Achy Breaky Heart LAW

Listening Framework

(Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Rae Cyrus)

Listening Phase 1 (Rhythm)

Source [where is the rhythm coming from?]

The rhythm is driven by the drums and the strumming of the acoustic guitar.

Time/Tempo [guess at the time signature]

The time signature is common time, which is also known as 4/4. And the tempo was in the middle range. I would say it was around 100 BPM upon first listen.

Groove [describe how the personality of the rhythm]

The groove is straight up. It is not trying to lay back like most funk songs and it is not pushing onward either. It is just a standard drumbeat.

Listening Phase 2 (Arrangement)

Instrumentation [which instruments drive the song?]

The instrumentation has a “honky tonk” vibe that contains twangy guitars playing standard country riffs. The guitars and drums drive the song along with a consistent rhythm.

Structure/Organization [how is the song built?  Order, patterns, etc.]

There is not a bridge in this song. It contains a verse, chorus, verse, chorus, solo section, breakdown of the chorus, and then the chorus again.

Emotional Architecture [Draw how the song build and drop?]

There is a breakdown of the chorus and then a normal chorus but besides that there is not a significant emotional build and drop.

Listening Phase 3 (Sound Quality)

Balance

-       Height [high and low of frequency]

The higher frequencies consist of the acoustic guitar, and the tambourine that hits on the 4 beat in between the verses and choruses. The bass of course takes the low end and the drum snare sits about midrange along with the vocals. The hi hats and occasional keyboard are in the upper middle EQ range.

-       Width [stereo panning left/right]

The bass and drums are in the middle but the acoustic guitar seems to be panned completely in the left and right ear to create a wide and open sound. The occasional guitar riffs come in the middle-right ear and sometimes the middle-left ear.

-       Depth [layers of instruments]

The layers are pretty basic. There is a rhythm guitar that is acoustic, a bass guitar, a drum set, and a lead guitar. In addition to this, there are keys in the songs and tambourine.