The Greatest Songs of All Times - Essay Example

The Greatest Songs of All Times Generally, artists explore various ways in a bid to relay important messages to the audience. Their main objective usually revolves around reaching the audience and informing them about their ideas, perceptions and decisions regarding different events, places and so forth. Music has particularly been increasingly explored by a host of individuals to reach the public. Partly, this is attributed to the fact that the effect that the music has on the audience is significant. This implies that the response to the messages passed across is equally positive. Thus the goal and objective of the artists is met. It is worth appreciating that there are different types of genres that relay varied messages to the music fans. Perhaps one that has been most common since historical times pertains to the classical rock music genre. This has distinct characteristics that distinguish it from the rest of the genres. Just like other genres, the success of each music is highly depended on the manner in which the writer and composer integrates various musical attributes to come up with a classic masterpiece. It is against this background that this paper provides an explicit review of five classical songs in light of the musical techniques that were employed in their creation. At this point, it is worth noting that through rock music, artists are usually able to pass on important messages in the ‘hardest manner’. In addition to the messages contained therein, the lovers of this music are usually attracted to it because of the musical effect that it has on their feelings. This can be only attained through the technique employed by the artists. In this respect, instrumentation plays an important role in attaining this goal. It does not only give the music rhythm and melody, but it also gives it harmony. Interplay of all these factors is important in enabling it to have a positive effect on the audience. In its I can’t get no Satisfaction, The Rolling Stone places great emphasis on the music altitude. This is attained through the artists’ use of sneering vocal and primal temper. According to Morse, its rhythm can be compare to ‘avenging strut” (Morse 46). The horns that the artists use play an instrumental role in improving the harmony of the music. The artists use this to make the piece unique and accord it an upper hand in the music industry. Perhaps the most important aspect of this music pertains to the use of technology. Notably, this has been employed in enhancing the altitude that the artists wished to place emphasis on. The use of the guitar was particularly important in according this piece of art the rock characteristic. In his Like the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and the other musicians use the guitar to achieve rhythm in this song. During the recording, they also employ other instruments such as tambourine and the Bass. Although these are not noticeable from the outset, their importance in adding to and enhancing the feel of the song cannot be understated. In particular, they integrate in the song a couple of flashes that also contribute significantly to the harmony of the song. In his review, Rooksby indicates that Dylan’s voice contributes a great deal to the idyllic melody that the song exhibits (Rooksby 30). In essence, it gives the song a ‘rocky’ attribute that gives it an upper hand against its competitors. Comparatively, the effect of the artists sound yields better results than that of the instruments. This is because through the sound, artists are able to inform the audiences about their intention and objective. Statistical evidence indicates that a significant percentage of the audiences place great emphasis on the messages that they are relayed as opposed to the instrumentation. For this reason, the artist’s voice is a great asset that is elemental for their success. In his song, Dylan uses a lilting rock sound effect and makes it nasal and less sing-song. Instead, he makes his voice deep and scratchy. In his analysis, Stein notes that his voice in this respect is infinitely nuanced (Stein 56). This is patterned by authoritarian monotone in some instances and partly compassionate at times. It is further characterized by tragic instances that are characterized by anger, irony, glee, weary and vengefulness. These attributes are typical of any rock music and are therefore essential characteristics for a song to be considered a classic. Although these characteristics make the song unique and enable the artists to attain melody, rhythm and harmony, they also compromise clarity of the messages. In this respect, Stein indicates that the song is relatively “direct, requires attention and is hard to listen to because of the inherent grinding effect” (Stein 61). Although it feels very simple from the surface, it is actually very complicated under the surface, especially considering that it passes on a sad message. Nonetheless, it cannot be disputed that the song is influential in both form and content and does not need any imitation. Also worth evaluating is Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. From the point of view of music analysts, this is a real classic monotone (Stein 58). It is characterized by scatting and chatting. The saxophone solo that was presumably recorded by accident incorporates a dialogue that adds to its uniqueness. Its reference to marijuana helps in creating the effect that the song contains hard messages and is meant for a specific audience and not the entire public. Gaye’s voice is classic and amongst the musicians in this song, he proves to be the most ideal soloist. In this respect, he uses his smooth and emotive voice to impact on the feelings of the audience. This also accords the song the soul characteristic that harmonizes it with the chill protest feeling that was being experienced during the time of its production. The use of bass complements his voice and aids in creating coherence in the song. Nonetheless, critics of this song indicate that it’s planning is poor. This is exhibited through the inclusion of a recording session in the product. The artists in this regard place undue emphasis on the product as opposed to the process (Heatley and Hopkinson 112). The overall effect of the song is not desirable and does not meet the qualities of an idyllic rock masterpiece. From a musical point of view The Beatles Hey Jude is simple and not complicated. Seemingly, it lacks a clear introduction and during the initial period, the producer plays a piano incorporated with certain voices. Gradually, new instruments are added to this methodically. At the ninth bar, there is the introduction of the tambourine and the rhythm guitar. At the thirteenth bar, background vocals are introduced in the song and further, drums are incorporated at the sixteenth bar. Thus as the song progresses, it becomes more harmonious and succeeds in impacting a significant effect to the listeners. In his analysis, Morse posits that these greatly add nuance to this piece of music (Morse 52). They however do not make any difference to any of its other dimensions. Arguably, the composer of this song sought to emphasize on its vocals above anything else. Seemingly, they succeed in achieving this and the song is typically harmonious. When the song reaches its midpoint, it segues from its initial verse-verse-refrain structure and incorporates the rhythmic na na na nas for four minutes. This is vitally important in breaking the monotony of the vocals and accredits the song a unique structure. However, the characteristic lengthy non-fading fade in the song was unprecedented and relatively risky. This is particularly so because the song was initially intended to be solely single. Statistical evidence indicates that radio stations seldom play single songs for more a period exceeding seven minutes. This unique structure of this song in this respect would give it an upper hand and make it comparatively more competitive than the other songs. The addition of voluminous instruments as the song proceeds it very idyllic. In essence, it aids in enhancing the vocal volume and enabling the composer and producers to attain their fundamental goals. Most importantly, this adds more flesh to the song and makes it incomparable to the ones already in the market (Heatley and Hopkinson 113). At this point, it is worth acknowledging that the instrumentation aid in attaining rhythm as well as harmony within the song. In her Respect, Aretha Franklin adopts an approach that is different from the approach of other artists. Unlike her previous production, this is more complex and involving from the very start. She employs a host of instruments to create a noticeable rhythmic effect. Besides the guitar, she uses horns to attain a distinctive effect in the song at this particular point in time. When the vocals begin, she employs backup vocals and a piano to frame the melody of the song. The manner in which she uses back up vocal is particularly distinctive and very impressive. In the chorus, these become more involving as well as central to the song. At this stage, they can be considered to be part of the song and more than simple back-up vocals. This enables her to add body to the song and attain a harmonic effect. According to Rooksby, her use of the break adds another layer to this song (Rooksby 49). During this; she has a chance to closely and dynamically interact with her singers. Thus the essence of the break is twofold; to enable her add volume to the song and enhance the interaction with the singers at the same time. Undoubtedly, this is desirable and helps in making the song a real classic. Essentially, the arrangement and general structure of the song complements the initial features and attributes pertaining to rhythm, melody and harmony. Through these, she is able to accord the song the distinctive attributes that characterize rock music. This high quality ultimately enables the song to maintain a competitive edge and as such, the artist is able to reap optimal results. At this point, it cannot be disputed that rock music has distinctive features that differentiates it from the rest of the genres. Artists use this platform to pass on important messages to the audience as well as entertain and educate them. The entertainment facet is particularly important in the current world that is characterized by high levels of stress. Over time, rock music has been successful in meeting the unique needs and preferences of the listeners. From the preceding analysis, it cannot be disputed that in addition to the meaning of the music, the technique of its presentation plays an important role in enhancing its reception by the audience. This is particularly so because technique contributes a great deal in according any piece of music rhythm, melody and harmony. These are important attributes that determine the quality of the music and its ultimate competitiveness in the job market. From the analysis, I find Dylan’s Like the Rolling Stones to be the most desirable. Notably, the singer’s voice is inviting and has the ‘rocky’ attributes that are fundamental for enhancing the quality of the messages. Personally, place great emphasis on the instrumentation and vocal effects of any rock song. Basically, these songs seek to have an emotive effect on the audiences. This can only be attained through an integrative use of both the singer’s vocals and instrumentation. A good combination of this enables the composer and the producer to attain the fundamental goals of having an impact on the emotions of the audience. Essentially, rock songs contain ‘hard’ messages. These cannot be effectively passed on through smooth ways. In this regard, Dylan succeeds in effectively passing on the messages in the best manner possible. Conclusively, this song is a classic masterpiece that cannot be compared to the other four. It actually meets the expectations as well as preferences of a rock fanatic. This is at the core of the goals and objectives of all rock musicians. Works Cited Heatley Michael and Hopkinson Frank. The girl in the song: The stories behind 50 rock classics. USA: Chicago Review Press, 2010. Print. Morse Tim. Classic rock stories: The stories behind the greatest songs of all times. USA: St. Martins griffin, 1998. Print. Rooksby Rikky. Inside classic rock tracks: Songwriting and recording of 100+ great songs. USA: Backbeat books, 2001. Print. Stein Deborah. Engaging music: Essays in music analysis. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. Print. Read More