The chorus is the iconic and most memorable moment in a song. Often repeated several times — usually after each verse — the chorus usually emphasizes lyrics containing the name of the song, while carrying the main musical and lyrical motifs within it. However, not every song has one — nor does every successful song need one.

While the verse-chorus-verse song structure has become a standard for many hit songs, there have been plenty of artists/bands who strayed away from the formula. By doing so, they play with how a song flows and sometimes place earworms for their audience elsewhere in the track.

This morning, we’re focusing on the songs that don’t really play by the rules of modern songwriting.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which songs that don’t have a chorus do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues
Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Radiohead - Pyramid Song
The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
U2 - Numb
Squeeze - Up The Junction