Pop ballads

• What decades are pop ballads from?

  1970s, 80s and 90s
• How would you describe the lyrics?

  romantic/sentimental
• What is the time signature usually?

  4/4
• What type of structure is used?

  verse-chorus
• What beats are emphasised in the snare?

  2 and 4
• Describe how the chords are usually played in the accompaniment?

  Sustained lush chords
• How can singers express emotions?

  Ornamentation
• Apart from ornamentation how else can singers express emotion?

  Melisma
• What happens as the song progresses?

  builds to a climax
• What is a key instrument in pop ballads?

  piano
• what technology was used in pop ballads?

  reverb + echo
• Name a pop ballad artist from the first decade?


  Elton John
• Name a pop ballad artist from the second decade?

  Bette Midler
• Name a pop ballad artist from the third decade?

  Take that