Iconic Songs: Mission Impossible, Take Five & Led Zeppelin
- Most popular music relies on common time signatures like 4/4, but some songs break the mold with more complex rhythms.
- Dave Brubeck's "Take Five," released in 1959, is perhaps the most famous example of a song in 5/4 time.
- Lalo Schifrin's "Mission: Impossible" theme also uses it, splitting the four main beats into dotted notes and regular quarter notes.
Explore the captivating world of 5/4 time signatures and discover how iconic songs like “Mission: Impossible,” “Take Five,” and Led Zeppelin’s “Four Sticks” break musical conventions. This article delves into the complexities of this unusual rhythm, revealing how it adds a unique feel to compositions across genres. Learn why “Take Five” wasn’t easy to record and how these songs create their distinct, captivating sounds. News Directory 3 reports on how innovative artists continue to embrace this challenging time signature. Discover what’s next for this exciting musical frontier.
songs That Dare to Be Different: Exploring the 5/4 time Signature
Updated June 09, 2025
Most popular music relies on common time signatures like 4/4, but some songs
break the mold with more complex rhythms. One such example is the 5/4 time
signature, which features five quarter notes in each measure. This creates a
distinct, uneven feel that can be both captivating and challenging.
Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five,” released in 1959, is perhaps the most famous
example of a song in 5/4 time. The track, composed by Paul Desmond, allowed
drummer joe Morello to showcase his skills. Despite its catchy melody,the
unusual beat made it tough to record,requiring more than 20 takes. the
notes are grouped in sets of three and two, creating an off-kilter jazz waltz
feel.
The 5/4 time signature isn’t limited to jazz. Lalo Schifrin’s “Mission:
Impossible” theme also uses it, splitting the four main beats into dotted notes
and regular quarter notes. this gives the tune its thrilling tempo, with
alternating slower and faster sections.
John Carpenter’s “Main Theme” from “Halloween” (1978) follows the same pattern.
Gustav Holst’s “Mars, the Bringer of War” from “The Planets” suite employs a
5/4 ostinato to create an ominous, militaristic rhythm.
Cream’s “White Room” features 5/4 time in its intro,contrasting with the 4/4
time in the rest of the song. According to the outlet, drummer Ginger Baker
changed the intro and bridge to the unusual time signature, demonstrating how
varying time signatures can affect a song’s melody.
Sting’s “Seven Days” also uses 5/4 time, mimicking Broadway chord progressions
with a reggae beat. The snare drum on the fourth beat helps listeners find the
rhythm.
Inspired by ”Take Five,” Jethro Tull’s “Living in the Past” was written in 5/4
time by Ian Anderson, who believed the irregular signature would prevent
commercial success.However,the song became a hit,reaching number three on
the singles chart.
Led Zeppelin’s “Four Sticks” is another example of a song in 5/4 time. The
song, named because John Bonham held two sets of drumsticks, was difficult to
play live. bassist John Paul Jones said the band members struggled to find the
first beat.
Nobuo Uematsu’s “Cinco de Chocobo” from “Final Fantasy VII” also draws
inspiration from “Take Five.” The title, meaning five in Spanish, indicates
the song’s 5/4 beat. The song appears as a playable piano minigame in Final
Fantasy VII Rebirth.
The 5/4-time signature appears across genres, from jazz to classical to rock to
video game music.
What’s next
As musicians continue to experiment with unconventional rhythms, the 5/4 time
signature may find its way into even more unexpected musical landscapes,
challenging both performers and listeners alike.