Hi there, I'm Adam Mishan – singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. Today, we’re diving deep into the beautiful world of Beautiful Things by Benson Boone. This song is an incredible showcase of vocal and songwriting mastery, and in this blog post, we’ll break it down step by step, analyzing what makes it so captivating. Whether you're a singer looking to improve or just a music enthusiast, there's something here for everyone.
1. The Gentle Introduction
The song opens with a soft, acoustic feel – just Benson's voice and a guitar. This is a crucial element in songwriting: building a connection by easing listeners into the song. Instead of going all out right from the start, Benson holds back, letting the song grow naturally.
Takeaway for Singers: Start with subtlety. Build your dynamics over time to create intrigue and emotional impact.
2. Repetition with Growth
In the first verse, Benson establishes a melodic hook – a repeating melody that anchors the listener. While the melody stays consistent, he adds layers of instrumentation in the second half of the verse. This slow progression keeps things fresh while reinforcing familiarity.
Vocal Insight: Benson uses a mix of registers here – falsetto and a gentle mix – to add texture without overwhelming the listener.
3. Diminuendos and Crescendos: Playing with Dynamics
In the transition to the pre-chorus, Benson uses a diminuendo (softening his voice towards the end of a phrase) to pull the energy back before launching into a crescendo (gradually building intensity) in the pre-chorus. This contrast creates a push-and-pull effect, drawing listeners in and holding their attention.
Technique Highlight: Experiment with both diminuendos and crescendos in your singing to add depth and emotional complexity.
4. The Climactic Chorus
When we hit the chorus, Benson leaps an octave higher, reusing the melody from the pre-chorus but giving it a climactic lift. He adds rasp for emotional weight, creating that goosebump-inducing moment.
Pro Tip for Singers: Adding rasp (vocal fry) can enhance intensity, but it requires control to avoid strain. Use it sparingly and strategically, as Benson does here.
5. The Post-Chorus Drop
After the powerful chorus, Benson pulls back, returning to a softer, more introspective soundscape. This contrast not only gives listeners a breather but also sets up the next verse beautifully.
Songwriting Insight: Dynamics are key. Use quieter moments to balance high-energy sections, making the song feel like a journey.
6. Building in Verse Two
Unlike the stripped-down first verse, the second verse introduces drums, bass, and harmonies, creating a fuller, richer sound. This progression keeps listeners engaged and gives the song forward momentum.
Harmonies Add Magic: Layering vocals at key moments, as Benson does, adds texture and interest.
7. Breaking the Formula
Instead of sticking to the typical "verse-chorus-bridge" structure, Benson makes subtle changes. For example, he skips the pre-chorus in the final sections, diving straight into the chorus. These small deviations keep the song feeling fresh and unpredictable.
Lesson for Songwriters: Don’t be afraid to stray from conventional structures. A little unpredictability can go a long way.
8. The Emotional Outro
Benson ends the song with the pre-chorus as an outro, gently bringing us back down after the emotional high of the final chorus. He uses a light head voice here, creating a tender, reflective conclusion.
Closing with Impact: How you end a song is just as important as how you start it. Benson’s choice leaves listeners with a sense of closure and lingering emotion.
Final Thoughts
Benson Boone's Beautiful Things is a masterclass in dynamics, melody, and storytelling. From the gentle intro to the climactic chorus and reflective outro, every element works together to captivate the listener.
Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, or simply a fan of good music, there’s so much to learn from analyzing songs like this.
What You Can Do Next: Try incorporating these techniques into your own singing or songwriting. And if you enjoyed this breakdown, check out my other analysis videos for more inspiration!
P.S. If you want to take your singing to the next level, subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights, or explore my courses to start your vocal transformation today. Let’s make your voice unstoppable!
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