ANALYSIS
Here are 2 compositional devices that HAIM used to create this chart-topping, head-bopping single.
Groove + Syncopation
Syncopation gives music that 'groove'
To the listener groove is "something that makes the music feel good". In a technical sense groove is the "degree to which a rhythm deviates from the straight pulse". By placing notes on offbeats there is a sense of rhythmic tightness. For example, the electric guitar riff is syncopated as it starts and ends on an off-beat.
References:
Composers like Haim choose to integrate complimentary rhythms in different instrumental parts, seen in the rhythm of the vocal and electric guitar parts. Groove needs repetition in order to be established.
If you listen closely the electric guitar riff is repeated throughout the verse, while the bass and drum anchor the first beat of each measure, establishing the ‘groove’ of the song.
Clap the beat of the song as you listen to the guitar riff.
Check this out:
Taylor Swift's Out of the Woods uses the same groovy trick - you can hear it especially in the intro!
The Art of Suspense
Sometimes music can make us question, are we there yet?
Sometimes composers add interest to their music through suspense and tension. We can make music sound more 'mysterious' or in other words unexpected by changing chord progressions.
Q: What makes the verse feel so... unsettled?
a) There are changing chords underneath an unchanging melodic riff (in the guitar)
b) It doesn't start or finish on the 'home key'
c) Both a) and b)
If you said c), you're right!
At the start of the song we've got the D-drone. Have a listen to how it sounds when chords are changing underneath that...
When we get different chords underneath something that stays the same, the listener becomes unsure of what key we're in.
Have a listen to how HAIM does it, keeping the guitar riff the same, and changing the chords in the keyboard.
The D-drone sets us up to expect something 'D'- related. But we don't start or end on a 'D'-related chord!
Check out the keyboard part - HAIM only gives a 'D' chord in the 4th bar. We start on an Em chord, and end on an Asus4 chord.
Try experimenting with chord progressions! Are there any ways you can add make the simple ii-V-I progression more 'mysterious'?
Suspense leaves listeners waiting for something to happen - it's a great way to build up interest and energy!
Straight away listeners are captivated by the mysterious introduction of Falling. HAIM have purposely chosen to sustain a drone and use the low thudding of a drum to create a mood of suspense. In all sort of music, different types of settings and moods are evoked depending on the intent of the composer.
For example in horror films, the sound effects and background noise makes listeners 'on edge' and anticipate the jump scare
In Falling, how might the lyrics and types of chords contribute to the suspenseful atmosphere?
Make your own
Use 'Groove' and 'Suspense' to build interest in a song!
How? Here's one way...
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'Sample' a riff or melody from a song you know. We've used part of Slash's riff from "Sweet Child O' Mine" as an example.
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In Garageband, loop the sample, so that it repeats itself.
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On a separate track, experiment with different clusters or chords. See which ones really build up the suspense!
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Have a go at making the riff more groovy - shorten some notes, lengthen others, make it start on an offbeat.
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Change the instruments: Choose instruments that sound like they're "building up" to something.