The Merits of a Short and Long Song

Pop music grew out of the radio. Music was recorded for the masses and the radio was the means for deliverance. Consequently, songs were fashioned to not be longer than three and a half minutes. The modern single was born. All the early rock and pop bands began by working with this model. Early Beatles records ran under forty minutes, sometimes even thirty. But as music became a means for artistic expression, songs became longer and more complicated. Led Zeppelin really pioneered this. Today, we live in a music world in which we can enjoy both types of songs. It is my contention that a short and a long song are enjoyable for similar reasons.

One of the shortest modern songs is "I Fell In Love With A Girl" by The White Stripes. Clocking in just under two minutes, the song goes full speed for the stop. Jack's vocals are a mix between excitedly screaming and passionately declaring his love. His guitar playing is classic rock strumming. The drumming is like footsteps and keeps the march going. For all these reasons, I enjoy this song. I immediately identify the instrumentation and respond accordingly. I soon join in on singing with Jack and tapping my foot along to the beat.

In contrast, there is "Victory Dance" by My Morning Jacket. This song opens the band's 2011 release Circuital and as it opens up a new instrument joins in along the way, reaching a length of nearly six minutes. The song begins with a gong and guitar. Slowly new sounds enter, such a horn, and it keeps the listener interested to discover what will come next. It is a listening experience of surprise. By the end, it comes together as a feast of sounds and the listener is left sonically satisfied. 

Overall, I believe that a both short and long songs work because of these two approaches to instrumentation. Whether everything is on the table for the start or revealed along the way, the listener can enjoy.

Why I Find "I Want To Hold Your Hand" Rebellious

I listen to different music in different situations. For example, when I have a short walk ahead of me to class, I want something that is going to fire me up with passion for life and a desire to be creative. Today,  I turned to "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles. I made this selection instinctively, almost without thinking. So please allow me to pause for a moment and consider what this song does for me (and possibly you).

The history of The Beatles will show that Lennon/McCartney penned the song at the urging of producer Sir George Martin to produce a song that could crossover into America. They took up the task, crafting a track that showcases them fully as a band. Everything that was "The Beatles" at the time can be found in this song. Lennon and McCartney both sing lead. Ringo keeps time in a minimal and respected fashion. George quietly pioneers lead guitar playing in small ways that give the song definition. And it is for these reasons that I find inspiration in it. I listen to it and strive to showcase my full ability in my writing.

I also listen to it and connect with the sentiment that is express; the reflection on love contained in it.  There is a fabulous scene in the movie Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist in which the song is quoted and championed by a character. And I could not agree with it more. The song is all about that feeling a person gets inside them when their crush is just about bubble out of their soul. He or she just needs to connect with the aim of their affection and holding someone's hands is one of those great ways for a person to communicate without words. This song truly triumphs because it captures that wordless desire in words, something that makes writers great.

Please give this track another listen with a new context to hear it in.