Songs with Extensive Repetition: A Compilation
Music with repetitive elements can provide a captivating and immersive listening experience, whether it's through a catchy melody or a powerful vocal performance. Here is a collection of songs known for their extensive repetition across various genres and eras, each with its own unique impact and charm.
1. Nina Simone - Sinnerman
'Power!' Over and Over and Over
The power of repetition in the music of Nina Simone is exemplified in her song 'Sinnerman'. The phrase 'Power!' is repeated endlessly, creating a sense of strength and resilience. This repeated phrase adds to the intensity and emotional weight of the song.
2. Baby Shark - Lol
Over and Over
As simple and fun as a children's song can get, the 'Baby Shark' ditty manages to be catchy with its repetition. The phrase 'Baby shark doo doo doo doo doo doo rrraaaaahh' is repeated multiple times, making it a favorite for young and old alike.
3. The Police - Message in a Bottle
22 Times Sending Out an S.O.S.
Perhaps one of the most striking examples of repetition in rock music is The Police's 'Message in a Bottle'. In the outro, the phrase 'Sending out an S.O.S.' is repeated 22 times, creating a powerful and memorable conclusion to the song.
4. Alice Cooper - Sun Arise
Sun Arise (every every every every dayyy)
Alice Cooper's 'Sun Arise' shows the power of repeating lyrics to maintain a consistent rhythm. The repeated phrase 'Sun arise whoa oh arise woah oh arise woah oh oh...every every every every dayyy' creates a hypnotic and almost meditative effect.
5. Tommy James and the Shondells - Crimson and Clover
Crimson and Clover (over and over)
Tommy James and the Shondells' hit 'Crimson and Clover' is another song where the repetition of the title phrase gives the track a memorable and timeless feel. 'Crimson and clover over and and clover over and over...' is a simple yet effective way to drive home the hook.
6. The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations, Barbara Ann
Good Vibrations (good good good good vibrations bop bop...)
The Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' is a beloved classic with its rhythmic and melodic patterns. The phrase 'Good good good good vibrations bop bop...' is repeated, creating a mid-song break that adds variety and keeps the listener engaged. Similarly, in 'Barbara Ann', the phrase 'Ah Bab Bab Bab Bab Barbara Ann...' is repeated, emphasizing the song's lyrical flow.
7. O Superman by Laurie Anderson
“Hah” 1300 Times
'O Superman' by Laurie Anderson is a unique example of a song that relies heavily on repetition. The backing track consists of the looped sound of the artist singing 'Hah', repeated almost 1300 times over 8 and a half minutes. Despite the repetitive nature, the song managed to number 2 in the UK charts in 1981, demonstrating the power of sustained repetition in music.
8. The Doors - Light My Fire
The Stupidest Song–But in a Good Way
When discussing repetitive songs, it's hard to overlook The Doors' 'Light My Fire'. While it might not be the catchiest or most melodic, the repeated phrase 'I Can't See Any Reason Why Not... I Can't See Any Reason Why Not...' over and over again actually contributes to its status as one of the most iconic songs of all time, with its sing-along quality and dynamic shifts.
9. French Kiss - The Most Repetitive Track Ever
One Chord Song
For some, 'French Kiss' by MGMT might be the most repetitive track ever. The song is based on a single chord, creating a repetitive yet hypnotic effect. This simplicity and repetition define the track and make it a memorable entity in the world of music.
10. Grand Funk Railroad - I’m Your Captain and Derek and the Dominoes - Layla
Endless Repetition of Riffs
Two more examples of songs with repetitive elements are 'I’m Your Captain' by Grand Funk Railroad and 'Layla' by Derek and the Dominoes. The line 'I’m getting closer to my home' in 'I’m Your Captain' is repeated endlessly, while 'Layla' is marred by the repetitive piano riff that lasts for about 5 minutes. While these riffs are initially captivating, they can become tiresome with repeated listens.