What makes a song a hit? Why do some artists make it into the history books while others are forgotten?
Choose a hit song that you believe is or will be a “classic” created by an artist who you believe we will still be paying attention to in 20 to 30 years
The focus of this assignment has 3 primary elements
1) analyze the musical influences that led to the composition of the song
2) comment on and research the song’s potential longevity as a hit or the artist’s potential for pop “immortality”
3) discuss the primary influences on the artist or band who recorded the song
The Plan (you have 2 options)
1) Written report (individual work only please) This report should be 2-3 pages (600 -800 words), typed, with footnotes if necessary and in your own words.
COPYING FROM THE WEB IS PLAGERISM AND WILL RESULT IN 0 Pts
Times New Roman, 12 pt Font, Double Spaced
Please include your name, date and class meeting time in the top left corner, single spaced. Failure to comply with the standard formatting will result in an automatic drop of 3 points. Use paragraphs to separate central ideas.
• Short artist profile that includes primary influences (you will need to research this)
• What style is the song today? Create a short historical narrative that demonstrates the musical styles that may have led to the creation of the song. What musical components of the song can you sight that demonstrate these influences. Be as specific as possible.
This might include discussion of the rhythmic style or “groove” of the song, instrumentation, texture, form, melody, harmony, political focus or lack there of, and anything else you choose to include. You need to do more than simply mentioning published influences. • The written report should go into detail about how the chosen recording artist fits into the history of rock and R&B. Who were their major influences? What aspects of the song can be traced to various historic styles and musical ingredients? Why will we still care about this artist or band in 25 years?
• Research critical writing and commentary on the song and or artist to back up your claims that we will still be caring about this artist in the year 2035. Use and credit at least 3 sources.
For maximum credit you must use at least 3 relevant quotations that support your argument and make sure that they are properly credited using footnotes or endnotes.
Do not use Wikipedia as a primary source. This is an excellent starting point but you must follow up by researching Wikipedia sources and crediting them appropriately.
Oral Report (can be done by committee of 2)
• Play the song in class including name, artist, style, and year recorded
• Short artist profile that includes primary influences (you will need to research this)
• What style is the song today? Create a short historical narrative that demonstrates the musical styles that may have led to the creation of the song. What musical components of the song can you sight that demonstrate these influences. Be as specific as possible.
This might include discussion of the rhythmic style or “groove” of the song, instrumentation, texture, form, melody, harmony, political focus or lack there of, and anything else you choose to include. You need to do more than simply mentioning published influences. Play short examples of songs or artists that may have influenced the creation of “your” song
• Discuss and share critical writing and commentary on the song or artist to back up your claims that we will still be caring about this artist in the year 2035