This beautiful hit ballad has a compelling title and a simple but very effective melody trick you’ll definitely want to try in a song of your own.
While record labels tend to shy away from ballads when it comes to releasing and marketing the big lead single from an album, in this case the label released “If I Were a Boy” as a co-lead single right along with the smash R&B/Pop Dance track “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).” Both songs climbed to the Top 5 on the Pop charts and have continued to be listener favorites.
So, how does a slow, thoughtful ballad compete with one of those monster uptempo dance tracks? Watch the song video then read on to find out.
Writers: Toby Gad / Britney Carlson (BC Jean)
Recorded by Beyoncé
Shortcut numbers refer to my book “Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting.”
GENRE/STYLE
What is a genre?
This is a power ballad in the Pop/R&B style. Power ballads generally start out with an intimate, personal sound and build to a big, anthemic ending. The tempo can range from slow to medium but should never feel rushed. The BPM (Beats per Minute) is usually – though not always – 100 or below.