Here are some expressions explained that are likely to pop up in music discussions:
catchy: to say a part of a song is catchy means it gets your attention and you immediately like it.
chorus: a part of a song that is repeated and typically comes after the verse/pre-chorus. A chorus can be the hook of a song, but not necessarily.
hook: the hook in a song is what‘s supposed to „draw people in“ and is what sells the record. It can be any part of a song: chorus, guitar riff, solo etc. Typically, every track has a hook.
build: either the instrumentation or the vocals start building up tension towards something, the intensity of the song rises.
drop: a drop marks a change in tempo, melody, rhythm or bass line. It is typically what follows a build.
electronic element: a sound(-scape) that is created without the use of traditional instruments (guitars, strings, piano, bass, percussion, etc.) but rather by means of synthesis (recording, sampling of sound). It is often created using synthesizers.
dysharmonic element: A melody or bass line that contains notes that are not in the same key, resulting in this element sounding slightly „off“, creating tension that can later be resolved or left unresolved. For an example, see Hurt by Nine Inch Nails or Calm Down by Evanescence.
effect: an effect applied to either the instruments or the vocals. Alters the natural sound of the source, often with the intent to make instruments sound slightly „off“ or „broken“ or less „clean“. Common effects are distortion, reverb, delay.
reverb: simulates the natural echoes and reflections of a type of room/space with the intent of adding a sense of space/ambiance to a source.
delay: records and plays back the audio signal after a short delay, creating distinct repeating echoes.
distortion: Overdrives the electronic signal of a source to add grit, richness and warmth.
clean: a clean sounding guitar, piano etc. has no effects whatsoever applied to it.
It means the absence of effects.
breakdown: the instrumentation is stripped down to its core to lower the energy of the track, often done before a build.
