����ý

Structure

The song is written in a verse-chorus format. The structure is:

1. introduction
2. verse 1
3. pre-chorus
4. chorus
5. verse 2
6. pre-chorus
7. chorus 2
8. guitar solo
9. chorus 3
10. outro

Instrumentation and timbre

The instruments and points regarding timbre in the song include:

• Smooth combines rock and Latin instruments
• a distortion effect is applied to the guitar and vocal line

Harmony and tonality

The essential features include:

• the harmonic structure is largely based on three chords - Am (I), F (VI) and E (V)
• some chords have added sevenths
• inverted chords are played by a Hammond organ
• the key signature is A minor

Tempo, metre and rhythm

The features to take note from the song are:

• the tempo is moderate, set at 114 bpm throughout
• the metre of the song is 4/4
• triplet measures are included in the piece
• syncopated countermelodies are played by the horns
• bossa nova percussion rhythms are deployed
• rhythmic stabs emphasise the lyrics in the song
• the bass plays a syncopated riff, the guitar leads the main melodic theme and the horns add a syncopated countermelody

Texture

If asked about the textures in the song, refer to:

• the three-part polyphonic texture in the introduction
• the horns play in unison and close harmony
• the vocal line is harmonised in the pre-chorus and chorus
• the outro is polyphonic

Melody

Remember the following points regarding melody:

• there is minimal use of vibrato on held guitar notes
• the horns enter in the second half of the verse, playing a syncopated countermelody in octaves
• features of the vocal melody are:
  • a limited range of notes, ie. a fifth between the tonic (A) and dominant (E)
  • it begins part-way through the bar
  • the improvisatory response from the guitar at the end each phrase
• the piece includes a virtuoso guitar solo which plays a wide pitch range
• guitar techniques employed include vibrato on long notes, glissando, pitch bends and rapid tremolo