An Inside Look at the Techniques Utilized in Crafting 'Shape of You'
Hit Songs Deconstructed founders Dave and Yael Penn sit down with Billboard’s Gary Trust and Trevor Anderson, for an inside look at some of the songwriting techniques utilized in crafting Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You".
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‘Shape of You’ Deconstructed
It’s safe to say that Ed Sheeran made the right decision when he chose to keep 'Shape Of You' for himself as opposed to pitching it to other artists (Rihanna was one that he had in mind). Released as one of two lead singles from…
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‘Starboy’ Deconstructed
'Starboy' was the first single released from The Weeknd’s 2016 album of the same name. A collaboration with EDM superstars Daft Punk, this dark, moody, cocky song struck a chord with listeners, landing in the Top 10 on over 40 charts throughout the world, and…
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Maximizing the Impact of a Chorus: Side To Side Case Study
Of all the sections in a hit song, it’s the chorus that is typically the most infectious, engaging and memorable. While the appearance of simplicity is key to ensure that it easily connects and resonates, the construction and implementation is anything but.
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‘Side To Side’ Deconstructed
Released in August 2016, 'Side To Side' was the third single released from Ariana Grande’s third studio album, Dangerous Woman. Co-written by an all-star team of hitmakers, one of whom is Max Martin, 'Side To Side' possesses an array of standout features that contributed to…
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‘Closer’ Deconstructed
While Closer possesses many of the core characteristics found in hit songs, what really sets it apart is its main hook. Lifted from The Fray’s 2005 hit, Over My Head (Cable Car), it is featured in various manifestations in every section of the song, which…
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Hit Songs Deconstructed Returns to the Billboard Chart Beat Podcast
Sitting down with Billboard’s Co-Director of Charts, Gary Trust, Hit Songs Deconstructed founders Dave and Yael Penn discuss their new IMMERSION hit songwriting searchable database, trends, the craft behind “Don’t Let Me Down,” “No,” and “When Doves Cry” and more.
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‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ Deconstructed
'We Don’t Talk Anymore' is the third single released from Charlie Puth’s debut studio album, 'Nine Track Mind'. It was written by Puth, Jacob Kasher, and the song’s featured artist, Selena Gomez. This meticulously well-crafted song is a playbook of hit songwriting techniques.
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‘Cold Water’ Deconstructed
'Cold Water' is the lead single from Major Lazer’s forthcoming album, 'Music Is The Weapon'. It features a duet between Justin Bieber and MØ and was co-written by an all-star team of writers, including Benny Blanco, Diplo and Ed Sheeran among others. The song was…
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