Is it acceptable to change tempo in the middle of a song or is this a bad idea?

Question

I wrote a song that could be classified as Pop or Country that starts out at a medium slow tempo in the first two verses and bridge. Then there is a section after the bridge that can best be described as an extended third verse followed by an outro that repeats the opening chord progression a few times before the song ends. The intensity increases during this third verse and I can increase the volume on the instrumentation to convey an elevation of the intensity. **But I would also like to increase the tempo from medium slow to medium.** Not a doubling or even a big increase, but a noticeable increase in tempo - before slowing back to the original tempo on the outro. Is changing tempo during the song and back again a common device used on modern popular music? Or is there a good reason to avoid this type thing? Does it pose any particular problems for either the listener or the musicians who must play the song? Assuming the negatives aren't prohibitive - are there certain guidelines that should be adhered to in an effort to make this type change more effective or less disruptive (ie. try to use a multiple of 2 on your Bpm)?

Answer 1

Of course it's acceptable. It's your creation! The only reason that it has not been done much is because pop and country music were made to maintain a dance rhythm throughout but traditions are made to be broken. That's how interesting new ideas come about. There are no guidelines for an accelerated tempo and any good musician should be able to perform it.

Answer 2

Of course it's acceptable. It's been done in all styles of music. Jazz and classical regularly. In po music listen to the Beatles "Happiness Is A Warm Gun" Tempo and meter changes. I think my only caveat is any meter changes should be natural and not accelerate or slow down a tempo just because you can. It should serve the music. Hope this helps.

cheers,

buzz