Pop ballads

Question 1

Time period of pop ballads?

Answer 1

1970’s, ‘80’s and ‘90’s

Question 2

What are pop ballads usually about?

Answer 2

Songs about love

Question 3

Tempo of pop ballads?

Answer 3

Slow - slower than most pop / rock songs

Question 4

2 pop ballad singers?

Answer 4

Carpenters, Elton John

Question 5

Common time signature of pop ballads?

Answer 5

4/4

Question 6

Occasional time signatures of pop ballads?

Answer 6

3/4 or 6/8

Question 7

Structure of a pop ballad?

Answer 7

Verse / chorus structure often with an instrumental middle 8 section

Question 8

Typical instruments of a pop ballad?

Answer 8

Piano, orchestral strings, drum kit

Question 9

Texture of a pop ballad?

Answer 9

Texture thickens - builds up to the chorus

Question 10

Typical instrumental solos in the middle 8 in a pop ballad?

Answer 10

Saxophone or electric guitar

Question 11

Common vocal textures in a pop ballad?

Answer 11

Falsetto, slides, vibrato, fall-offs