Ed Sheeran’s ‘Happier’: Musical Elements and Cultural Impact
Introduction
By analyzing Ed Sheeran’s “Happier,” I learned a lot about Urban Popular Music, especially regarding its musical elements and cultural context. This song, released in 2017, is a great example of how modern pop music uses simple musical structures to convey deep emotions while also reflecting cultural trends of its time.
Musical Elements
In terms of musical elements, “Happier” shows many characteristics of Urban Popular Music. The song follows a typical verse-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus
Read MoreMedieval Love Songs: Galician Literary Renaissance
Medieval Love Songs and Galician Literature
Love songs are medieval lyrical compositions where the man is the singer, addressing a woman. These songs, originating in Provence, often depict unrequited love. The lady is idealized and remains anonymous.
Types of Love Songs
- Songs of Mastery: Complex compositions with refrains.
- Cantigas de Chorus: Songs featuring repetition in the chorus of each couplet.
- Cantigas de Amigo: Short, simple compositions, named for the appearance of the word “friend” in the first
Vivaldi’s Winter & Baroque Music: Vivaldi, Pergolesi, Monteverdi, Bach
Winter (The Four Seasons) by Antonio Vivaldi
Author: Antonio Vivaldi
Country: Italy
Period: Baroque (17th century and the mid-18th century)
Musical Form: Concerto Grosso
Comment: This work is a concerto grosso, a musical form for orchestras that consists of three movements: fast-slow-fast. The orchestra is divided into two groups: a small one of three instruments (in this case, only a single violin) and another comprising the rest of the orchestra (tutti). In each movement, there is a dialogue between
Read MoreClassical and Romantic Music: Genres, Beethoven’s 9th
Classicism
Classical instrumental genres (formal structures were important as the musician’s life depended on noble or ecclesiastical courts):
- Sonata
- Concerto (instrument accompanied by orchestra)
- Symphony (Orchestra)
- String Quartet
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
Hearing
Work: Symphony No. 9
Author: Beethoven
Period: Pre-Romantic
Medium: Vocal-instrumental (symphony orchestra, mixed choir, and vocal quartet)
Form: Symphony
Features:
First movement: There are two constant themes: a dramatic one and a calm one, which
Read MoreMusic’s Role in Urban Culture, TV, and Advertising
Characteristics of Urban Popular Music
Urban popular music is marked by a series of conditions that have always been present. It is influenced by technological advances, social connection, identity markers, youth culture, the business functions related to mass media, and the use of new instrumental timbres.
Music on Television
Music on TV primarily involves reinforcing the power of images in various contexts.
The Sound of Television
The relationship between the sound we hear and the image we see on the
Read MoreMedieval and Renaissance Music: Chant, Troubadours, Polyphony
Music in the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages cover the period from the fall of the Western Roman Empire (fifth century) until the fourteenth century. The organization of society was feudal. Artistically, this era saw the development of Romanesque and Gothic styles. In monasteries, the singing of the liturgy in Gregorian chant was central, representing a compilation of songs from Christian influence. In the courts, troubadours—poets and musicians—composed and sang about themes of love and war.