Hi

Ever listen to a track that had a strong intro and good lyrics…

But halfway through, you zone out?

It’s not always the writing or performance.

It’s usually the arrangement.

Here are 3 signs your arrangement might be holding the song back — and what to do about it:

1. 🔁 Too Repetitive — No Dynamic Shifts

Problem: Verse, chorus, verse, chorus… same exact energy, same exact sounds.

Fix: Add a short drop, switch up the drums, or pull the beat out for a vocal moment. Create contrast to wake the ear back up.

Example: Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees” keeps the same loop — but vocal layering, subtle beat changes, and reverb shifts keep it alive.

2. 🎤 No “Moment” That Hits Emotionally

Problem: Everything flows, but nothing stands out.

Fix: Build one moment that pulls the listener in — maybe a stripped hook, a sudden harmony, or a well-placed pause.

Example: Brent Faiyaz often cuts the instrumental entirely for a vocal phrase — and that bar becomes the moment fans quote.

3. 🧱 Poor Structure — No Clear Arc

Problem: The song just ends. Or worse, feels like it’s looping endlessly.

Fix: Treat your track like a movie. Intro, rising energy, tension, release. Even with short songs — the arc is what makes people replay it.

Tip: Record a scratch vocal and hum parts — listen back and ask: “Where’s the payoff?” If you can’t feel one, structure needs work.

Solid arrangement isn’t about overcomplicating — it’s about shaping the journey.

Small shifts = big impact on how long people stay listening.

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If you ever want help arranging a track live and locking in the right moments, I offer Zoom-based arrangement sessions with custom production.

Check out my custom production option here

(This month, I have Buy 1 Get 1 Free)

Talk soon!

All My Voices