. Songs that succeed change the RPM or rhythm, phrasing, and melody between their sections. Rhythm here refers to the pattern of the beats of the melody line: is it falling on the down beat or the off beat? Is it rhythmically dense or just a simple whole note? Phrasing refers to how a particular line is being sung: Is it stacatto or is it legato? Finally, melody refers to where the notes are falling: is it high or is it low? is it a single note is it multiple? What's most important is that the RPM changes in each section.
For example, if your verse has a very legato phrasing, rhythms that fall on the off beat, and a melody that remains stagnant with a single note, you'll want to create contrast in your pre-chorus. In your pre-chorus you might want to have a more stocatto phrasing, rhythms that fall on the down beat, and a melody that moves between intervals. Again, when it comes time for your chorus, you'll need to create contrast with both of the previous sections. Perhaps, have a phrasing that mixes stocatto and legato approaches, start your rhythm on beat two of the phrase, and make a melody that is higher than the rest. This is obviously a very analytical way of thinking of the creative process. But, by understanding the need for contrast, you'll more likely be able to apply it in your own songs.
