4 of the Best Bridges in Modern Music

Pop music is all about repetition. Pick a catchy melody and stick with it for three minutes, bringing in as many listeners as possible. However, the bridge of a pop song is a time for reinvention. It’s like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise monotonous experience (in the best way possible). Below, find four of our favorite bridges in modern pop music.

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4 of the Best Bridges in Modern Music

1. “Thinkin Bout You” (Frank Ocean)

First up, we have an alternative R&B classic, “Thinkin Bout You.” The bridge sees Frank Ocean up the tempo, spouting off lyrics at double the pace of the rest of the song. This new rhythm allows Ocean to deliver an onslaught of his emotions. It’s impossible to not scream along to this bridge after swaying along to the rest of this 2012 hit.

Yes, of course, I remember, how could I forget
How you feel?
You know you were my first time, a new feel
It won’t ever get old, not in my soul, not in my spirit, keep it alive
We’ll go down this road ’til it turns from color to black and white

2. “Ain’t It Fun”

We love a breakdown in a song. We love the addition of a choir in pop music. The bridge to Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun” has both. The refrain–as seen below–builds in energy every time Hayley Williams and her backing vocalists sing through it. Like most choral music, this bridge cuts straight to the listener’s heart.

Don’t go crying to your mama
‘Cause you’re on your own in the real world
Don’t go crying to your mama
‘Cause you’re on your own in the real world

[RELATED: 50 Years in the Making: Hayley Williams’ Grandfather, Rusty Williams, Is Finally Releasing His Debut Record]

3. “Cruel Summer”

Taylor Swift has long been consider the queen of the bridge in modern pop. Fans consider her bridges the best part of her songs, making the competition for which song to feature on this list stiff. We’ve chosen “Cruel Summer.” Not only was this song a mega hit for the pop icon, but we’re sure many fans would pick this anthemic bridge as their favorite from her catalog.

I’m drunk in the back of the car
And I cried like a baby coming home from the bar
Said, “I’m fine, ” but it wasn’t true
I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you

4. “All These Things That I’ve Done” (The Killers)

Similar to Paramore’s bridge, The Killers’ “All These Things That I’ve Done” features a rich choral arrangement. The refrain below adds an inspiring twist to this song about struggling with faith.

I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier

(Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)