Waterloo Sunset By The kinks

Question 1

Describe the stylistic features which show that this song is an example of 1960’s British pop.

Answer 1

• use of hook - first heard in intro played by elec. lead guitar
• guitar solo b. 50-53
• double tracked melody line- lead vocals
• use of standard rock band line up: male vocals, backing vocals, elec. lead guitar, ac. Guitar, bass gtr, drum kit.
• lyrics references to the ‘Thames’ and ‘Waterloo station’
• use of fills and back beat on drum kit
• use of AABA 16 bar verse structure
• use of backing vocals with ‘oohs’ in unison and harmony and dove tailed imitation at the end
• pentatonic
• clean guitar sound

Question 2

What style of music is this, when was it popular and what was its purpose.

Answer 2

British rock, to sell records- studio recording

Question 3

What kind of later music and groups did this song and the kinks in particular influence,

Answer 3

A style which was more individual and less reliant on blues influences
Brit pop- 1990 oasis

Question 4

Instrumentation?

Answer 4

Male lead vocals 
Backing vocals- 1 female 2 male 
Lead electric guitar 
Acoustic rhythm guitar
Bass guitar
Drum kit

Question 5

Structure?

Answer 5

Intro (8 bars)
Verse 1 (16 bars)
Middle 8  (8 bars)
Turnaround (2 bars)
Verse 2 (16 bars) 
Middle 8 (8 bars)
Turnaround (2 bars) 
Verse 3 (16 bars) 
Guitar solo (3 bars)
Coda outro with fade out (7+ bars)

Question 6

Key of piece?

Answer 6

E major

Question 7

Features on introduction? 
Structure
Harmony
Role of bass
 Role of lead guitar

Answer 7

Structure: 2 4 bar phrases
Harmony: first 4= B7 (Dom 7th) second 4 bars E B7 A A
Role of the bass= descending stepwise from B-B
Role of the lead guitar= introduce the hook

Question 8

Chords?

Answer 8

AABA
A(E B7 A A)
B(F#min C# F#min B7)

Question 9

Structure of the verse

Answer 9

AABA EUROPEAN 16 bars

Question 10

What are the lyrics about?

Answer 10

Reference London landmarks- Waterloo station

Very different from traditional ‘love songs’ - terry and Julie <3