Five Terrible Pop Music Bridges by Amazing Songwriters

In a traditional pop song, the bridge is that thing that isn’t the verse or the chorus. Basically, it’s an interlude section that usually contrasts lyrically and harmonically from the verse and chorus sections. A good bridge can be the keystone in the framework of a song, developing thematic elements from the lyrics and chord progression, and can be crucial to maintaining the listener’s interest. The bridges in these songs either stick out like a sore thumb, or contribute absolutely nothing to the song. I’m a huge fan of all of the songwriters I picked for this entry, but I cringe at about the halfway point in these songs.

“Veronica” Elvis Costello/Paul McCartney, 1989

“Still Crazy After All These Years” Paul Simon, 1975

“Dancing in the Dark” Bruce Springsteen, 1984

“She’s Always a Woman” Billy Joel, 1977

“Every Breath You Take” The Police, 1983