Guide for Crafting a Tune in the Year 2024

In the world of music, pop songs are a familiar and beloved genre, often providing catchy tunes and memorable lyrics. But have you ever wondered about the structure behind these melodies that make them so appealing? Let's delve into the intricacies of a typical pop song.

The foundation of a pop song lies in its sections, each usually 8 or multiples of 8 bars long. A typical pop song is around 80 bars long, making it easy to follow and remember. These sections include the introduction, verse, chorus, middle eight, and tag.

The verse is the section where the story is told or the situation is described. It usually introduces characters and sets the scene. In many songs, each verse brings the story forward, and the chorus is often the same words repeated, building a sense of anticipation for the chorus.

The chorus is the heart of the song, containing the main lyrical point and often forming the basis of the title. It is the section where the audience joins in to sing along with the lead performer. Choruses are typically 8 bars long, but can be longer or shorter. Choruses are usually lyrically identical for audience participation.

The bridge or prechorus is the section after the verse that prepares the audience for the chorus. It adds a twist to the song, creating a sense of tension before the chorus's release. A common practice is to have the first chorus 8 bars long and subsequent choruses as 'Double chorus' - the chorus repeated twice.

The middle eight is a section in the middle of a song that adds new content to revitalize the song. It can be instrumental solos or include new lyrical content that introduces a different angle on the lyric. The middle eight is not necessarily 8 bars long, but can be any length.

Lastly, the tag is a memorable lyric that's repeated throughout the song, usually after (or sometimes within) the chorus, making the song more catchy and easy to remember. The tag is often the title of the song.

It's fascinating to see how these elements work together to create a balanced blend of predictability and surprise, making the song memorable and keeping the listener engaged. Just like in a romantic Hollywood movie, where the story follows a structure of rising action, climax, and denouement, music too, has its own structure that adds depth and emotion to the melodies we love.