Powerful examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting

Modern examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting

Let’s start with what you came for: real songs you can listen to today. These are some of the best examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting across pop, rock, and indie. I’ll point out where the pre-chorus starts, what it does, and how it sets up the chorus.

1. Billie Eilish – “bad guy” (2019)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “So you’re a tough guy…”
• Chorus: “I’m that bad type…”

This is a great example of pre-chorus to chorus energy building without getting louder. The production stays minimal, but the rhythm tightens and Billie’s vocal phrasing becomes more clipped and insistent.

Why it works:

• The pre-chorus uses shorter phrases and a slightly higher pitch range, which creates tension.
• Harmonically, it hovers and refuses to fully resolve.
• When the chorus drops, the bass line locks in and the melody suddenly feels more grounded and repetitive.

For your own song, you can borrow this idea: keep the arrangement lean in the pre-chorus, build tension with rhythm and phrasing, then let the chorus feel like the moment everything “lands.”

2. Olivia Rodrigo – “drivers license” (2021)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “And you’re probably with that blonde girl…”
• Chorus: “And I know we weren’t perfect…”

This is one of the best examples of a story-driven pre-chorus. The verses are descriptive and quiet, then the pre-chorus zooms in emotionally, sharpening the conflict.

Why it works:

• The pre-chorus lyric narrows the focus to jealousy and insecurity.
• The melody climbs, line by line, adding emotional weight.
• The chorus feels like a release, both musically and emotionally, as she admits, “I still f—ing love you.”

If you’re writing a narrative song, study this as an example of pre-chorus to chorus storytelling: use the pre-chorus to twist the knife, then let the chorus be the confession.

3. Harry Styles – “As It Was” (2022)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “Ringin’ the bell, and nobody’s coming to help…”
• Chorus: “In this world, it’s just us…”

Here the pre-chorus is almost like a bridge into the chorus, even though it repeats. It shifts the emotional tone from observational in the verse to vulnerable.

Why it works:

• The chords subtly change, giving a more open, floating feeling.
• The vocal melody stretches out on longer notes, hinting that something big is coming.
• The chorus then tightens into a hooky, repetitive phrase: “You know it’s not the same as it was.”

This is a clean example of pre-chorus to chorus contrast: more open and exploratory in the pre, more focused and hook-heavy in the chorus.

4. Dua Lipa – “Levitating” (2020)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “You want me, I want you, baby…”
• Chorus: “I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight…”

Dua Lipa is a goldmine if you’re looking for upbeat pop examples of pre-chorus to chorus momentum. In “Levitating,” the pre-chorus ramps up the groove and adds vocal layering.

Why it works:

• The pre-chorus rhythm is busier, with more syncopation.
• Backing vocals start to fill in the space.
• The chorus then simplifies the melody into a sing-along hook.

If your verses feel fine but your chorus doesn’t “lift,” try this pattern: make your pre-chorus rhythmically busier and harmonically tighter, so your chorus can feel simpler and more anthemic.

5. The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights” (2019)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “I’ve been trying to call…” leading into “I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights…”

This track is a textbook example of pre-chorus to chorus tension in an 80s-inspired synth-pop setting.

Why it works:

• The pre-chorus climbs melodically and rhythmically.
• The drums tighten and the synths push forward.
• The chorus hits with that instantly recognizable “I said, ooh…” line, on a strong downbeat.

If you like retro sounds, this is one of the best examples of how to modernize that classic pre-chorus lift for 2020s pop.

6. Paramore – “Still Into You” (2013, still a go-to reference)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “Some things just, some things just make sense…”
• Chorus: “I should be over all the butterflies…”

Rock and pop-punk songs often give you really clear examples of pre-chorus to chorus payoff, and Paramore are masters at this.

Why it works:

• The pre-chorus pulls back slightly in intensity, almost like a breath before the jump.
• The melody floats over the bar lines, creating anticipation.
• The chorus then slams in with a more straightforward rhythm and a big, memorable hook.

For guitar-based music, watch how the band uses dynamics: they don’t just get louder; they shape the energy from verse to pre-chorus to chorus.

7. Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero” (2022)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “I wake up screaming from dreaming…”
• Chorus: “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me…”

Taylor is a master of using the pre-chorus as a psychological pivot.

Why it works:

• The pre-chorus lyric zooms in on the anxiety and self-doubt.
• The melody steps upward, line by line, like climbing a ladder.
• The chorus then lands on a simple, brutally honest statement.

If you write lyric-heavy songs, this is a great example of pre-chorus to chorus contrast in perspective: the pre-chorus explores the feeling; the chorus summarizes it.

8. Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire” (2023)

Where to listen for it:

• Pre-chorus: “And every girl I ever talked to told me you were bad, bad news…”
• Chorus: “’Cause I’ve made some real big mistakes…”

This one is a newer example and shows 2020s trends: dynamic builds, cinematic arrangement, and emotionally intense pre-chorus sections.

Why it works:

• The pre-chorus ramps tension both lyrically and musically.
• The band and strings swell, but the groove still holds back.
• The chorus finally explodes with more drums, more vocal intensity, and a wider melody.

If you’re aiming for dramatic, film-trailer-level emotion, this is one of the best examples of pre-chorus to chorus escalation.

What these examples of pre-chorus to chorus moves have in common

Look across all these real examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting and you’ll see some recurring tricks. You don’t have to use all of them, but choosing one or two can instantly sharpen your own songs.

1. The pre-chorus changes something

In every example above, the pre-chorus isn’t just “more verse.” It changes at least one of these:

• Melody: often higher, more stepwise, or more repetitive.
• Harmony: a new chord, a longer progression, or a chord that doesn’t resolve yet.
• Rhythm: more syncopation, more tension, or the opposite—pulling back to create space.
• Lyrics: moving from storytelling to emotional summary, or from external events to internal feelings.

When you’re writing, ask yourself: What is my pre-chorus doing that the verse is not? If the answer is “nothing,” that’s a sign to tweak it.

2. The pre-chorus points like an arrow at the chorus

Strong examples of pre-chorus to chorus transitions feel inevitable. You can almost predict when the chorus is about to hit, even if you’ve never heard the song.

Writers do this by:

• Ending the pre-chorus on a chord that begs for the chorus chord.
• Landing the last lyric of the pre-chorus on a pickup into the chorus.
• Using a repeating pre-chorus each time, so your ear learns: oh, this section means the chorus is coming.

Listen again to “As It Was” or “Levitating” and notice how your body almost leans forward into the chorus. That’s not an accident.

3. The chorus feels simpler and more singable

This is a sneaky pattern you’ll notice in a lot of the best examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting: the pre-chorus is often more complex than the chorus.

• The pre-chorus might have more chord changes.
• The melody might jump around more.
• The lyrics might be more dense.

Then the chorus arrives and suddenly:

• The hook repeats.
• The rhythm locks into a clear pattern.
• The lyrics are easy to remember and shout back.

Think of the chorus as the answer to the pre-chorus’s question. The pre-chorus winds you up; the chorus gives you something simple to hold onto.

How to write your own pre-chorus to chorus like the pros

Now let’s turn these real examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting into a practical, step-by-step approach you can try today.

Step 1: Write a basic verse and chorus first

Don’t overcomplicate this. Start with:

• A verse that sets the scene.
• A chorus that states the main idea or hook.

Play them back-to-back. If the jump from verse straight to chorus feels too sudden or flat, that’s where a pre-chorus can help.

Step 2: Decide what your pre-chorus needs to fix

Ask yourself:

• Does the chorus feel emotionally unearned? Then your pre-chorus needs to raise the emotional stakes (like “drivers license”).
• Does the chorus feel musically flat? Then your pre-chorus needs to add tension in chords or rhythm (like “Blinding Lights”).
• Does the chorus feel disconnected from the verse? Then your pre-chorus should act as a bridge in perspective, shifting the lyric focus (like “Anti-Hero”).

Step 3: Change at least two elements from the verse

To make the pre-chorus feel like its own section, change two of these from the verse:

• Chord progression: maybe hold one chord longer, or add a chord that leads strongly into the chorus.
• Melodic range: sing higher or lower than the verse.
• Rhythm: make the melody more syncopated, or more straight.
• Dynamics: pull back (so the chorus can explode) or build up (so the chorus feels like a natural peak).

Use “Levitating” or “Still Into You” as a reference track while you experiment.

Step 4: Aim your last line directly at the chorus

One of the most powerful tricks you’ll hear in the best examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting is the pickup line—the last pre-chorus lyric that leads straight into the chorus.

Try:

• Ending the pre-chorus on a word that rhymes with your chorus hook.
• Using a question in the pre-chorus that the chorus answers.
• Letting the final note of the pre-chorus carry over into the first word of the chorus.

Listen to how “I’m the problem, it’s me” in “Anti-Hero” feels like the natural landing after the pre-chorus tension.

Step 5: Test it with a “mute the pre-chorus” trick

Here’s a simple way to check if your pre-chorus is actually doing something useful:

• Play your verse straight into your chorus.
• Then play verse → pre-chorus → chorus.

If adding the pre-chorus doesn’t change the emotional or musical impact, rewrite it. The best examples of pre-chorus to chorus transitions always change how the chorus feels, not just how long it takes to get there.

2024–2025 trends in pre-chorus to chorus writing

If you listen to current playlists or radio, you’ll notice a few trends in modern examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting:

• Shorter pre-choruses: With attention spans shrinking on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, many songs keep the pre-chorus tight—sometimes just two lines—so the chorus arrives faster.
• Dynamic drops instead of lifts: Some newer tracks actually pull the energy down in the pre-chorus (thinner drums, less bass), then let the chorus hit with a surprise impact.
• Hybrid sections: In some songs, what used to be called a “pre-chorus” is more like a mini-hook that blurs the line between pre-chorus and chorus.

If you want to stay current, don’t feel locked into old formulas. Use these examples as a starting point, then adjust the length and energy of your pre-chorus to fit your genre and audience.

For a deeper understanding of how our brains respond to musical tension and release, resources like Harvard’s music and brain research pages (for example, Harvard’s Music Lab) can give you some science behind why these sections feel so satisfying.

FAQ: examples, definitions, and practical tips

What is an example of a strong pre-chorus in a pop song?

A clear example of a strong pre-chorus is the “You want me, I want you, baby…” section in Dua Lipa’s “Levitating.” It changes the rhythm, adds vocal layers, and points directly into the chorus hook. It doesn’t just fill space; it prepares your ear for the main payoff.

Do I always need a pre-chorus in my song?

No. Many great songs go straight from verse to chorus. Use examples of pre-chorus to chorus transitions as tools, not rules. If your chorus already feels powerful and natural right after the verse, you might not need a pre-chorus at all.

How long should a pre-chorus be?

Most modern examples include pre-choruses that are between 1–4 lines of lyric, often 4 or 8 bars of music. But the real test is: does it feel like it builds or connects? If it drags, shorten it. If the chorus still feels unearned, lengthen or intensify it.

Can the pre-chorus lyrics change every time?

Yes. Some songs keep the same pre-chorus lyrics each time (very common in pop), while others change them to move the story forward. Both approaches appear in real examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting. If your song is story-heavy, you might tweak the pre-chorus lyrics each time while keeping the melody and chords the same.

How can I study more real examples of pre-chorus to chorus writing?

Pick a playlist of current hits, and for each song, write down:

• Where the verse ends.
• Where the pre-chorus starts and ends.
• Where the chorus begins.

Then compare patterns. You can also look at credible music education resources, such as university music departments (for example, Berklee College of Music’s songwriting resources) or general education sites like USA.gov’s education section to find structured courses and materials that go deeper into songwriting and music theory.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: the best examples of pre-chorus to chorus examples in songwriting always change how the chorus feels. They raise the stakes, sharpen the focus, and make that first chorus line feel like the only possible next moment. Build that into your own songs, and your choruses will start landing a whole lot harder.