What to Do If Your Song Feels "Off": Part 1 - Tempo

Hello, dear readers! One of the key elements that can majorly impact the overall feel and energy of a song is its tempo. The tempo sets the pace and rhythm of how listeners connect with your music. Last week, my dedicated voice student, Finnigan Green, struggled with the one of their songs, and it affected their breathing and emotions ~ until we changed the tempo.

In this three-part blog series, we will explore 3 different aspects of a song, and how they can affect the way your song resonates. Today's blog will address the issue of tempo.

In the wonderful Netflix Whitney Houston docudrama, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", there is a scene where Ms. Houston sings "Home" from the Broadway production of "The Wiz" on her very first TV appearance, on the Merv Griffin Show. Because she was an amateur, at the time, she did not know the correct BPM (beats per minute) of the song in order to communicate it to the band. As a result, it started very slow and low energy. Lucky for her, Cissy Houston, her Mom, was there and able to conduct the band and bring up the tempo, the energy, and the interest of the audience!

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/t5CeQ3twVaI​

But, can you imagine the alternative? What if the entire song was tentative and a bit awkward ~ like the beginning? It could have affected Whitney Houston's entire future. 

Today, we will focus on what to do if the tempo feels "off" by examining three scenarios: when the tempo is too fast, too slow, or just right.

1. When the Tempo Is Too Slow
   If your song feels lethargic, lacking energy, or fails to captivate the listener, the tempo might be too slow. Here are some steps you can take to address this situation:
   
   a. Determine the Desired Impact: Reflect on the emotions and atmosphere you wish to evoke with your song. If a slow tempo aligns with your artistic vision, ensure that it effectively conveys the intended mood. However, if it doesn't serve the purpose, consider increasing the tempo.
   
   b. Experiment with Speeding Up: Raising the tempo can inject energy and vitality into your song. It can create a sense of urgency or excitement that may be missing in a slower rendition. Explore different speeds until you find the tempo that best captures the essence of your music while maintaining its integrity.
   
   
2. When the Tempo Is Too Fast
   If you find that your song feels rushed, overwhelming, or lacking in breathing space, it might be a sign that the tempo is too fast. Here's what you can do to address this issue:
   
   a. Evaluate the Energy: Consider the mood and emotion you want to convey through your music. If the fast tempo aligns with the energy you envision, you may need to refine other elements of the song to create a cohesive balance. However, if the tempo doesn't match the intended vibe, it's time to slow things down.
   
   b. Experiment with Slowing Down: Try reducing the tempo of your song to provide more clarity and room for each instrument and vocal melody to shine. A slower tempo can help listeners fully absorb the musical nuances and connect with the emotions you're trying to convey. Be attentive to any necessary adjustments to the arrangement and phrasing that may accompany this change.
   
   
3. When the Tempo Feels "Just Right"
   Sometimes, you may come across a song with a tempo that feels perfectly balanced and fits the mood and energy that you want to convey. Here's how to recognize when the tempo is just right:
   
   ​a. Cohesion and Flow: If the tempo seamlessly integrates with the melody, harmonies, lyrics, and overall structure of the song, it's a positive sign. The different elements of your song should complement one another, creating a musically cohesive and engaging listening experience.
   
   b. Emotional Resonance: Pay attention to how the tempo enhances the emotional impact of your song. It should support the intended mood, whether it's uplifting, reflective, or intense. When the tempo aligns harmoniously with the emotional essence of the music, it contributes to a powerful and memorable listening experience.​​

Conclusion: Tempo plays a vital role in the overall success of a song, dictating its energy, mood, and connection with the audience. By assessing whether the tempo is too fast, too slow, or just right, you can identify areas for improvement and refine your performance accordingly. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog series, where we'll explore the significance of the key and its impact on your song's emotional journey. Remember, the magic of music lies in its ability to evolve and transform, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the tempo that brings your song to life.

EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS:
Choose a song and sing it at slow, medium, and fast tempos. What feels most "right" for you? Now find 3 different karaoke tracks for that same song, and look at the timestamps. Longer versions of a song are usually slower, while shorter tracks are generally faster (assuming the song structure is the same). I usually like to pick a mid-tempo or slower tempo track for ballads, so I have room to riff and so that my words can be more impactful. I always dance out dance songs, before choosing the tempo and bpm. Also, competitive dance songs need to be at regulation tempos so dancers can do and feel their best.

Modern Music Tempos
(BPM = beats per minute)

1. Ambient - 60-80 BPM
2. Dub - 60-80 BPM
3. Reggae - 60-90 BPM
4. Tango - 62–66 BPM
5. Downtempo - 70-100 BPM
6. Ballad - 70-120 BPM
7. Chillout - 80-120 BPM
8. Trip-hop - 80-110 BPM
9. Waltz - 84–90 BPM
10. Lounge - 90-120 BPM
11. Samba - 96-104 BPM
12. R&B - 60-130 BPM
13. Soul - 70-130 BPM
14. Blues - 70-140 BPM
15. Jazz - 80-140 BPM
16. Folk - 90-140 BPM
17. Country - 100-140 BPM
18. Funk - 100-150 BPM
19. Gospel - 90-150 BPM
20. Rock - 100-160 BPM
21. Indie Rock - 100-160 BPM
22. Alternative Rock - 100-160 BPM
23. Pop - 100-160 BPM
24. Soft Rock - 100-160 BPM
25. Singer-Songwriter - 100-160 BPM
26. Bluegrass - 100-180 BPM
27. Disco - 110-130 BPM
28. Motown - 110-130 BPM
29. Foxtrot - 112 – 120 BPM
30. House - 115-140 BPM
31. Paso Doble - 120 – 124 BPM
32. Cha Cha Cha - 120-128 BPM
33. Electronic - 120-140 BPM
34. Trance - 120-150 BPM
35. Techno - 120-150 BPM
36. Ska - 120-180 BPM
37. Dance - 130-150 BPM
38. Eurodance - 130-150 BPM
39. Hip-Hop - 80-160 BPM
40. Rap - 80-160 BPM
41. Rumba - 100-108
42. Trap - 120-160 BPM
43. Breakbeat - 130-170 BPM
44. Dubstep: 135-145 BPM
45. Drum and Bass - 160-180 BPM
46. Punk - 160-200 BPM
47. Jive - 168-184 BPM
48. Metal - 100-200 BPM
49. Salsa - 180-300 BPM
50. Charleston - 200-290 BPM