Mark Borland Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 This forum seems to be hotting up a bit now so I think is about time to drop in what I believe is a bit of a conundrum. How do YOU define a good song? The reason I ask is that there are certain songs by certain artists which I love or go down great live yet they have never been released as singles or have been on ablums that didn't sell very well. I know favourite songs etc is subjective and everyone will like and dislike different things. However my friend thanks this is nonsense and doesn't define a good song. In his opinion if it sells and charts highly (top ten) then it is a good song regardless of what it is. He is quoted as saying that there is no cr*p in the top ten charts. To me that is marketing and image as well as song and doesn't define a good song as much as a well marketed artists. Obviously there are exceptions wchich manage to satisfy both him and me. Funnily enough some of his favourite tracks are by artists who have never made it big. I find this attitude somewhat confusing. Any thoughts? Mark Growing old is inevitable....Growing up is optional ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendrix Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 "There is no accounting for taste" seems to apply here. Personally, I think there is lots of crap on the top twenty charts. "Good" is such a subjective thing. So,I think it may be impossible to articulate a universal definition of a good song that isnt so general as to be useless. Check out some tunes here: http://www.garageband.com/artist/KenFava Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
member 30687 Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Originally posted by Mark Borland: I know favourite songs etc is subjective and everyone will like and dislike different things. ------------------------ However my friend thanks this is nonsense and doesn't define a good song. In his opinion if it sells and charts highly (top ten) then it is a good song regardless of what it is. He is quoted as saying that there is no cr*p in the top ten charts. Funnily enough some of his favourite tracks are by artists who have never made it big. I think the dichotomy between what your friend likes & what shows up in "the no-cr*p top 10" is comical, too. The first part I quoted above is a partial answer to why defining the qualities of a good song will be as problematic as the recent attempt on the Guitar forum to define music. The most essential element, I'd say, is whether the song communicates something appealing to the listener. It could be a thought expressed through the lyrics or it could be something less precise (like just excitement or the joy/sadness of life) conveyed by the music. That, of course, will be different for each listener although since there's a general cultural concurrence in all societies, there will be a matching agreement (again, in general) as to what's "good" or, more accurately, appealing. The qualities that make a good writer might, similarly, be defined as the ability to communicate the intention of a song to a wide, disparate group of potential listeners. After all, it does no good, except to the ego (...or bank balance ), to "preach to the choir"; that is, to reach those who already agree with your "message". A good writer can put the idea into terms or style that will carry the "message" through to those who might not "get it" or accept it in a different presentation. Your cognizance that marketing has much to do with the financial success of popular entertainment is true and should not be given much weight in determining what's "good" in creative terms other than as far as the ability to manipulate a system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Borland Posted October 24, 2003 Author Share Posted October 24, 2003 Guys I am glad to hear this as a lot of folks I know in the music biz seem to define a god song in terms of commercial success and chart rating. I am glad there are others out there who define things on a more personal and subjective level. It is this diversity of taste and style that got me interested in writing and producing (albeit on a very small scale) but it can be very soul destroying when people further up the ladder tell you that what you are doing is not viable and legitimate because you are not creating in line with a current trend on commercial formula. Long live individuality I say! Mark Growing old is inevitable....Growing up is optional ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barandine Vondenger Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 whats a song that CROSSES all the SOCIAL LINES. STAIR WAY TO HEAVEN has touched a lot of folkes who SWEAR it's the greatest song ever yet there are MANY more folkes who think its screeching and noise. NOW GOODE is SUBJECTIVE to the listener yet one can USE SCIENCE and math to attract the listener to accept your music as a GOODE SONG and they will like it but maybe not exactly know why they like it. the IMPORTANT THANG is you'll know why they like it and how to make your song seem more attractive thus more GOODER than the next one.. . now one can add TENSION to a song and "resolve" the tension and FOLKES are mysteriously DRAWN to it. It SATISFIES them somehow in a: "can't put my finger on it" way. using SUSPENDED CHORDS is another way to GOODE UP your tunes. ALLITERATION and TRUISMS. using alliteration draws the listener in as well putting together TRUISMS that the listener will RELATE to. LOOK for songs that cross lines and study how they are put together. you'll see what I mean. You CAN write a GOODE song. whether or not EVERYONE will LIKE IT is totally subjective. some will,, some won't... Frank Ranklin and the Ranktones WARP SPEED ONLY STREAM FRANKIE RANKLIN (Stanky Franks) <<< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Borland Posted October 24, 2003 Author Share Posted October 24, 2003 Originally posted by arellspencer: whats a song that CROSSES all the SOCIAL LINES. STAIR WAY TO HEAVEN has touched a lot of folkes who SWEAR it's the greatest song ever yet there are MANY more folkes who think its screeching and noise. NOW GOODE is SUBJECTIVE to the listener yet one can USE SCIENCE and math to attract the listener to accept your music as a GOODE SONG and they will like it but maybe not exactly know why they like it. the IMPORTANT THANG is you'll know why they like it and how to make your song seem more attractive thus more GOODER than the next one.. . now one can add TENSION to a song and "resolve" the tension and FOLKES are mysteriously DRAWN to it. It SATISFIES them somehow in a: "can't put my finger on it" way. using SUSPENDED CHORDS is another way to GOODE UP your tunes. ALLITERATION and TRUISMS. using alliteration draws the listener in as well putting together TRUISMS that the listener will RELATE to. LOOK for songs that cross lines and study how they are put together. you'll see what I mean. You CAN write a GOODE song. whether or not EVERYONE will LIKE IT is totally subjective. some will,, some won't...I agree with alot of what you say arrell however my beef is not with how a song works more with people who listen and decide the song is bad because it wouldn't chat cos it's too long or not a verse chorus verse arrangement. I ask, How do they know it wont chart without it being released? I mean meatloafs huge epics chart regularly as do some artists who are considered out of date such as Iron Maiden? It is this point I find hard to reconcile. I mean if I were to call some of thier stuff repetitive, unoriginal, corporate derivative drivel then I would get lambasted yet if I try something a little off kilter it is ok for them to patronise and condescend me. I find this harsh as I believe that everything anyone writes should be valid as they have put time energy and a part of themselves into it whether it will be a chart hit or not. I think I am just crying out for some people I know to have more of an open mind. Mark Growing old is inevitable....Growing up is optional ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magicman Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Originally posted by member # 30687: Originally posted by Mark Borland: I know favourite songs etc is subjective and everyone will like and dislike different things. ------------------------ However my friend thanks this is nonsense and doesn't define a good song. In his opinion if it sells and charts highly (top ten) then it is a good song regardless of what it is. He is quoted as saying that there is no cr*p in the top ten charts. Funnily enough some of his favourite tracks are by artists who have never made it big. I think the dichotomy between what your friend likes & what shows up in "the no-cr*p top 10" is comical, too. The first part I quoted above is a partial answer to why defining the qualities of a good song will be as problematic as the recent attempt on the Guitar forum to define music. The most essential element, I'd say, is whether the song communicates something appealing to the listener. It could be a thought expressed through the lyrics or it could be something less precise (like just excitement or the joy/sadness of life) conveyed by the music. That, of course, will be different for each listener although since there's a general cultural concurrence in all societies, there will be a matching agreement (again, in general) as to what's "good" or, more accurately, appealing. The qualities that make a good writer might, similarly, be defined as the ability to communicate the intention of a song to a wide, disparate group of potential listeners. After all, it does no good, except to the ego (...or bank balance ), to "preach to the choir"; that is, to reach those who already agree with your "message". A good writer can put the idea into terms or style that will carry the "message" through to those who might not "get it" or accept it in a different presentation. Your cognizance that marketing has much to do with the financial success of popular entertainment is true and should not be given much weight in determining what's "good" in creative terms other than as far as the ability to manipulate a system.I agree. Although my favorite songs will not be the same as anyone else's faves, in general terms the songs I consider good strike an emotion with me or communicate a message that I agree with. Chart topping has nothing to do with it. "I believe that if it were left to artists to choose their own labels, most would choose none." - Ben Shahn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
member 30687 Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Originally posted by Mark Borland: Guys I am glad to hear this as a lot of folks I know in the music biz seem to define a god song in terms of commercial success and chart rating. I am glad there are others out there who define things on a more personal and subjective level. Make that guys and gals, ok? Individuality's something we're all born with but music/songwriting is a business, too. To discount that is naive. [side note: I'm glad someone read Arellspencers's post---I can never penetrate that odd mix of unpunctuated CAPITAL letters and LOWER CASE (emPLOYED i guess for EMPHASIS). WHEN I HAVE tried I find the results DISApointINGLy routine.SOMETIMES i wonder if it's just GRAEMEENGLISH back..oh well, MY LOSS, I guess...though if writing's ABOUT COMMUNICATION there's a LESSON in there SOMEWHERE for us ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Borland Posted October 24, 2003 Author Share Posted October 24, 2003 Originally posted by member # 30687: Originally posted by Mark Borland: Guys I am glad to hear this as a lot of folks I know in the music biz seem to define a god song in terms of commercial success and chart rating. I am glad there are others out there who define things on a more personal and subjective level. Make that guys and gals, ok? Individuality's something we're all born with but music/songwriting is a business, too. To discount that is naive.My most sincere apologies 30678. I usually find that folks that post with no nick are usually guys. Once again I am reminded that sweeping generalisations never work. Apologies to all the guys and gals here. Mark PS, my wife just read this over my shoulder and has given me a slap for being such a twit! Growing old is inevitable....Growing up is optional ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendrix Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Originally posted by Mark Borland: Originally posted by member # 30687: Originally posted by Mark Borland: [qb]Guys My most sincere apologies 30678. I usually find that folks that post with no nick are usually guys. Once again I am reminded that sweeping generalisations never work. Apologies to all the guys and gals here. Mark PS, my wife just read this over my shoulder and has given me a slap for being such a twit!Ive been "officially" informed by several members of the female persuasion that "guys" can be used in a non-gender-specific way. OK guys? Check out some tunes here: http://www.garageband.com/artist/KenFava Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archer Posted November 4, 2003 Share Posted November 4, 2003 "A good song" to me is one that I find myself singing because I want to. Sometimes the story of the song reaches me where I'm at during a specific time in my life, sometimes it's just a catchy melody. Sometimes a single instrument in a band stands out to me as being extremely well crafted (arranged, played and recorded) that I find myself looking for it on the radio. Of course this definition of "good" has nothing to do with how much money a song has generated. A person could argue that a "good" song is one which has made X amount of dollars and I would have to agree. I may not care for the song myself but if someone wrote a song to reach a certain goal and it, in fact, reached that goal, then more power to them. Me and my two dogs, Remington and Winchester Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyscots Posted November 4, 2003 Share Posted November 4, 2003 Howya doin Mark? I'm back in the homeland now. Sorry to offend your friend but people that say sales and chart position defines good music are falling for the marketing that is the real reason for sales - at least on the short term. Image, publicity & marketing dominate the singles chart. If you really want to look at sales figures for 'good music' wait ten years and look over those sales figures again. Are the 'artists' that regularly form the top ten the big sellers over an extended period of time? I doubt it. I will listen to everything. If I like a pop song, I like it, but most of the stuff I listen to regularly is much more unique & diverse. Its not surprising though, that most of it is relatively un heard of and insuccesful. More individuality & open minds - yes please! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillWelcome Home Studios Posted November 4, 2003 Share Posted November 4, 2003 I guess that we need to define our terms. a good song could be good simply because it was a chart topper. How can you argue with success? (I can, but that is a topic for another time....) Anyone who supposes himself to be a songwriter would be thrilled to have a top ten charting song, and would probably consider it to be one of his best. Personally, I think that a well crafted song touches me by emparting something special... either (but hopefully both) in the lyrics or the musical structure. Example.... a song that didn't chart, called "Silver Thunderbird" by Marc Cohen. He was talking about a guy that highly resembled my dad, at least, in my mind. Mary Chapin Carpenter, who writes albums chock full of wonderful tunes wrote a moody little piece called "Swept Away" that reaches me. I'm much more direct in my writing and I don't think in those musical terms, and it did something for me. the October Project's first album knocked me out.... another group thinking in ways that I don't think and teling stories that I would not have thought to tell. Evanescence has combined an alt/rock sound with pop sensibilities, a touch of celtic/gailic, and decent lyrics to become a top pick on my MP3 player. All good songs. Some charted, some didn't. The common thread? The writer found a way to reach me. None spoke in cliches, and none played cliched riffs for me. Bill "I believe that entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you're an idiot." Steve Martin Show business: we're all here because we're not all there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Borland Posted November 4, 2003 Author Share Posted November 4, 2003 Originally posted by flyscots: Howya doin Mark? I'm back in the homeland now. Sorry to offend your friend but people that say sales and chart position defines good music are falling for the marketing that is the real reason for sales - at least on the short term. Image, publicity & marketing dominate the singles chart. If you really want to look at sales figures for 'good music' wait ten years and look over those sales figures again. Are the 'artists' that regularly form the top ten the big sellers over an extended period of time? I doubt it. I will listen to everything. If I like a pop song, I like it, but most of the stuff I listen to regularly is much more unique & diverse. Its not surprising though, that most of it is relatively un heard of and insuccesful. More individuality & open minds - yes please! JohnWelcome Home John Hope you had fun in the good ol' U S of A. Any more plans for trips or time to settle down and make some music here? Let me know if you are working over here and we can arrange a meet up or something. Mark Growing old is inevitable....Growing up is optional ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
¾ Posted November 5, 2003 Share Posted November 5, 2003 How do I define a good song? 1) A good song that hits me, that instantly hits me and makes me stop thinking. I suddenly am feeling this song. The funny thing is that it can even be a song I've heard on the radio for years, but with life experiences now comes into focus as a song with meaning. A good song is one I do not hear as a writer, it is one I hear like I used to - before I knew any song craft. Like when I was a kid and bought my first record. 2) A good song is one where you can not see any seams. You are not aware (overtly) of the modulation, of the lyric arc, of the metaphor. A good song is one where the INSPIRATION remains intact despite all the producing, arranging and listening. 3) A good song to play live is one that connects, night after night, with the audience in an honest way. 4) A good song is simple. 25 words or less. 5) A good song makes me say to myself: "Doh! Why didn't I think of that!!!" the only good signature is the one on a cheque or a confession Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted November 5, 2003 Share Posted November 5, 2003 "Good" is a relative term. I'm not being disagreeable, just trying to define it. Actually, I can only define it in terms I like, so, like anyone else, my "good" will apply to me. Perhaps a few others. Just as saying "Hot dogs with spicy brown mustard, onions, and sauerkraut are good". Some folks might be going "UGHGHGHG"... A good song is one that catches my ear. A great song is one that won't let go. A song that I find myself humming over and over again these days is that latest one by Seal, what is it, "Waiting For You"? To me, that's a great song. I could hear a bit of Stevie Wonder in that song. But, just like the hot dog, some might be going "UGHGGHH"... "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan scobie Posted November 28, 2003 Share Posted November 28, 2003 Hi Guys, In Mark's original post, I believe I am his buddy who believes if the song charts then it is a good song. Obviously Being a guitarist.... Mark has misunderstood and misquoted on a mammoth scale (usually pentatonic). What I ACTUALLY said was....whether you like it or not, if a song charts to the top 10 then someone in the chain of record company..A&R...Publisher....Plugger....stylist...marketing...photographer....producer.....PR......et al.. has done their job well. It is an understandable viewpoint to say the charts are full of shit and I totally respect that...but....have a look at the demographics and market share of who the major record buyers are....go to any school where there are 12-16 year old girls and ask them how much shit is in the charts and not surprisingly the quotient of "The charts are full of shit" reduces very..very dramatically. Understandable then that the majors and all others in the chain mentioned above are pandering to the market. Wouldn't you if it was your money you were spending. As always, a good song has one of several elements nailed. Great melody...great words..great arrangement...great harmonic structure...great meaning to lots of people. Usually coupled with great performances. One or two of these elements will make a good song... All of them will be a great song (Mark: Feel free to mis-quote me on that ) When I submit new tracks to my Publisher, They could have all the artistic merit of the Mona Lisa but if they don't think they can sell it...in their view it is not a good song!! Don't Blame me for that...I just write pop songs!!! Cheers Alan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan scobie Posted November 29, 2003 Share Posted November 29, 2003 And another thing I own and operate my own recording studio that used to hire out to young bands and such like for demo purposes. I no longer do this as in the last year I have Signed two pretty significant publishing deals for two seperate territories and I am producing my second album that contains exclusively my material. I have one of my songs coming out as a single in some parts of South America in February.Album to follow. I am going to Spain in January to the launch of a new artist using exclusively my material. I start in March poducing another album of my material for a new artist signed to what is a large UK independent, Due for release in the summer.I have in the last month signed a long term Publishing deal with a major. I have spent my whole life and sacrificed a HUGE amount to get to this position.I am 36 and I have earned my living as a musician since I was 23. This obviously means very little to anyone but me but I just want to illustrate that depending on where you are looking from....the view changes severely. Mark works full time in local government as a web designer and is very very good at it. He plays guitar...evenings.One of his bands came to my studio to record.... A more MUSO, blinkered derivative(can I use your word Mark??)bunch it would be hard to find. For four years I have been hearing the same thing from every unsigned unproven Band/songwriter to pass through my studio. ""The charts are full of shit and we are much better." Usually followed by ""we are original and I have heard it all before"" Usually at this point they ask me their chances of getting a deal. There are two answers to this...The truth...and the music store answer. The truth is..chances....less than Zero. Music Store....Yeah man...do some gigs...get some press..next stop Ferrari. So.............. What makes a good song. Well let's assume that we are a record buyer who has some decent disposable income and is in to rock. How much does he hate "I am Beatiful" By Aguilera?? and if pushed in the bar would tell his mates how shit it is. Let's assume we are 16, female and fat....."I am beautiful" is probably the best song ever written. Lets asume we make our living playing bass in a Nirvana tribute band and have never quite made it and the dream is gone. Secretly realise that "I am beatiful" is a good song but would never admit it in public.....only to say "I could've done that" Lets assume you are a pitcher/plugger for a biggie and you are told that Aguilera is on the hunt for a Ballad......How would "I am beautiful" sound to you then. Songwriting and the judgement of songs is a very difficult thing and it is made doubly difficult if you know anything about music or play an instrument. A friend of mine is a regular chart writer and she said to me once "I wish I could go back and listen to music as a punter/fan again...and hear how it really sounds". This in essence his what Mark mis-understood to be my viewpoint.And in many ways has been echod throuhout he replies here. If it means something to someone and they get something out of it then is a good song. Can you not follow then that the arguement "there is nothing in the charts that shouldn't be" could be made. You know and I know it is rubbish but if someone bought it then presumably it meant enough for them to go and hand over some cash for it. I agree that it may be force fed marketing that made them do this but and this is mega important......they don't care!! and they probably don't even know.They still feel it means something to them. When I want an opinion on my new stuff, the best person to play it to is my mother or her pals The girl from UPS that takes the CD's, the Mechanic next door, the postman....anyone but a musician. The tainted ears and focus on the wrong thing make it almost always a blemished viewpoint.(This is always double if they are a rock guitarist ) Please, please try this...imagine your house and career were on the line over one decision. You are an A&R man You have 10 songs on your desk of varying styles and Genres. Your turnover is low and you need, need, need a hit.A big hit. Get it wrong and you are out of a job and lose the house. What would be the artist type...genre and style of track you would choose. Bring me a Boy band, a pop idol finalist, a Disney club star. A soap star, A girl band.A movie star. Artistic, Evocative lyrics, meaningful, melodic four piece mixed with innovative writing and musicianship........No I don't F*&^ing think so. Very sad but very true. (well not for me, i just write pop songs ) Cheers Alan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan scobie Posted November 29, 2003 Share Posted November 29, 2003 BTW Mark, Who exactly are the artists doing my favourite songs that have never made it "BIG" Love to know that one!! Have I been buying unsigned Demos buy accident?? cheers Alan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Borland Posted December 1, 2003 Author Share Posted December 1, 2003 Woah there Al Major Misunderstanding. This post was not aimed at you but was becuase of a discussion with a friend at work who is trying to get into the business writing dance music (and he's making headway so good on him.) Please do not think this was a slight at you as I would like to point out here publically that I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for your work and your abilities and would never ever in any circumstances have a go at what you do. As you know I dont pretend to be the greatest at what I do know and I appreciate the time and effort you put into the work with the band but also and even more I appreciate the hospitality, encouragement, help and advice you have shown me since we met and I must reiterate I have the greatest respect for you as a player producer and writer and would never publically or privately say or do anything to jepordise this. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding and I will mail you privately but I did not intend any slight against you and have frequently mentioned you in other posts with the highest of plaudits and respect. Hell it was you the introduced me to the forums in the first place. As for the artists you work with and the music you have let me hear, I know these guys and gals have talent a million times greater than me and would never cast aspersions on them or the songs they perform for you. Remember we discussed a topic similar to this a while back and I know your taste in music is varied and wide ranging therefore would never attribute a comment like that to you. I know this seems a of a touch crawly post, but Alan has been a very good friend and helpled me out more than anyone I have met in the music scene here in scotland and I just want people to know how strongly I hope this misunderstanding is sorted. Take care Mark Borland Growing old is inevitable....Growing up is optional ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan scobie Posted December 2, 2003 Share Posted December 2, 2003 Hey Big Mark, It's a discussion forum aint it...? I was discussing. I haven't ranted and typed that much since I did my own tax return. I was responding to all and not exclusively you. You just happened to start it and you are a good example.For you to write a 6 minute epic a la meatloaf...with two guitar solos and two keychanges and a 5/4 middle 8/9 may well be innovative and expressive. For me it would be commercial suicide and would result in the sweet sound of contracts being ripped up. The whole industry looks different depending on where you are and how deeply involved. If it pays your mortgage and puts food on the table then songwriting has a different flavour. You know me quite well and you also know how passionate I am about all this and also how brutally honest I am. I have this coversation almost daily and it is good to have it down for posterity. When are coming up to the studio with your new stuff for me to hear?? Take care and speak to you soon. Cheers Alan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Borland Posted December 3, 2003 Author Share Posted December 3, 2003 Alan I just didn't want you to think I was having a go behind your back as I hope you would know I am not that sort of guy. I know you opinions and happen to agree with quite a few of them but was talking about a more personal do what you wanna type vibe. Anyway, Glad we got it cleared up. I have a couple of things I have done that I wouldn't mind you critical appraisal of so when I get them finnished as best I can then I will let you hear them. Time is a bit tight mind you at the moment as I have been asked to write the music for a rock musical !!!!!!!!!! Thought I might give it a try, you never know! See ya soon Take care Mark Growing old is inevitable....Growing up is optional ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misnomer Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 Kendrix wrote: "Good" is such a subjective thing.Amen! I've belonged to several forums/message boards over the years, and once exchanged a few e-mails with a guy who wrote to me after I mentioned on a nonmusic board that I was a musician. He started off by asking about my taste in music, and very quickly insisted that there IS such a thing as objectively "bad" music. I, of course, did not agree, but the guy just could not (or would not) make allowances for any taste other than his own. The people we "meet" online... "Is it too much to demand? I want a full house and a rock-n-roll band..." ~ Lucinda Williams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitefang Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 If I like it, it's good. Sounds like a smart-ass? Not really. It's how nearly everybody critiques a song. Or anything ELSE, for that matter. You can go on for many paragraphs about construction, lyric, beat, vocal quality etc., etc....but no matter how well a song fits into all these quarters, not everybody's gonna LIKE it. And so, to them it isn't a "good" song. Yes, I know this thread is asking how WE, as individuals, define a good song. And no matter how long you take to analyze it, it boils down to that simple, smart-assed sounding reply... If I LIKE it, it's good! Whitefang I started out with NOTHING...and I still have most of it left! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hound Dog Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 A song is good if somebody likes it. A song is bad if nobody likes it. Yum, Yum! Eat em up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodiddley Posted December 20, 2003 Share Posted December 20, 2003 I likes a song if'n it say "Bo Diddley" 'bout forty times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitefang Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 So, I figure there's at least ONE song out there you like! Whitediddle-umm-fang! I started out with NOTHING...and I still have most of it left! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guittarzzan Posted January 12, 2004 Share Posted January 12, 2004 ...same way I determine if a movie is good or not. Did it hook me and take me someplace new; or possibly, did it take me someplace old and make me see it in a new way. If it makes me feel something other than, "this song is crap" then it's at least a decent song in my book. If the hook hooks you and the lyrics are actually saying something, then it usually catches my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillWelcome Home Studios Posted January 12, 2004 Share Posted January 12, 2004 are the people dancing? do the lyrics make sense and tell a story? "I believe that entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you're an idiot." Steve Martin Show business: we're all here because we're not all there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitaristi0 Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 My and my friend were struggling with the question "What's the best song ever?" for a long time so we decided to count it mathematically. We chose ten songs and rated them on a scale of 0-40. We gave 0-10 ten points each for (in no particular order) 1. Lyrics 2. Music 3. Memories/Personal Attachment to the song 4. Overall And the winner was: Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks (36 points) Ofcourse this is only our opinion, and if everyone "counted" it this way we would all get different answers. A duck-pond, a museum, and a red hunting hat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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