“Sometimes a vocal melody can sit on top of a simple progression in a way that makes the song special” Whitley
—Chris Whitley
Some new songwriters believe they will attract more interest in their songs by deliberately setting out to avoid using an established commercial format. However, experimenting with form is not a good idea when you’re trying to break into the music industry. Attempting to avoid falling into a familiar format can often lead to strange-sounding, forced chord progressions that don’t resolve correctly— and may leave the listener confused or unsettled.
Building your songs around one of the four tried and tested variations of the Verse- Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus form does not mean you’re ‘selling out’. Many great songwriters continue to use these proven formats. Why?
Because they work.
So don’t be put off by critics who say that using an established framework is just ‘formula writing’. Developing a song within an accepted structure doesn’t mean you can’t add something fresh and original of your own.
The challenge is to write something remarkable that stands out musically and lyrically but doesn’t break all the rules of song form. Being ‘different’ within a tried and tested format—something Lennon & McCartney frequently did in their early days—means your songs will still be meaningful to listeners.
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