A + B = A Song

   During the 20^th century and continuing into the 21^st century, there has been a quasi-mathematical formula followed in the majority of musical songs. This formula has served as somewhat of a guideline in regards to the way a song should sound and be structured. That being said, this should not be considered as a universal law. Many musicians who don’t follow this structure still produce material that is similar in terms of sound, emotion, and its reception. Let’s take a quick look into the formulaic nature of music.

     I must first point out that this structure is primarily used for any sort of “rock” sound (notice the quotations). This “rock” sound that I speak of encompasses some of the following genres: rock, pop rock, hard rock, slow rock, hardcore, metalcore, metal, punk, ska, country, jazz, pop etc. This list would tend to not include genres such as rap, hip-hop, r&b, dance etc. as they consist mainly of looping beats (often one looping beat). However, as I stated before, this formula is not needed to produce a song.

     In terms of the structure, most songs start off with a form of an “intro”. These intros are commonly stand alone riffs that end up leading into the verse (and may be repeated later; it is seldom though). On occasion, these intro riffs will indeed be a chorus riff that gets played again later; the intro riff may also be the verse riff right away. The primary function of the intro riff is to serve as a device to get the song started and usually set the tone for the rest of the song. It is definitely subject to change at times, but that is its usual function.

     After the intro riff, and assuming it is still a stand alone intro, the verse will kick in. There is no format for how the verse should sound after the intro; however, many times it tends to slow down after a fast intro, and proceeds to build up to a chorus. Other times there may be a faster verse with a slower chorus. On average, I would say the verse will be somewhat slower, or at least on par with the chorus in terms of speed. The first verse is also somewhat shorter than the second, as the second occasionally gets an extension before the chorus.

     In regards to the chorus, it usually comes after the verse and will tend to be heavier, faster, or more “powerful” than the verse was. The first chorus in a song may not always be as long as the second chorus, which may add another part, or simply repeat itself to extend length. Once the chorus ends, it will fade back into the verse.

     The second verse is more susceptible to alterations than the first is. It may start with a drum fill, or just drums and bass before the guitar(s) kick back in to its normal speed/sound. After these small alterations, if any, it continues back to the chorus, but may have a small bridge between the two for a build up.

     The second chorus does not change a whole lot from the first. As stated before, it may add a part that wasn’t included in the first, or it will just extend itself from repetition. After the chorus finishes, it usually chooses one of two paths to continue on.

     After the second chorus, a guitar solo or other filler riffs are brought in. The solo is one of the most common to put in after the chorus, although there is usually a build up of some sort before going into it. For groups that do not use a solo, they generally come up with a riff or two and play that before heading back into the chorus. Call it a bridge, interlude, or filler, it is usually what follows. As for some of the hardcore/metalcore bands, they tend to fill this part, as well as other small parts, with a breakdown.

     Once one or many of the above are completed, the song usually jumps back into the chorus. This chorus is similar in length and alterations to the second one. Some songs end on the chorus (or an extended version of it), while others will come up with another riff to end on after finishing the chorus. Some examples that are common tend to be the intro riff being played again, a solo-outro, or a brand new riff to finish with.

     Now, keep in mind that what I have said here is not a universal rule by any means, and I am more than certain you will find bands/songs to refute what I just said. Actually, let me do it for you: Underoath, August Burns Red, and Shotgun Rules. These are three hardcore/metalcore/emo bands that come to mind when I talk of breaking down the common musical structure. They are all incredibly successful in their respected genres, and do not tend to use this formulaic approach to making music.

     Just to reiterate, let us go over this common structure again: intro, verse, chorus, verse (altered), chorus (altered/extended), bridge/interlude/breakdown/solo, bridge, chorus (altered/extended), outro (chorus/solo/riff). Keep this in mind the next time you are listening to music. I can guarantee that you will notice this structure on a number of occasions. On the other hand, you may not notice this trend at all; or you may find variations of what I have described above. Now go turn on the radio.