Artist: Tate McRae
Song: "greedy”
Songwriters: Amy Allen, Jasper Harris, Ryan Tedder, Tate McRae
Producers: Grant Boutin, Jasper Harris, Ryan Tedder
Mastering Engineer: Dave Kutch
Mixer: Manny Marroquin
Record Label: RCA
Primary Genre: Pop
Influences: Alt/Indie, Dance/Club, Electropop/Synthpop, Pop, R&B/Soul
Length: 2:09
Form: I-A-B-T-A-B-A-B-O
Key: F# minor
Tempo: 111 BPM
First Chorus: 0:21 / 16% of the way into the song
Intro Length: 0:04
Electronic vs. Acoustic Instrumentation: Electronic/Acoustic Combo
Prominent Instruments: Bass (Synth), Drums/Perc (Acoustic/Electronic Combo), Handpan percussion, Synth (Non-Bass)
Primary Lyrical Theme: Inspiration/Empowerment, Love/Relationships, Love/Relationships (Romantic/Being In Love/Seeking Love)
Title Appearances: "greedy" appears three times in the song

Genres & Influence Blend

Key

“greedy” features a combination of pop, R&B, dance/club, electropop/synthpop, and alternative influences that are put into effect by the qualities of the vocals, instrumentation, lyrics, and overall production.

The song’s main influence and primary genre is pop. This is due in part to its catchy K.I.S.S. ME (Keep it Simple, Singable and Memorable) melodies, array of infectious hooks, familiar pop structure, relatable love/relationships and inspiration/empowerment-themed lyrics, and polished production, to name a few.

Complementing the song’s pop influence is a notable R&B influence. Vocally, it is put into effect by McRae’s combination of smooth, sultry, confident, and melismatic vocals, which are in line with the styles of other recent R&B and pop-influenced stars such as Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and SZA, among others. Instrumentally, the smooth synths contribute to the R&B vibe, which along with the vocals culminates in the third verse’s filtered production.

The song’s underlying dance influence is put into effect mainly by its danceable 111 BPM tempo and dance-ready drum groove. It is featured notably throughout the entire song save for the first stanza of verse 3, which features a more simplified drum pattern.

Working hand-in-hand with the song’s overarching pop and dance influences is electropop/synthpop. It is put into effect mainly by the ample of use of synths - both bass and non-bass – and featured in varying degrees of prominence throughout the song save for the intro and turnaround, where it’s omitted. The influence is prominently featured in the chorus and outro sections due to their dense, synth-heavy qualities; moderately prominent in the second and third verses; and is least prominent in the sparser first verse.

Lastly, “greedy” possesses an underlying alternative influence that is present throughout the entire song. Contributing to it are the atypical handpan percussion hook, the dark, foreboding melodic synth in the chorus, the unique drum timbres, and left-of-center vocal production qualities.

Blending In & Standing Out in the Hot 100 Top 10

“greedy’s” expert balance of genres and influences enabled it to both blend in and stand out in the Hot 100 top 10. While individually all its influences are familiar to mainstream ears due to their varying degrees of prominence over the years, it’s their unique combination that is far more atypical.

Over the past decade, only six other Hot 100 top 10 hits have possessed all these influences under one roof in varying degrees of prominence, most of which stem from 2018 or earlier:

• “Beauty And A Beat” (Justin Bieber featuring Nicki Minaj – 2013)
• “Roses” (The Chainsmokers featuring Roses – 2016)
• “Closer” (The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey – 2016)
• “Bad At Love” (Halsey – 2017)
• “Happier” (Marshmello, Bastille – 2018)
• “Lavender Haze” (Taylor Swift – 2022)
  
  

Pop as a Primary Genre in the Hot 100 Top 10: 2018 – Q3 2023 

“greedy’s” Influences in the Hot 100 Top 10: 2018 – Q3 2023 (Outside the Hip Hop/Rap Primary Genre) 

Instrumental Arrangement

Overview

“greedy” features an expertly crafted instrumental arrangement that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish while working in concert with the vocals and lyrics to establish a unified vibe and heighten emotional connection.

Primary Instruments

Drums/Percussion

Handpan Percussion  Hook (Electronic)
Handpan percussion plays the main melodic hook heard throughout the majority of the song. It was created using an Omnisphere patch of sugar packets hitting a handpan, providing a rattling tone overtop the pitches.

Kick (Electronic)
The electronic kick is introduced in the first verse and remains in effect throughout the song. It is processed with compression and features a strong, punchy quality that allows it to cut through the mix. The accented off-beats and 808 timbre provides it with a quality found in both hip hop and electropop productions.
 
A low-pass filter is used on the kick in the first half of verse 3, removing the high end. This provides it with a subtler quality that jibes with the more serene accompaniment.  

Snare (Electronic)
The electronic snare is introduced in verse 1 and remains in effect throughout the song. It provides a steady backbeat on beats 2 and 4 and possesses a bright and dry timbre that allows it to cut through the mix. Like the kick, it is processed with low-pass filtering in verse 3 to reduce its prominence in the mix.

Claps (Electronic)
The electronic claps are introduced in verse 1 and remain in effect across sections except for the first half of verse 3. Made up of several claps layered together, they appear one sixteenth note before beat 2, as well as directly on beat 2. The anticipated note and the depth of the bright clap layers add to the snare sound, providing the backbeat with heightened punch, body, and definition.

Hand Drum (Backbeat)
A hand drum is introduced to the mix in verse 3 playing on beat 4, and for the remainder of the song on beats 2 and 4.  Functioning similarly to the snare, its organic timbre provides a subtle additional texture and helps punctuate the backbeat.

Open Hat (Electronic)
The electronic open hi-hat is heard briefly in the choruses 1 and 3, subtly contributing to the groove while providing additional high frequency information.

Shaker (Electronic)
The electronic shaker is introduced in verse 1 and remains in effect throughout the song save for the first half of verse 3.  It functions as a low-level percussive embellishment, playing a repeated groove throughout the first two beats of each measure.

Conga (Acoustic)
The acoustic conga is introduced in verse 1 and is featured sparsely across sections. It subtly contributes to the groove while providing the mainly electronic mix with acoustic color and texture.

Electronic Drum Roll
The electronic drum roll, a rapid fill with a clicky, synthetic timbre, is heard on the last beat of every two-bar phrase throughout the song. It is moved to the upbeat of beat 1 in the first chorus, then shifted to beat 4 in subsequent choruses and is reversed in bar 4 of verse 2 to complement the reversed synth lead.

Crash (Electronic)
The electronic crash possesses a sizzle-y timbre and is used to subtly punctuate the arrival of each four-bar phrase during choruses and the outro.

Bass

Sub Bass
The sub bass enters in the first chorus and remains in effect in each section save for the brief turnaround. It is a rich, legato bass that provides low-end power and depth within the otherwise mid and high-frequency range dominant mix.

Glide Bass
The glide bass is featured exclusively in the drums/percussion-driven first verse, punctuating the section’s arrival and midway points.

Funky Synth Bass
The funky synth bass enters in verse 3, providing a classic 1980s funky embellishment leading into the second half of the section.

Synths

Bright Synth Lead
The bright lead synth is heard in each chorus as well as the outro. It plays a high-pitched sustained melody that functions as one of the song’s main hooks while contributing to vibe through its tense and tremolo-processed quality.   

Warm Synth Pad
The warm synth pad is introduced in the first chorus and remains in effect throughout the song save for the turnaround. It is layered on top of the sub bass, providing the bottom end with additional color and texture. In verse 3, the timbre is tweaked to provide the pad with a fuller tone within the sparse arrangement.

Breathy Synth Pad
The breathy synth pad is introduced in the first verse and remains in effect across sections save for the turnaround. It is heard most notably within the sparser arrangements (i.e., verse 1), and possesses an airy, breathy timbre that pairs with heavy reverb to add low-level atmosphere to the mix.  

Guitars

Palm Muted Electric Guitar
The palm muted electric guitar is first introduced in the second half of verse 3 and remains in effect for the duration of the song. Its primary function is to reinforce the handpan hook melody in a fresh manner while contributing a new texture to the mix.

Keys

Electric Piano  
The electric piano enters in chorus 2 and is subsequently featured in chorus 3 and the outro. Its Fender Rhodes timbre contributes warmth to the mix while its arpeggiated pattern outlines the chord progression.

Effects

Reverse Vocal Swell
The reverse vocal swell is exclusively heard at the end of the intro leading into verse 1. Its primary function is to heighten tension and engagement leading into the first installment of the narrative.

Reverse Synth Swell
The reverse synth swell functions in a transitional capacity across most sections in the song. Similar to the vocal swell, its primary function is to heighten tension and engagement while imparting the mix with additional color and texture.

Instrumental Arrangement: Section By Section

Intro (0:00 – 0:04)

Chord Progression: N.C. 

“greedy’s” 4-second intro features the sparsest arrangement in the song, consisting solely of the handpan hook and reverse swell effect. Within this short runtime, the section achieves a host of important things:

• The sparseness of the arrangement spotlights the handpan hook, allowing it to easily cut through airwave clutter, grab the listener’s attention and hook them in. In addition, its unique timbre functions as an instantly identifiable calling card for the song. As soon as one hears it, they know exactly what song it is.
• The sparseness of the arrangement leaves room for density and energy growth in subsequent sections, while the upper-mid frequency  focus provides room for frequency expansion.
• The percussive quality of the handpan hook and its associated rhythm establish the song’s vibrant 111 BPM groove in lieu of drums.
• Aspects of the handpan hook’s melody and rhythm foreshadow and subsequently reinforce McRae’s lead vocal in the verse, turnaround, and outro sections.
• The qualities of the handpan hook and swell effect establish “greedy’s” pop influence and allude to the electropop direction the song takes.
• The reverse swell effect, which enters at the midway point, serves as a tension and anticipation heightening section impact accentuator (S.I.A.) leading into the verse. The S.I.A. is bolstered by the brief electronic drum roll, full accompaniment pull, and high-pitched “whoo” at the end.

Intro Arrangement: At-A-Glance

Verse 1 (0:04 – 0:21)

Chord Progression: F#m (F# minor: i) 

With the handpan hook providing cross-section continuity, the verse adds drums/percussion into the mix, consisting primarily of electronic kick, layered snare and claps, and shaker. Together, they lock the listener into the song’s fully developed, vibrant groove in conjunction with McRae’s rhythmic eighth note-driven vocals. The instrumental groove remains constant throughout the section, keeping the listener’s full focus on McRae and the first installment of the narrative without distraction.  

In addition to the drum/perc groove, sporadic sub bass and conga are introduced to the mix:

• A brief sub bass glide is implemented on beat 1 of measures 1 and 5 (the section’s starting and midway points). In measure 1 it introduces the section in an impactful manner following the anticipation heightening S.I.A. at the end of the intro. Its return in measure 5 serves as a familiar beacon while subtly heightening interest within the repetitive section.
• A single conga hit is employed on beat 3 of measures 4, 6 and 8. While subtle, it further defines the groove while providing an acoustic texture to the overt electronic mix.

Also, in terms of timbre and frequency, the layered snare and claps define and punctuate the backbeat (a highly common practice in electro-leaning hits) while contributing mid/high frequency information to the mix. The punchy kick covers the mid-low range and the sporadic sub bass covers the low end. However, its sporadic use allows for low-end expansion in the ensuing chorus. In addition, a low-level, breathy pad processed with copious reverb  is featured throughout, providing the mix with additional depth and atmosphere.

At the end of the section, a brief partial accompaniment pull S.I.A. is implemented through the omission of the handpan hook. This creates a brief transitional lull that boosts engagement leading into the chorus while enabling it to hit with increased perceived impact.

Verse 1 Arrangement: At-A-Glance

Chorus 1 (0:21 – 0:38) 

Chord Progression: D – Bm – F#m – E (F# minor: bVI-iv-i-bVII) 

Following the S.I.A. at the end of the verse, the first chorus hits hard with the densest instrumental arrangement heard in the song thus far. It features both recycled and new elements, simultaneously adding familiarity and interest while accentuating the chorus’s vibe and emotional impact.  

Familiarity
The continuation of the handpan hook, snare, claps, shaker, and conga keeps the listener locked in the infectious groove across sections. However, the handpan hook’s prominence is reduced within the denser arrangement. While it might seem counter intuitive to reduce a primary hook’s visibility, there are a few key reasons for it:

• It puts the listener’s full focus on the catchy chorus vocals and summative lyrics.
• It makes room for the new melodic synth hook (see below).
• It prevents the handpan hook from becoming overly redundant and waring out its welcome.
  

Interest
Along with low-level electronic crash, which subtly punctuates the start of both four-bar phrases, the chorus adds the following new and changed up elements to the mix:

• The sub bass now plays a continuous legato pattern as opposed to sporadic glides.  This provides the mix with continuous bottom end power and low-frequency depth within the otherwise mid and high-frequency mix. It also contributes to the section’s dark vibe, which compliments the lyrics.
• A new warm synth pad is layered on top of the sub bass, providing additional color and texture that also compliments the vibe.
  
• A new bright lead synth plays two near-verbatim repetitions of a high-pitched, sustained melody that begins on the downbeats of measures 11 and 15. The pattern’s simplicity, unique timbre, and vibrato processing creates a recognizable instrumental hook that stands out while not overshadowing McRae’s lead vocal focus. Additionally, its timbre imparts a tense, somewhat ominous vibe that compliments the foreboding lyrics.
• Similarly to the entrance of the chorus, the exit uses a reverse synth swell to heighten the impact of the ensuing turnaround. This is achieved by likely subverting the listener’s expectations of a more intense section (i.e., a post-chorus) and instead going into breakdown mode in the turnaround.
  

Chorus 1 Arrangement: At-A-Glance

Turnaround (0:38 – 0:40) 

Chord Progression: N.C. 

Following the dense and energetic chorus, the 1-bar turnaround breaks the song down to the core drum/percussion groove, consisting of kick, snare, claps, shaker and conga. While brief, this pronounced shift serves a few key purposes within the song’s framework:

• It notably heightens the listener’s engagement following the arrangement build in the preceding sections.
• It provides room for arrangement, energy, and frequency growth in the ensuing sections.
• It puts the listener’s focus on McRae’s new hummed delivery of the handpan hook melody. This creatively keeps the hook melody in the listener’s head while heightening interest and preventing the handpan from becoming overly redundant.
• It keeps the listener locked in the song’s core groove while all the above is achieved.

Turnaround Arrangement: At-A-Glance 

Verse 2 (0:40 – 0:58) 

Chord Progression: D – Bm – F#m – E (F# minor: bVI-iv-i-bVII)

Following the brief transitional turnaround, verse 2 engages the listener at a heightened level through a return to the core verse 1 arrangement. The main differences between like-sections are the addition of sub bass and warm synth pad, which weren’t present the first time around. These elements provide verse 2 with a comparatively denser and more energetic quality that enhances both like-section and cross-section interest while maintaining familiarity in the scope of the song.

In addition, a reverse swell effect is uniquely implemented at the midway point. While subtle, it serves to further heighten in-section interest while providing additional like-section variation. In the second half of the verse, the tone subtly shifts, introducing a more pronounced sub-bass and warmer synth sound.  

At the end of the section, the same breakdown S.I.A. technique that was used to transition into chorus 1 is used to transition into chorus 2. However, this time around its impact is more pronounced due to the denser arrangement that precedes it.

Verse 2 Arrangement: At-A-Glance 

Chorus 2 (0:58 – 1:15) 

Chord Progression: D – Bm – F#m – E (F# minor: bVI-iv-i-bVII) 

The chorus 2 arrangement is essentially the same as its chorus 1 counterpart, which strengthens the song’s familiarity factor. However, to prevent cookie-cutter redundancy, arpeggiated electric piano chords are added to the mix. Their addition serves a variety of purposes, including providing subtle like-section contrast, contributing to density, and providing additional color, texture, and harmonic support. Furthermore, the warm Fender Rhodes-inspired timbre contributes to the vibe while seamlessly blending in with the other elements in the mix.

Chorus 2 Arrangement: At-A-Glance 

Verse 3 (1:15 – 1:32)

Chord Progression: D – Bm – F#m – E (F# minor: bVI-iv-i-bVII) 

Verse 3 serves as “greedy’s” main “D” (departure) section in lieu of a much more common bridge. While most of its instrumental elements have been featured in previous sections, their unique context heightens interest while supporting the familiar verse melody.

Segment 1 (Bars 1-4)
The first half of the section strips back to kick, snare, conga, and two synth pads – the warm synth pad and breathy synth pad – all of which were present in verse 2. Together, these elements, along with the notable omission of the handpan hook, achieve the following:

• The sparseness of the arrangement notably heightens interest and engagement coming out of the dense and intense chorus while putting the full focus on McRae’s vocals and narrative development.
• The filtered processing of several instruments and synth pads creates a melancholic vibe that frames the vocals and lyrics in a unique context.
• The stripped back drum/perc pattern prevents the familiar vibrant groove from becoming redundant while keeping the listener locked in and leaving room for development.
• The omission of the handpan hook is important for a few key reasons, including preventing it from becoming overly redundant, providing a reduction in energy, and leaving room for higher frequency growth (also achieved through the filtering). In its absence, McRae subtly hums the hook melody, further reinforcing it while contributing to forward motion and groove (her vocal is essentially functioning in an instrumental capacity).
• In bar 4, a partial accompaniment pull S.I.A. is implemented leading into the second segment. Along with heightening in-section interest, it emphasizes the lyric “never met someone like that” through its breakdown quality, locks the kick in with the vocal, and provides a brief funky flourish through the funky synth bass embellishment.

Segment 2 (Bars 5-8)
The second half of the section adds the other verse 2 elements back into the mix, which ramps up density and intensity while heightening both like-section familiarity and in-section interest. However, the filtering remains in effect, which both maintains the section’s vibe and provides room for frequency development in the ensuing chorus.  

The main new element added to the mix is a palm muted electric guitar, which delivers the familiar handpan hook melody. Its addition further defines and reinforces the hook melody while the handpan hook is relegated towards the back of the mix due to the filtering. It also provides the section with unique color and texture not heard before.

At the end of the verse, a unique full accompaniment pull S.I.A. and two kick drum hits usher in the third and final chorus in an impactful manner.

Verse 3 Arrangement: At-A-Glance

Chorus 3 (1:32 – 1:50) 

Chord Progression: D – Bm – F#m – E (F# minor: bVI-iv-i-bVII)

Following the pronounced S.I.A., the third and final chorus hits with high impact, returning to the chorus 2 accompaniment along with the continuation of the palm muted electric guitar hook from verse 3. This dense instrumental arrangement takes the song’s intensity to a grand climax in conjunction with McRae’s impassioned vocals while maintaining strong familiarity with the other choruses.

Chorus 3 Arrangement: At-A-Glance

Outro (1:50 – 2:09) 

Chord Progression: D – Bm – F#m – E (F# minor: bVI-iv-i-bVII)

The outro maintains the intense chorus 3 arrangement, with the sole variation being a brief mid-section S.I.A. that captures attention within the repetitive section. The cross-section continuity keeps the listener locked into the intense groove while placing their main focus on the repetition of the vocal hooks without distraction.

At the end of the section, a full accompaniment pull S.I.A. is implemented to create a jarring moment that spotlights McRae’s hummed delivery of the hook as the song comes to a conclusion.

Outro Arrangement: At-A-Glance

This file includes the correct meter, tempo and song arrangement displayed as empty MIDI regions for each instrument. Load your copy of the song to see when each instrument enters and leaves the mix, how the arrangement of like and cross-sections compare, how energy and dynamics are working from an arrangement point of view, and more.

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At-A-Glance

Song Structure

• Form
  
• Time and Percent into the Song When Core Sections Occur
• Song & Section Length
• Total Section Breakdown
  

Genres & Influences

Energy & Dynamics

• Energy Arrangement
  
• Loudness
• Energy: Section-By-Section

Instrumental Arrangement

• Primary Instruments
• Instrumental Arrangement: Section By Section