20 Songs Without a Chorus

The chorus is usually the focal point of a song and it’s what makes it stand out. The most time-consuming element of a song is the chorus because many try to come up with something catchy. But, some songs are great even without a chorus, proving you can write a good song without it.

When you think about a particular song, what usually comes to mind is the chorus of the song. That is why many artists/groups have focused so much on the chorus to create a successful song that will instantly be catchy.

The chorus is often the most emphasized element in a song and it’s what makes the song great. There are, however, songs that do not rely on this vital element yet have managed to prove the standard music-writing formula wrong.

Let’s take a look at 20 songs without a chorus.

1. “Happiness Is A Warm Gun” by The Beatles

The first song on the list is by the great Beatles. Their song “Happiness Is A Warm Gun” was released in 1968 and is on their self-titled album. This song is rather unique because it does not have a chorus.

The lyrics are very strange and hard to follow, but that is part of the appeal. The Beatles truly revolutionized music with their transcending career and repertoire of songs, and this is just a testament to that.

2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

The next entry is one that most are already familiar with. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” was released in 1975 and is one of the most popular songs of all time. It is a 6-minute opus that has no chorus but instead features 3 distinct sections.

The first is a ballad, the second is an operatic section, and the third is a hard rock section. All these sections more than compensate for the lack of chorus and showcase that you don’t need a chorus for a successful song.

3. “Up The Junction” by Squeeze

If you’ve heard of Squeeze then you probably already know the song “Up The Junction”. The song was released in 1979 on the album “Cool For Cats”.

Despite not having a chorus, this song is very well-known for other elements like the unique half-rhymes, and lack of repetition which was considered rather strange at that time but somehow worked out.

4. “Stay” by Lisa Loeb

Lisa Loeb’s song “Stay” is next on the list. The song was released in 1994 and is from the “Reality Bites” soundtrack. It was a huge hit in the 90s and even won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

The song has a very catchy melody and despite the lack of chorus it managed to reach huge success ratings and prove the standard scheme wrong.

5. “Rhythm Of The Rain” by Cascades

Most likely everyone has heard of The Cascades. Their song “Rhythm Of The Rain” was released in 1962 and is one of the most popular songs from that decade.

It has a beautiful melody and the lyrics flow together perfectly, making up for the fact that there is no chorus. The 60s were certainly a time where the lack of chorus was strange but, nevertheless, it worked out for The Cascades.

6. “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones

No introduction is needed when it comes to the ever-great Rolling Stones. Their song “Sympathy For The Devil” was released in 1968 on the album “Beggars Banquet”.

This song is an excellent example of a song that doesn’t need a chorus because it is so well-written. The lyrics are very powerful and the overall message is conveyed perfectly without a chorus. As expected from one of the best bands of all time.

7. “Pinball Wizard” by The Who

Do you remember The Who? What a silly question, who doesn’t? Their song “Pinball Wizard” was released in 1969 and is from the album “Tommy”.

This song is about, you guessed it, Pinball, more specifically the perspective of a Pinball champion. It is a very fun and upbeat song that doesn’t need a chorus to be successful. The lyrics are very catchy and easy to sing along to, which is probably why it’s so popular.

8. “Every Picture Tells A Story” by Rod Stewart

 The great Rod Stewart is behind some very successful tunes. His song “Every Picture Tells A Story” was released in 1971 and is the title track from the album of the same name.

The song has a very catchy riff and is one of Rod Stewart’s most popular songs. It doesn’t have a chorus, but that doesn’t make it any less great. The album is ranked on the 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time by Rolling Stones magazine.

9. “Stardust” by Nat King Cole

The next song is an oldie but goldie. Nat King Cole’s song “Stardust” was one of many covers of the original song which was released in 1928.

This song has a very memorable melody and is one of Nat King Cole’s most popular songs. It doesn’t have a chorus, which was rather uncommon for songs back then, but it is still a great listen. If you want a great oldie song, give this a try.

10. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.

If you don’t know “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. then you’ve probably lived under a rock your whole life. The song was released in 1991 and is from the album “Out Of Time”.

It was a huge hit in the 90s and is still one of R.E.M.’s most popular songs. The song has a very catchy melody and despite the lack of chorus it managed to reach great success. Even today, if you play this song it will certainly turn heads.

11. “Positively 4th Street” by Bob Dylan

The great Bob Dylan is next on the list. His song “Positively 4th Street” was released in 1965 and is a non-album single. This song is a great example of Dylan’s clever lyrics and how he can convey a message without a chorus.

The song is about Dylan’s relationship with a ‘friend’ and states the obvious duplicity of his actions. Despite being over 50+ years old, the song is still relevant today.

12. “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane

If you’ve only heard of Jefferson Airplane in the Jim Carrey movie “Cable Guy” then that’s alright. The song “White Rabbit” was released in 1967 and is from the album “Surrealistic Pillow”.

The song is an example of how illegal substances can influence music. The song has a very catchy melody and is one of Jefferson Airplane’s most popular songs. Even if you don’t know the meaning behind the lyrics, it’s still a great listen.

13. “Taxi” by Harry Chapin

Moving onto the next song on the list is Harry Chapin with “Taxi”. The song was released in 1972 and is from the album “Heads & Tales”.

This song is about a Taxi driver who picks up fares and listens to their stories. The song doesn’t have a chorus, but it doesn’t need one. The lyrics are very relatable and the overall message is conveyed perfectly without one.

14. “Subterranean Homesick Blues” by Bob Dylan

A really interesting song name isn’t it? Nevertheless, Bob Dylan makes the list again, this time with “Subterranean Homesick Blues”. The song was released in 1965 and is from the album “Bringing It All Back Home”.

This song is a great example of Dylan’s clever lyrics and how he can convey a message without a chorus. The song is about the struggle around the American civil rights movement. Bob Dylan certainly had a knack for writing great songs without a chorus.

15. “Turn It On Again” by Genesis

If you don’t know Genesis, well, I have to reference the ‘living under a rock’ statement again. The song “Turn It On Again” was released in 1980 and is from the album “Duke”.

This song is a great example of how a band can write a successful song without a chorus. The song has a great riff and is one of Genesis’ most popular songs. It’s also a great sing-along song, despite the lack of chorus.

16. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

Among many great names and bands, there is also Pink Floyd. Their song “Wish You Were Here” was released in 1975 and is from the album of the same name.

The song is a tribute to their former member Syd Barrett. It’s a great listen and is one of Pink Floyd’s most popular songs. Even though there isn’t a chorus, the lyrics and melody are so captivating that you won’t even miss it.

17. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath joins the ranks with their ever-memorable song “Paranoid”. The song was released in 1970 and is from the album of the same name.

This song is one of Black Sabbath’s most popular songs and is a great example of how a metal song can be successful without a chorus. The riff is so catchy and the overall melody is just perfect. Most likely everyone knows this song just by the name without even listening to it.

18. “Money” by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd makes the list once more, this time with their song “Money”. The song was released in 1973 and is from the album “Dark Side of the Moon”.

This song is another example of Pink Floyd’s ability to make a successful song without the need for a chorus. This album is also credited to be the most successful one of all of their albums as well.

19. “Bittersweet Symphony” by Verve

Almost at the end is “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve. The song was released in 1997 and is from the album “Urban Hymns”.

The song is about the struggles of life and how we all go through them. It’s a great listen and definitely one of The Verve’s most popular songs. Even though there isn’t a chorus, the overall melody and musicality of the song make up for it.

20. “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty

The last entry on the list is “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty. The song was released in 1978 and is from the album “City to City”. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it stayed for just over 6 weeks.

The song is about not being in one place but always in between. Even though there isn’t a chorus, the story of the song is so beautifully told that you forget it even lacks one.

Conclusion

A chorus is not always necessary for a song to be successful. These 20 examples of songs without a chorus show that a great song can be written without one. Whether it’s due to the clever lyrics, catchy melody, or great story-telling, these songs prove that a chorus is not always needed.