3

In modern music such as as pop, rock and even dance music, there are times when the music builds to a certain high point (may not necessarily be the most intense point, but fairly intense) and then there is a brief "quiet part" in the middle or 3/4 of the track, which is followed by a "intense part" which carries the track the rest of the way until the end.

This "quiet part" could be a moment of silence, or dip in intensity with only a minimal basic beat, or just the vocalist singing quietly without instruments. Sometimes it can even feel like the track has actually ended or will end, until, the "intense part" surprises and excites you with more. In some ways I suppose it also feels like a transition of sorts although you don't realize it until the "intense part".

The "intense part" can be the introduction of a new instrument (eg. an instrumental part after which the vocalist begins to sing), or a new secondary chorus or beat, or perhaps the first point at which all of the instruments can be heard at once. Sometimes it is also the beginning of the track revisited.

Example 1:

"Quiet part" starts at 3:03, "Intense part" starts at 3:05 (In the original version the quiet part is much longer and is complete silence, but this appears to have been sped up for the video, you can try pausing the video at 3:04 to get the intended effect).

Example 2:

"Quiet part" starts at 6:12, "Intense part" starts at 6:17 (The difference doesn't sound very significant in these 10 seconds, but if listening to the track from several minutes earlier the change here feels like a pretty big difference).

I have done some research and found terminology such as "drop" or "kick line" as well as some other terms from classical music. What is this called exactly?

2 Answers 2

3

"The Break" (Wikipedia) is the moment of silence -- or "openness" -- following the buildup and before the Drop (see below)

Breaks are found in a wide variety of music. In jazz, they're often used between the end of the main melody and the beginning of a solo -- a moment for the soloist to show off before the rhythm section re-enters. "Stop time", which is a use of intermittent accompaniment silences within a solo, is also a form of break.

It's also the origin of b-boying (break-boying, a.k.a. breakdancing). DJs would loops the breaks of records for dancers to perform.

The Break precedes "The Drop", which is the most common term for the moment of return after the break. The term has become associated with EDM and, prior to that, bass-n-drums. Wikipedia places the precursor somewhat earlier, in 70s rock and 80s Miami Bass Hip-Hop.

Breaks and drops are used to the point of cliche in movie trailer music. An article in Vulture, via a reddit conversation, tentatively dates its origin in trailers to the 2006 preview for Transformers (2007), which contains a drop about every 10 seconds.

2
  • 2
    I think most people would understand "The Drop" to be the most intense part of an electronic song, maybe analogous to a refrain or chorus. Not a pause or "slow point".
    – Edward
    Feb 17, 2021 at 5:29
  • @Edward Completely right. I was temporarily insane. I think I've managed to correct the post.
    – Aaron
    Feb 17, 2021 at 6:36
2

If everyone stops, it's a grand pause, or caesura. Colloquially called a railroad track, for reasons which escape me.

If the drummer sees fit to play a roll or fill of some sort at that point, it'll turn into a drum break. This seems to be what happens in the example shown.

1

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.