Verse–chorus form

Verse–chorus form is a musical form common in popular music and predominant in rock since the 1960s. In contrast to thirty-two-bar form, which is focused on the verse (contrasted and prepared by the B section), in verse–chorus form the chorus is highlighted (prepared and contrasted with the verse). "Many popular songs, particularly from early in [the 20th] century, are in a verse and a chorus (refrain) form. Most popular songs from the middle of the [20th] century consist only of a chorus."

Thus, while in both forms A is the verse and B is the chorus, in AABA the verse takes up most of the time and the chorus exists to contrast and lead back into the return of the verse, in verse–chorus form the chorus often takes much more time proportionally and the verse exists to lead into it. For example: ABABB(B) [approximates: "Be My Baby"], rather than thirty-two-bar form's AABA.

The chorus often sharply contrasts the verse melodically, rhythmically, and harmonically, and assumes a higher level of dynamics and activity, often with added instrumentation. This is referred to as a "breakout chorus." See: arrangement.

Contrasting verse–chorus form

Songs that use different music for the verse and chorus are in contrasting verse–chorus form. Examples include:

• "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes (1963)
• "Penny Lane" & "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles (1967)
• "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple (1973)
• "That'll Be the Day" by Buddy Holly (1957)
• "California Girls" by The Beach Boys (1965)
• "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix (1967)
• "Can't Get Enough" by Bad Company (1974)

Simple verse–chorus form

Songs that use the same music for the verse and chorus, such as the twelve bar blues, though the lyrics feature different verses and a repeated chorus, are in simple verse–chorus form. Examples include:

• "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" by Big Joe Turner (1954)
• "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen (1963 cover), example not using blues form
• "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens (1959)

Simple verse form

Songs which feature only a repeated verse are in simple verse form (verse–chorus form without the chorus). Examples include:

• "Evil Ways" by Santana (1969)
• blues-based songs which are not simple verse–chorus form (above), such as "Heartbreak Hotel", "Jailhouse Rock", "Hound Dog", and "Lucille"

and with a contrasting bridge:

• "Eight Miles High" by The Byrds (1966)
• "Tomorrow Never Knows" by The Beatles (1966)
• "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix (1967).

Both simple verse–chorus form and simple verse form are strophic forms.