Tempo — the speed at which a song is played — is one of the most fundamental decisions you make as a songwriter. It affects everything from the mood and energy to the way lyrics are delivered and perceived. The right tempo can make a good song great, while the wrong tempo can undermine even the best melody and lyrics.
Different tempo ranges create different feelings. Slow tempos (60-80 BPM) feel intimate, reflective, and emotional. Mid-tempos (80-110 BPM) feel relaxed but grooving. Upbeat tempos (110-130 BPM) feel energetic and danceable. Fast tempos (130+ BPM) feel urgent, exciting, and intense. Knowing these ranges helps you choose a starting point for your song.
The tempo should support the emotion of your song. A tender love song usually works better at a slower tempo that gives the lyrics room to breathe. An angry or defiant song often benefits from a faster tempo that conveys urgency. A celebratory anthem might land in the upbeat range that makes people want to move.
Different genres have typical tempo ranges. Ballads generally sit between 60-80 BPM. Hip-hop and R&B often fall between 75-100 BPM. Pop music usually lives between 100-130 BPM. Punk and uptempo rock can push 150+ BPM. While these aren't rules, understanding genre expectations helps you make informed tempo choices.
Some of the most interesting songs pair their content with an unexpected tempo. A sad lyric delivered at an upbeat tempo creates a bittersweet, dancing-through-tears quality. Happy lyrics at a slow tempo can feel reflective and grateful. Playing against expectations can give your song a unique character.
While most songs maintain a consistent tempo throughout, strategic tempo changes can create powerful moments. A ritardando (slowing down) before the final chorus adds weight and anticipation. An accelerando (speeding up) builds excitement. Even a slight tempo push in the final chorus can add energy without being consciously noticed.
Before you commit to a tempo, try playing your song at several different speeds. A song you've been playing at 90 BPM might come alive at 100 BPM, or find new emotional depth at 80 BPM. Small tempo adjustments — even 5-10 BPM — can significantly change how a song feels. Don't settle on the first tempo you try.
Tempo is a powerful but often overlooked songwriting tool. By understanding how speed affects mood, matching tempo to your emotional content, and experimenting with different speeds, you can ensure that your songs communicate exactly the feeling you intend.
For help with every aspect of your songwriting process, Fast Rhymes offers tools to support your lyric writing at any tempo.
26/06/2025
Everything you need to write songs & poetry.
