Key learning points

1. Pop ballads have continued to evolve through the use of music technology and by incorporating different musical styles.
2. In verse-chorus form, contrast between the sections is important to maximise the impact of the chorus.
3. This happens through using different textures and contrasting chords and drum grooves.
4. Drum grooves in pop ballads often use reverb and are usually simple with a strong backbeat.
5. They typically use drum fills to build energy at key moments.

Keywords

• Overdubbing - overdubbing is the process of recording multiple layers of sound individually and layering them together in a piece of music.

• Verse-chorus form - verse-chorus form is a common structure in popular music based around alternating verses and choruses.

• Drum fill - a drum fill is a short variation in a drum groove, usually at the end of a phrase or section.

• Reverb - reverb is a slight echo effect that can be added to a sound.

Common misconception