How to Write a Song Review
"Rolling Stone Magazine," the iconic music magazine founded by Jann Wenner, set the standard for professional reviews of popular songs, and other publications followed suit. Music aficionados can support their love of music by reviewing great or not-so-great songs. Whether learning to review songs as a hobby or as a career, getting started is key. Subjective or individual tastes in music and song styles do not preclude informative reviews. While genres include country, pop, rock, soul and hip-hop, a good review of any song stands out --- regardless of genre.
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Things You'll Need
- Music magazines
- Music social media websites
- Highlighter
- Paper and pen
- Tape recorder
- Friends
Instructions
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Make a list of five familiar hit songs, past and current, that you would like to review. Research past reviews of your song list by entering the song, artist and the words "reviews" and "ratings" in a search engine. Reviews of your song should surface with ratings.
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Read the reviews of the most popular songs in the genre you would like to review. Highlight what you agreed with, what could have been stated better and what you disagreed with in the review. Organize these thoughts to write a brief narrative review. Continue writing reviews of the other four most popular songs, using this counterpoint review style.
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3
Listen to a song from a favorite band or favorite singer, but make it a song that you have never heard before. Determine a set number of times to listen to a new song before it is ready to be reviewed. Remember that this is not a fixed number; some songs will demand more listening time, while others will require less.
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Write your first impressions of the song. One-word descriptions are fine to start. Does the song match your expectations based on what you know of the band or singer? Does it fall below your standards of the band, but is still competent? Is the band trying something new or does it sound cliché?
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Listen to a new song in your favorite music genre --- by a band or singer you have never heard before. Jot down likes, dislikes of the song and what could be improved. A new band or singer will evoke a different review than bands or singers with whom you are familiar.
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Remember to note qualities of the lyrics. Quote lines that are especially meaningful or awkward. Record vocal quality, authenticity in lyrics and musical originality. The beat, rhythm, hook and emotional quotient are important. Are they in sync? Does the song make you want to rock out or reflect? Do you want to keep playing it? Is it forgettable, annoying, upbeat, or catchy? Can you tell the musical influences behind the song? Identify those influences and decide if they strengthened the overall effect of the song or weakened it.
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Hone your reviewing skills by reviewing songs out of your knowledge or genre. Not being familiar with the music forces a different skill set.
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Remember to read with a critical eye advance review notices of new songs. Your own review can adapt the counterpoint style of either agreeing the music lived up to acclaim or not. Prepare to support either point with evidence pulled from the song. Use lyrics, harmonies, collaborations, arrangements and vocals to state your case.
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Send your reviews to your friends for feedback. Record your voice reading the reviews to listen for fluidity and overall cogency.
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Tips & Warnings
Well-written song reviews come from consistent practice writing. Daily writing improves reviewing skills and confidence.
Do not attempt to force a style using scatological speech or overly indulging in slang. These types of reviews appear self-conscious and a parody, while the real focus on the song quality is lost.
References
Resources
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