How To Write A Great Song!

Pearl Jam - The Fixer

2012-09-19T13:32:00.000-04:00

Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

2012-09-12T12:47:00.001-04:00

Billy Idol - Rebel Yell

2012-01-07T14:09:00.000-05:00

An 80's classic

Gnarles Barkley: Crazy

2011-02-27T13:52:00.001-05:00

Hip Hop/R&B songs may have a variation with their structure. Sometimes instead of a Bridge, they will just go back to the verse, likely changing it up with a beat or some kind of variation that the other verses and finish off with the chorus.

This is a great song with a powerful hook. See not all songs have to be written EXACTLY the same, however by using the formula as a guide you can have a cohesive structure with rules you can bend.

Sponge Live! Rotting Pinata...

2011-02-26T16:58:00.000-05:00

Any of my fellow people of Grunge remember Sponge? Here's a live version of "Rotting Pinata" taken in 2010. I remember rockin' out to this album which was certified with selling over 500,000 copies. Not too shabby with sales and it STILL kicks ass.

Look for the changes.

The Doors... Light my fire!

2011-02-25T13:58:00.002-05:00

Check out these classic rock gods perform "Light My Fire". One helluva hook that we all know well. Follow the changes and see how this great song works with the formula.

Karma Police Live by Radiohead

2011-02-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

Here's a live performance of Karma Police by Radiohead. It's a great song and has a unique twist. Here the Bridge becomes a 2nd strong hook and the ending to the song. Slightly varied from the typical songwriters formula but more or less using verse-chorus changes with a suped up bridge.

Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana

2011-02-18T09:08:00.000-05:00

Here's Nirvana with "Heart Shaped Box" and it's use of the formula. Also, check out the repeated end... it can be a VERY strong ending.

Pretty Noose - Soundgarden

2011-02-16T12:04:00.002-05:00

Here's another example of a GREAT band... SOUNDGARDEN, using the songwriters formula to write this kick ass 90's tune. Spot the changes!

Weezer using the formula

2011-02-13T00:22:00.005-05:00

Here's a song from Weezer called "If you're wondering if you want me to (I want you to)" from their Raditude album and it uses the songwriting formula. I thought it was an EXCELLENT use of the...

Verse - Prechorus - Chorus - Verse2 - PreChorus2 - Chorus2 - Bridge - Prechorus3 - Chorus3
Dig in!