Pop Ballad.
What? Slow, romantic songs that tell stories
Where? USA, UK.
Who? Beatles, Carpenters, Heart, Elton John
Tempo - Medium / slow 70 - 100bpm
Structure - Verse / chorus structure with Intro and middle 8.
Instruments - Pop / Rock Band. Lead vocals, backing vocals.
Drums, Bass, Lead / Rhythm guitar (often acoustic), Keyboards / synth,
Solo instrument eg. Saxophone. STRINGS!
How the Instruments Interact
Lead vocals are supported by the band. Backing vocals in the chorus.
Middle 8 solo. Saxophone is a common solo instrument in the Middle 8.
Ballads build slowly as instruments are added.
Venue / Location - Pop / Rock concert. Radio, CD, mp3.
AoS2 Pop Ballad - Traded Tips
Tempo - Slow.
Rhythm - 4/4 most common. 3/4 & 6/8 possible but less likely.
Articulation - Vocal melody legato. Some rock ballads have heavy snare accents on beats 2 & 4.
Dynamics - Starts quietly - often build in dynamics throughout the song. Chorus louder than verse.
Expression - Romantic, passionate.
Devices - Instrumental Middle 8.
Texture - Melody & Accompaniment.
Instruments - Drum Kit, Electric bass & Guitar. Keyboards. Strings common. Saxophone / Electric Guitar popular solo instruments.
Pitch - Chorus tends to be higher in pitch than the Verse.
Structure - Verse / Chorus structure with middle 8 Instrumental solo.
Other...Words tell a story. Love the typical subject. Elton John, Beatles, Heart,
Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah
Sad Cafe - Evert Day Hurts