The Great Importance of Rhythm Instruments
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When I was in early high school, a good friend of mine played her favorite music for me in the car. She was really excited about a certain song that I didn’t find too entertaining, so I asked her what she looked for in music. Her answer was something along the lines of, “I love songs that are relaxing and chill me out.” She then asked what I look for in songs, and I realized I didn’t know how to reply. I simply told her I like music that makes me “feel things,” but I didn’t know how to elaborate. Over the subsequent four years, I’ve discovered many reasons that certain songs make me “feel things,” and one of the primary factors is the strength of the song’s rhythm section. Namely drums, piano, and bass guitar.
These instruments both ground me and offer an influx of emotion while I’m listening to music. For someone who doesn’t have a naturally solid sense of rhythm (which definitely shows when I play any instrument or sing), the rhythm section offers stability that I don’t have internally. Songs with a strong, deep beat can often help me get out of a “stagnant” or unmotivated state. They even help my head feel better if I have a headache! Beyond physically helping me, rhythm instruments emotionally allow me to connect with music. I love showing my friends and family new music I find, and if they ask why I like such songs, I often comment on something “unexpected” the rhythm section did. For instance, I think it’s so fascinating when the drummer breaks a pattern halfway through the song. This change of pace gives me chills and brings me deeper into the song’s emotional tone.
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One example of the drummer drastically breaking the song’s pattern is the ending of Lana Del Rey’s “Chemtrails Over the Country Club.” The drums don’t even appear until over halfway through the song, and after the vocals drop off, the drums completely take over and close out the song with a haunting, artistic flare that gives me chills every time. Another example of drums closing off a song well is The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin.” While the vocals also continue until the end, the drums definitely play a prominent role as the song reaches its climax. The drummer, Graeme Edge, throws in many small builds throughout the song, but the build at the finale is particularly spellbinding. The final drumroll closes the (already emotional) song off with a heartbreaking bang.
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Some songs that don’t rely heavily on drums instead lean on the piano for rhythmic effect. In “The End of Love” by Florence + the Machine, the piano is the driving force that carries the song forward in leaps, sort of mimicking the lyrics: “I let it wash away, wash away.” Personally, I think that if drums had been incorporated into this song, it would have taken away from the song’s mystical, almost “floaty” effect that also mimics the lyrics: “And Joshua / Came down from the mountain / With the tablet in his hands.” For additional rhythmic drive, Florence + the Machine adds a soft hand-clapping effect at the climax of the song that compliments the most important sounds.
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Bass guitarists definitely have a stereotype in pop culture for being mysterious and sultry, like Timothée Chalamet’s character, Kyle, in Lady Bird. While this stereotype may not ring true for every bassist, I believe it well-suits the instrument itself. The bass isn’t quite as obvious as the piano or drums, but it can add such a sultry, deeply moody tone to songs. One stunning example of the potential of the bass guitar is Beach Fossils’ “Down the Line.” The song kicks off immediately with simple, soft drums in the background and a heavy bass riff at the forefront. This riff continues even after the other instruments and vocals come in, but the bass isn’t dulled to the background; it keeps the song moving forward even more so than the drums. If I were dancing to this song, I would definitely move to the beat of the bass. It’s worth noting that the drums play a large role in one of my other favorite songs, Beach Fossils’ “Sleep Apnea.” I adore how the drums in that song are heartbreaking, even though one rarely thinks of drums as emotional. I believe the versatility of the Beach Fossils’ rhythm section only goes to show the band’s talent all around.
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Often, rhythm instruments go underappreciated due to flashier elements of songs taking the spotlight. While all elements of a song are important and should be valued, I think it’s beautiful to sometimes step back and listen specifically to the piano, bass, and drums in songs. I love asking myself what the song would be lacking without these instruments and how they move the song forward in their respective ways. I’ve definitely grown in my appreciation of the rhythm section as I’ve discovered what music I love the most and why.
Strike Out,
Writer: Ellie Amos
Editor: Blake N. Fiadino
Tallahassee