About

"The bridge is often used to contrast with and prepare for the return of the verse and the chorus. "The b section of the popular song chorus is often called the bridge or release."[4] For example, the B of AABA in thirty-two-bar form, with the verse surrounding the whole. While the bridge in verse-chorus and other forms is C, for example: ABABCAB. Lyrically, the bridge is typically used to pause and reflect on the earlier portions of the song or to prepare the listener for the climax. The term may also refer to the section between the verse and the chorus, though this is more commonly called the pre-chorus or link...."

SOURCE: Wikipedia entry

Why I Like Them

What I like about bridges is that they break up the somewhat repetitive nature of song structure (verses and choruses being melodically the same). For instance, a second verse will have different lyrics than the first, but the melody is usually exactly the same.

The bridge is a section where anything can happen, melody and tempo wise. At times, it's even spoken word (especially in R&B, or "boy band" songs). A bridge is almost like one of those movie scenes where the villain lays out their entire plan, thinking the hero won't be able to stop them -- right before the scenes where they do just that. ;)

Following the bridge, you are taken back into another chorus or verse (which will then generally follow the patterns laid out earlier in the song).

Examples

To show you what I mean, in case you're unfamiliar with the term. The videos should each start right at the bridge. I'll note the starting and ending points under each example.

My favorite bridge of all time:

"Thriller" - Michael Jackson (2:45-3:06)

Another of the best:

"Careless Whisper" - Wham! (2:45-3:10)

The added bonus of this taking place on a literal bridge:

"Because of You" - 98° (2:41-2:58)

An example where the bridge is largely spoken word:

"Choose" - Color Me Badd (2:26-2:59)