Common “ formulas” are nothing new in pop music. So many tunes from the 30’s and 40’s use “rhythm changes”. What about all those 12/8 slow rock tunes from the 50’s with I vi IV V ? I wonder how many songs are based on the simple I IV V blues changes? And Every jazzer must navigate all those ii V I changes.

And how about the famous I V vi IV as shown in this video?!? I call it the "Don't Stop Believing" progression.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOlDewpCfZQ