Songwriting to Create a Vehicle for an Artist: Adele’s “Hello”

Adele’s “Hello” is huge.  As of this writing it had spent 7 weeks as #1 in US, got bumped down to #2 for a week and went back to the top.  As the lead single that practically went viral the moment it came out, “Hello” is without a doubt, an …

Songwriting Analysis: What Makes “O Come O Come Emmanuel” Such an Enduring Classic

Happy Holidays!  This season bring special attention to music for those of us living in societies influenced by Western traditions.  Of the many carols that return year after year, “O Come O Come Emmanuel” has been one of my favorites.  Probably because I’m a sucker for sad songs, but this …

Poignant but Energizing: the Killers “Be Still”

My Twitter friend @niickcauilan’s second request was this song — man, I dig your taste!  This was not a song I was familiar with, but one listen and I fell in love with it.  And songwriting-wise, there are some standard moves and twists here, very worthy of analyzing and learning from. …

How Toad the Wet Sprocket Creates Poignance in “Fly from Heaven”

This is an analysis by request for my Twitter friend @niickcauilan.  And I was happy to have a good look at this song, as it is one of my favorites and if I really channel into the feelings contained within, I can’t listen without tearing up.  The sorrow, anger, confusion, …