The Length of Popular Songs

Feelslikefar

Feelslikefar

Senior Member
Location
Nashville, TN
The majority of popular songs last about 3 minutes and 30 seconds to get air play on radio stations.
In my world of Jazz and Classical music, 3 minutes is just a prelude; a beginning.

I can remember driving, listening to the FM station in the 60's when the Doors song 'Light My Fire' came out
and wishing it was the long version, not the chopped up one for mass consumption.
CCR's 'Suzie Q' was another one.

Understand why radio station cut the records short to get more songs on a program.

(Later in life, thought the artists did long versions on purpose to make us buy the album and not the single. JMHO)
 

Popular songs had gotten a bit longer over the years. I found out a few months ago from a young-un, that they are getting short again. Remember the oldies, some of which were only 2 mins 30 seconds? Jazz tunes sure can be long. One of my favorites is 10:46. I remember waiting in the car until the deejay said the name of the song and group (Last Summer In Rio byAzymuth). Another favorite, the enchanting Are You Going With Me by Pat Metheny is 8:55 (original version).

I'm into Jesse Gold, a Canadian pop/R & B singer I "discovered" last year. Some of his songs are under 3 minutes but one in my collection is 3:43. Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak and group) are very popular. One of their big hits is 5:08.
 
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