When you’re first learning to write songs, there is a rule book to follow. Though it is an artistic pursuit, there is a science behind hit-making. However, not every artist chooses to follow the rule book. Check out three hit songs that threw the conventions of songwriting out the window, below.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Band on the Run”
“Band on the Run” is a doozy the first time you listen to it. It’s hard to anticipate where Paul McCartney might take this meandering song next. Though each distinctive section of this song could be a hit on their own, they are stuck together to make an all together more powerful composition. It certainly isn’t conventional, but therein lies its power.
Stuck inside these four walls
Sent inside forever
Never seeing no one
Nice again like you, mama
You, mama
You
If I ever get out of here
Thought of giving it all away
To a registered charity
All I need is a pint a day
If I ever get outta here
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
Here is the obligatory “Bohemian Rhapsody” mention. When thinking of hit songs that don’t follow a traditional structure, this track is likely one of the first that comes to mind. Queen gave their creativity full reign while writing this rock anthem. From operatic sections to powerful guitar riffs, there is no other song that is “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” equal.
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see
I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I’m easy come, easy go
Little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn’t really matter to me, to me
“Don’t Stop Believin’”
At first glance, “Don’t Stop Believin’” seems like a pretty conventional song. From its ear worm melody to Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, there was no world in which this song didn’t become a hit. However, when you break it down, you learn that the chorus of this song doesn’t kick in until the very end–which is not a convention of most hit songs. The chorus is a hit’s bread and butter. If you want draw people in, you’ll want your refrain to be as strong as it can be. Journey proved that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case though with this timeless track.
Just a small town girl
Livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
(Photo by Ross Marino/Getty Images)
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