Tension drives the best rock ’n’ roll songs, followed by release. Chords that fill layers of frequencies get balanced out by space. Some artists use tried-and-true formats, like verse, chorus, and bridge; others meander in magical ways and somehow still capture our fancy. I’m always pleased to hear a surprise frame tacked onto the melody. … Read more
Many artists treat the transition from one song to another as a subtle form of communication. When the occasion arises, they seamlessly blend two songs. The Grateful Dead specialized in this sort of misdirection. Many of their tunes locate and inhabit wormholes leading to other musical galaxies. For example, “Slipknot” evolved as a means to … Read more
What rock ’n’ roll songs made you laugh out loud the first time you heard them? I’m not talking witty, sardonic, or smug. What’s flat-out funny? Certain artists specialize in the theater of the clever and absurd. Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Warren Zevon, and Steely Dan come to mind. Even the Eagles gave us the … Read more
Most composers incorporate transitional bridges into the structure of their tunes. These short sections, commonly called the “middle eight,” distract us from the main theme long enough to create a sense of anticipation so the melody can reestablish itself with a bang. It’s an essential element of Songwriting 101. Of course, some next-level artists vibrate … Read more
In March 1981, the Who released the first album of their post–Keith Moon era, Face Dances. The melodies mirrored the band’s precarious state, with members caught under rip tides of alcohol and cocaine, but the songs also portrayed the general unease and despair of the early 1980s. The whole disc relayed the sense of dread … Read more
The first album by the Stephen Stills–led band, Manassas, stands as one of the most underrated records of all time. There’s one great track after another for the full four sides. One of those classics is called “It Doesn’t Matter.” It established a blueprint for the Stevie Nicks–Lindsay Buckingham edition of Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, … Read more
People gravitate to many types of songs for various reasons. Some contain personal messages, triggering sense memories. Others dig into our ears, like earthworms, even when we try to ignore them. I’m convinced the public doesn’t yearn for yet another analysis of “Like a Rolling Stone” or “Born to Run.” This series of contemplations isn’t … Read more