Originally Posted By: Tangmo
I'll look into the video/series more as time allows. At the least, I'd like to know what a "Pre-chorus" is as I've seen it mentioned on this forum before and have no idea.


Hi Tangmo,

Here's my 2 cents worth (just in case it's useful)...

I look at prechoruses as transitional bridges. This is a idea that Pat Pattison once discussed at a seminar I went to and I find it the most productive way of working out how to fit them into a song.

As a transitional bridge, a prechorus's purpose is to link the verse to the chorus. To this end, it often creates tension through an odd number of phrases or lyric line length or rhyme, etc., and then when the chorus begins, there's a satisfying release of tension and feeling of having hit home-base.

Scott used Kelly Clarkson's work as an example so I'll continue to use her work...

The lyrics and the song link for "Breakaway" are below. I really like this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-3vPxKdj6o

Quote:
VERSE 1
Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreamin' of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray

VERSE 2
Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I pray
I could breakaway

CHORUS
I'll spread my wings, and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway


If you count the phrases in verse 1, there are six of them. In verse 2, though, there are seven. That seventh phrase in verse 2 serves as a means to transition (lyrically) more smoothly into the chorus. While it's possible to enter the chorus after line 6 (verse 2), adding this linking seventh line disturbs the established motion and, in so doing, creates tension. The melody for this line also lifts expectantly. (This is why pre-choruses are sometimes called 'lifts'). These two factors combine and lift expectations in the listener (i.e. "tension").

So this last line of verse 2 is a trigger for the chorus. It creates tension which is released with the arrival of the chorus. In the hands of Kelly Clarkson, these chorus lyrics feel like they arrive with an explosion. The seventh line augments this feeling. Some song analysts would call this a one-line prechorus others would could it a trigger line or a one-line lift. For me, I see this as a transitional line that empowers the chorus and connects it to the verse more strongly. The thing is that whatever it's called, it's usual purpose is to raise a listener's expectations and boost a feeling of satisfaction when the chorus arrives.

PSY's "Gangnam Style" has one of the best pre-choruses I've heard. It lifts expectations enormously as it prepares the listener for the chorus. As I hear it, the prechorus starts at 0:46 and the chorus enters at 1:10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZTcIJ2ycwM

Regards,
Noel



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Audiophile BIAB 2026