Pop songs are definitely getting shorter, but it’s about a lot more than lower attention spans
As record mastering and cutting technologies improved through the decade and then into the 1970s, longer song lengths became more common. Columbia Records released the full six-minute version of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”, opening the doors for other tracks such as Queen’s iconic mini-rock opera “Bohemian Rhapsody” , The Beatles’ epic “Hey Jude” and Richard Harris’ “MacArthur Park” .
But it wasn’t just long songs that were successful in the halcyon pre-streaming pop decades. Adam Faith’s 1959 number one hit “What Do You Want?” is the shortest number one in UK Singles Chart history clocking in at a measly 1 minute 55 seconds. Influential minimalist post-punk band Wire’s debut studio album Pink Flag from 1977 had a generous 21 songs with the shortest, “Field Day for the Sundays” being only 28 seconds long and 13 other songs being of one minute 25 seconds-length or shorter.
Pop songwriting has changed fundamentally since the rise of streaming with the focus now being on songs being constructed from an endless succession of “hooks”, simple “ear-worms” that through repetition give the listener an easy route to song and artist brand recognition.
Dr Adrian York started his career as a pop star in the 80s boyband Roman Holliday – he is now an academic, cultural critic and a musician who is to be found playing the piano at Ronnie Scott’s and The Groucho Club.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Life in one of Notts' safest areas where kids play 'without trouble''It's a lovely area with lots of nice people, it's a real massive community'
Read more »
Olivia Rodrigo Brings Out Lily Allen For F**k You Glastonbury Duet Dedicated To Supreme Court“I wanted to dedicate this next song to the five members of the Supreme Court,' the pop star told the cheering crowd.
Read more »
Searching For ElvisIn 1968, when Stanley Booth sought out the King, Elvis was a husband and father, his pelvis calmer, and sideburns shorter—but he found absolutely no change of heart
Read more »
Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen blast Supreme Court with special dedicated songGlastonbury performer Olivia Rodrigo was joined on stage with a surprise appearance by Lily Allen, before the pair expressed their hatred towards the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade by singing Lily Allen's ‘F**k you’.
Read more »
Love Island's Remi talks unaired conflict with Jacques'We just got into a lot of fights and stuff.'
Read more »
Black Pound Day opens first permanent store at WestfieldMore than 80 fashion, beauty and jewellery ranges from black-owned businesses are available.
Read more »