Thinking Out Loud (arr. Deke Sharon): SATB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement preserves the song's emotional core while giving each voice part its own line to sing. The 18-page score shows careful voice leading that lets singers connect to the tune's intimacy rather than disappear into harmony, making this a strong choice for choirs that want to program contemporary music without sacrificing musicianship.

The arrangement honors the original's tender vulnerability while adding harmonic depth that makes it feel like a genuine choral work. Singers experience the song as a complete musical thought rather than a reduced version of a pop record, with moments of richness that emerge from thoughtful four-part writing.

Choirs looking to add a contemporary pop song to their repertoire without resorting to backing tracks or simplified arrangements. This works for intermediate to advanced choirs with solid blend and the ability to balance multiple lines; it's equally effective for a cappella ensembles building their pop catalog.

• Balance the top line carefully in passages where the melody sits in the soprano; the song's effectiveness depends on the tune cutting through without sounding isolated from the harmony.
• Shape phrases across bar lines rather than stopping at rests. Sustain the lyrical momentum even in softer sections to avoid the arrangement feeling fragmented.
• Let the alto and tenor lines breathe as melodies themselves, particularly where Sharon has voiced counterlines. These parts carry the song's harmonic interest and deserve attention in sectional rehearsals.
• Ground the bass part with clear articulation and solid support. A focused bass section anchors the harmonic changes and gives the sopranos room to float above.

Consider this for spring concerts or wedding-themed programs where contemporary music feels appropriate. It also serves as an accessible entry point for choirs exploring pop and commercial music as a legitimate artistic choice, bridging the gap between classical concert repertoire and the music students hear daily.

• Balancing a prominent melody line with supporting harmonic parts
• Phrasing contemporary pop song texts with lyrical intention
• Reading and executing modern pop-influenced vocal writing
• Blending multiple independent lines in a cappella context
• Sustaining emotional connection across a full arrangement