When it comes to songwriting, we're frequently told that chord progressions, rhythms, melodies or arrangements should conform to the general rules and strictures of music theory. Listeners won't like it, the experts say, if you go too far off-road, intermix keys, introduce chords from rogue scales or abruptly change pace half-way through.
But even a scant glance at some of music's most influential and beloved artists reveals that often bravery - and following where your song feels like it wants to go - can result in the most memorable songs of not just your career, but of all time.
Aside from feeling the pull of a unique idea, there’s a range of other reasons why artists might want to subvert the rules - there's those that want to deliberately shock or provoke the listener's attention. There are also those that technically conform to the boundaries of key and chord structures, but take remarkable routes to their destinations.
