HUMN240 Popular Culture

Formulas are present in modern day movies, music, television shows, and books. These formulas define whom, what, how and other aspects of these entertainment venues. In popular music, these formulas may mean the difference between a big hit and big flop.
Formulas have been a part of music for many years but these formulas have changed over time. The formula used to create a song in the 1960’s is not the same as what would be used today. In that time the song duration, energy levels, tempo, volume, and other factors may have changed. These changes in the formula have resulted in completely different types of music then what was around 40 years ago.
There are some parts of the formula for making a pop song that have not changed. The introduction of a song is still present and lasts normally less then 15 seconds. The structure of music still remains that same. The AABA song structure is still popular in modern music and something that you will hear repeated throughout different music genres. The chorus of a song is not much different then what it was 40 years ago. The chorus is the hook of the song and what keeps the listener interested in the song. The bridge is the B section of the song and might vary in length but is normally eight measures. The bridge is a good place for the song to change keys, add an instrumental, or create other interest through different lyrics.
Popular music has changed in the last 40 years but with these changes parts of the formula for creating a hit have remained the same. The music of the earlier decades could be adapted easily to fit our era because the structure of many of these popular songs has not changed.

• 
• 
• 
• 
•