Write a Modern Pop Song
Do you often have ideas for a song - whether they be poetry or lyrics verses, humming a melody in your head, or playing a catchy sequence of chords on a piano or guitar - and ever wondered if you could actually write a full bona fide pop song? In this article we take a look what are the key elements to writing a modern pop song that are idiomatic to the genre.
Create a catchy melody: A memorable melody is key to a successful pop song. The melody should be easy to sing along to and should stick in the listener's head. Try experimenting with different melodies and chord progressions until you find one that you like.
Write relatable lyrics: Pop songs often have lyrics that are relatable and easy to understand. Think about the themes and emotions that you want to convey in your song and try to express them in a simple and direct way.
Keep the structure simple: A typical pop song structure includes an intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. This structure can be modified as per requirement.
Experiment with different instruments: Pop songs often feature a mix of instruments, such as guitar, piano, drums, and synthesizers. Experiment with different combinations of instruments to find the perfect sound for your song.
Focus on the chorus: The chorus is typically the most memorable part of a pop song, so make sure it stands out. The chorus should be catchy, upbeat and should be memorable to listeners.
Get feedback: After you have written your song, get feedback from other musicians or industry professionals. They may be able to provide valuable insights and suggestions for how to improve your song.
Writing a successful pop song requires a combination of creativity, experimentation, and hard work. Keep experimenting with different ideas and keep fine-tuning your song until you're happy with the final product.
How Do I Make My Lyrics More Relatable?
So how is it that artists like Coldplay, Dua Lipa and Adele can connect with so many people across the world through their music, despite the obvious diversities of language and culture? Below we outline the following strategies you can use to capture the minds and hearts of your audience.
Write from personal experiences: People often relate to lyrics that are based on personal experiences, whether it's about love, heartbreak, or overcoming a challenge.
Use everyday language: Avoid using complex vocabulary or abstract concepts. Instead, use everyday language that people can easily understand.
Speak to your audience: Think about the people who will be listening to your song and try to write lyrics that will resonate with them.
Use imagery: Use vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture in the listener's mind, it helps to make the lyrics more relatable and memorable.
Be honest and authentic: Be honest and genuine in your lyrics. People can tell when a song is authentic and they tend to relate more to it.
Avoid cliches: Cliches tend to be overused, they can be seen as unoriginal and make the lyrics less relatable.
Use storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to convey a message or a theme, it helps to make the lyrics more relatable and engaging.
Be relatable across different cultures and ages: Avoid using references that only relate to specific cultures or age groups, it will make your song less relatable to a wider audience.
We live a shared human existence, where despite the differences in our individual circumstances, geographic location, or station in life, we experience similar situations and emotional responses to those situations. Heartbreak, loss of a loved one, wanting a better, peaceful life are all example of universal themes that the majority of people can relate to. When you write from your own experiences and emotions, your lyrics will resonate with your audience on a deeper, greater universal level.
What Are The Key Structural and Compositional Elements to Consider When Writing a Pop Song?
When writing a pop song, there are several structural and compositional elements to consider:
Song Structure: A typical pop song structure includes an intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. This structure can be modified as per requirement.
Chorus: The chorus is typically the most memorable part of a pop song, so make sure it stands out. The chorus should be catchy, upbeat and should be memorable to listeners.
Verse: The verse of a pop song is typically used to set the scene and provide background information. They are usually less melodic and harmonic than the chorus, and the lyrics tend to be more specific.
Bridge: The bridge of a pop song is a section that usually comes after the second chorus, it is a place to change the mood of the song. The bridge often contrasts with the verse and chorus, it can be slower, or it can be a moment of reflection.
Melody: A memorable melody is key to a successful popsong. The melody should be easy to sing along to and should stick in the listener's head. Try experimenting with different melodies and chord progressions until you find one that you like.
Harmony: Simple chord progressions are commonly used in pop songs, it helps to keep the song easy to follow, and it also helps to emphasize the melody and the lyrics.
Instrumentation: Pop songs often feature a mix of instruments, such as guitar, piano, drums, and synthesizers. Experiment with different combinations ofinstruments to find the perfect sound for yoursong and to create different textures and moods.
Production: The production quality of a pop song is also an important element to consider, it helps to enhance the overall sound and the emotional impact of the song.
Form: The form of a song is the order of the sections, a typical form in pop songs is ABABCB
About the Author
Mark Fogliano is an experienced Music Producer, Songwriter, Composer ,Pianist for the Adelaide / Melbourne based music production company Eleven:11 Music Productions.
Eleven:11 Music Productions fulfils a range of musical needs - from song development, artist development, arranging, orchestration and music programming, to vocal and song production, recording, post-production, audio mixing and project management.