The Chills: A Songwriter Explains Why Certain Songs Give You Goosebumps

The Magic Moment

It’s a feeling every music lover knows. You’re listening to a song, and suddenly, a shiver runs up your spine. The hairs on your arms stand up. You get goosebumps. It’s a powerful, involuntary physical reaction to a piece of music, a phenomenon scientists call "frisson."

But what is it, really? Is it magic, or is it science? As a songwriter, I believe it's a little bit of both. It's a carefully crafted artistic choice designed to create a specific emotional response. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and deconstruct the three key ingredients that, when combined, can create that magical, chill-inducing moment.

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Ingredient 1: The Surprise (Unexpected Harmonies)

Our brains are incredible prediction machines. When we listen to a song, our brain is constantly guessing what chord or note will come next. A great songwriter knows this and will use it to create a moment of beautiful surprise.

When a song suddenly shifts to an unexpected chord or a harmony you weren't anticipating, it violates your brain's prediction in a delightful way. Your brain reacts with a jolt of surprise and pleasure, which can trigger that feeling of chills. It’s the musical equivalent of a perfectly executed plot twist.

Ingredient 2: The Build and Release (Dynamic Shifts)

This is the classic formula we talked about in my post on the 80s Power Ballad. It's the journey from a quiet, sparse verse to a massive, explosive chorus. This dramatic shift in volume and intensity is a powerful tool.

The quiet verse creates a sense of tension and anticipation. When the chorus finally hits with its full power, it creates a massive emotional and sonic release. That sudden expansion of sound can feel overwhelming in the best possible way, often resulting in a wave of goosebumps.

Ingredient 3: The Human Element (A Soaring Voice or Solo)

Beyond the technical tricks, the most powerful trigger for chills is often a moment of raw, undeniable human expression. This usually comes in two forms:

• A Soaring Vocal: When a singer suddenly jumps to a high, powerful, and sustained note, it can feel like a cry from the soul. It's a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion that we connect with on a primal level.

• An Epic Solo: A wailing guitar solo or a mournful saxophone line can express a feeling that words simply cannot. It’s pure emotion, translated through an instrument.

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Putting It All Together: A Case Study

On my album New Dimensions, I worked with producer Bob Wilson to create a number of big, dramatic power ballads. A song like “A Love Song For You” is a perfect example of trying to blend all three of these ingredients.

It uses a slow, emotional build, and the arrangement is designed to swell into a big chorus. It then features a soaring guitar solo, which is meant to be that final, wordless release of emotion. It's my own attempt to craft one of those special, chill-inducing moments.

That feeling of chills is a beautiful reminder that music isn't just something we hear; it's something we feel. It's a connection between the artist's intention and the listener's heart.

What's a song that always gives you goosebumps? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.