The guitar riff that opens the song uses a very clean sound, repeating the sequence over and over. The same riff is moved to two different places on the guitar neck creating a melodic change. This melodic riff is then able to take the place of a traditional chord sequence. The riff has a happy pop feel accentuated by the dance feel of the drums that are added after second repeat of the sequence. This guitar riff is repeated throughout most of the song and is the main musical feature.

The singing in verse one is clear and easy to understand due to the fact that guitar and drums are the only instruments playing. Having such a sparse instrumental arrangement helps the song to build later on.

Bass guitar and keyboards are added after the first chorus but still in quite a minimal manner. The bass plays to highlight the bass drum beat and the keyboards add some texture and tone behind the singing.

The second chorus fills out with the addition of harmony vocals and sweeping string section. The guitar is actually dropped out all together in the second chorus, replaced by the strings and backing vocals. Layering the instruments and sounds used in the chorus helps to show that the chorus is the main feature of the song and helps to showcase the songs lyrical hook line.

The bridge that follows this chorus adds rhythmic variation by playing a twisting descending pattern that seems to be suspended in thin air. This is achieved by the drums and bass keeping a steady mono-tonal beat whilst the violins play a descending melody. This waterfall effect is followed by the vocals, with the beat kicking back in at the end of the descending pattern. The pattern is repeated twice adding variation to the songs structure and emotional context.

The third verse strips back down to just guitar, vocals and drums. The chorus is repeated with all the strings and keyboards as used before. This time the backing vocals overlay repeated words from the main melody, creating new movement and adding further interest. This chorus is repeated twice helping to accentuate the hook.

The end of the song introduces a new musical part where the vocals ad-lib around the underlying vocal theme. The violins are brought forward in the mix playing twisting melodies that, along with the vocals, help to create an airy, unconstrained and refreshing feel.

What can we learn?

• Moving the riff to different places on the guitar neck helps to create an equivalent to a traditional chord pattern.
• Keeping the first verse with minimal instrumentation helps the song to build up later on and adds focus to the singing.
• Introducing instruments one at a time helps to build dynamics.
• Harmony vocals and swishy strings help to fill out choruses and add texture and depth. The chorus should be made to stand out if it is the main hook of a song.
• New rhythmic effects can be created in a bridge by using one instrument that plays with a different rhythm or with different emphasis to all other instruments.
• Endings don't have to follow or copy parts used in the rest of the song
• Add-libbing helps to create a less structured feel which may help to emphasise lyrical/emotional content within a song.