This checklist isn’t a list of requirements, it’s meant to help you step back from your song and check key areas so you can finish your song. I’ve gathered this list of items from my own experience as a songwriter, producer and mix engineer. These are things I check for myself as well as areas I see issues with in songs I mix sometimes.
It’s not a matter of right or wrong, it’s about considering different aspects of your song to finalise them and get the song ready to be mixed or released.
Song Structure Checklist
Getting the structure right is important to create the right energy and emotion in your track. Here’s some things to check:
Is there a clear and satisfying arc?
Consider the emotional journey of the listener. Are there peaks and valleys? Does the energy flow in a way that keeps the listener engaged? Try “half listening” to your rough mix while doing something else like cleaning or folding clothes. This helps you to better focus on the song as a listener rather than a songwriter.
Are your sections distinct and purposeful?
Does each section (verse, chorus, bridge etc.) serve a clear function in the overall narrative and energy of the song? If someone listens to your song how quickly will they be able to recognise the sections? Are you helping them with how the melody moves and the arrangement/production you’re using?
Do the hooks appear too much or too little and are they in the right places?
The hooks are tasty ear treats that literally hook you in and keep you listening. Each section should have a hook that keeps you engaged throughout the song. The verse hooks don’t need to be as tasty as the pre-chorus, chorus and bridge hooks but each part should have something compelling about it.
Is the intro too long?
Generally 4 – 8 bars or maximum 15 seconds before the singer starts is a good rule of thumb.
Can you edit your structure to be more compelling and emotive?
Sometimes there is extra space that doesn’t need to be there between sections. We can become a little blind to it especially if you’re used to playing the song live. Listen and watch for dips in energy because you’re hanging in a section for too long.
Does your structure flow?
In popular music (not just pop music) there are common structures. They’re not there because they’re cheesy, they’re there because they have been proven to help a song flow in an accessible way. The most common structure is:
This isn’t a rule, more of a helpful guide to compare your song too. The most important thing about structure is that it creates and maintains the energy and emotional impact of the song.
Hanging too long on a section can lose people’s attention or make the energy dip in the wrong sort of way. Finishing abruptly can leave people wanting to go right back and listen again. Sometimes a slow fade out might suit the vibe. Do what’s right for the song’s energy and emotion.
Is the song length genre appropriate?
In most popular genres songs can be 2:30 – 3:30 but rarely are they 5 minutes. If you’re writing for an audience that expects more of a journey then 4 – 6+ minutes might be appropriate. This isn’t a rule, just something to consider.
Does your song end well?
It can be a fade, it can be abrupt – as long as you’ve considered it. How does the ending make you feel? Does it fit with the rest of the song’s vibe? Does it make them want to listen again?
Serve The Song
There’s definitely more items I could be add to the checklist above. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list but these items should at least get you thinking about how the structure is either serving the emotion and energy of the song or not.
In the next post I’ll take a look at the arrangement in music and how this helps to enhance the emotion and energy of your songs.
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