Rhythm
Rhythm is a key element of music as it does much to
establish the feel of the piece. The
meter, the hierarchy of beats, and the way the vocal part aligns with the melody
all influence the rhythm’s effect on the listener.
Justin Timberlake’s “Drink You Away” is in 6/8, giving the
piece a swinging feel. There is an
emphasis on beat 1 but an even heavier emphasis on beat 4 which contributes to
the piece’s forward propulsion. The
verses are heavily syncopated, with quick vocal subdivisions adding excitement
and unpredictability. Things simplify
considerably in the chorus, as the voice sticks to the basic divisions of the
beat supported by basic 1 2 3 4 5 6 accompaniment. These sections contrast nicely, giving both
excitement and stability to the work.
“Stiches” by Shawn Mendes is in a rhythmically active 4/4
meter. The accompaniment heavily
emphasizes beat 2 and 4 while the voice stays on beats 1 and 3. This gives a catchy, active feel to the
work. The most prominent rhythmic
element occurs in the vocal line at the end of the verse and throughout the
chorus. (See 0:55 and 1:08). This 1&2&3
4 rhythm sticks out from the surrounding material and sticks in the listener’s
mind. (Shawn Mendes is obviously aware
of the rhythm as he runs perfectly in sync with the beat at 3:09).
“Hello” by Adele is much more sedate in tempo and beat
pattern. Its 4/4 meter is extremely
steady with heavy downbeats. The vocal
line adds all rhythmic variety, consisting primarily of even subdivisions,
though there are occasional syncopations in the chorus. The subdued rhythmic world contributes to the
song’s reflective mood.
Meghan Trainor’s “Lose You” is very rhythmically free. The vocal line meanders over an accompaniment
in swung 4/4 with emphasis on 2 and 4. The
voice frequently departs from the beat structure, returning at major
markers. The rhythmic effects are
crucial to the overall feel of the work.
“Sorry” by Justin Bieber is very rhythmically active. The 4/4 meter, confirmed by down beat
emphasis, is enlivened by and emphasis on the “and” of beat 2. The resulting 1 & 3
4 adds energy and excitement to the work.
This effect continues in the vocal line.
Though it generally lines up with the 4/4 meter, frequent subdivisions
maintain the lively feel.
~Ellyn
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