Month: July 2016

Broadjam Artist: Pink and White Bridge
Song: Later

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Joe Vitale (Producer, Songwriter, Drummer)

Pro General Comments: Hey Paul (Pink & White Bridge)....Thanks so much for sending me this song to review. I've listened to it a few times now and it really grows on you !! This story can be told forever it seems. No matter how you say it, it hits home with so many folks !! I especially love the harp and other instrumentation. It fits the lyrics and mood so well. This is a great vibe and so easy to listen to. BRAVO !!

Quote From Pro: Pink and White Bridge have a beautiful song here !! I don't know anyone who couldn't relate to and feel the depth of these lyrics. Great passion here !!! It's wonderful to hear original music with great melody and words....BRAVO GUYS !!!Joe Vitale

Broadjam Artist: Shirley Goines
Song: Beautiful Hurricane

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Doug Diamond (Music Supervisor, Engineer, Producer, Composer )

Pro General Comments: Hi Shirley -First of all, my apologies for the tardiness of finalizing this Pro Review for you. Ordinarily, I'm very punctual and get things finished on time, however about the time I would've ordinarily completed your review, I was in a major, near-fatal car accident which left me in the hospital for a few weeks and then in recovery / healing mode every since then - which has slowed me down considerably (temporarily). So, it's been because of this issue that I was late getting your review finished. I'm on the mend now though my apologies again.Thanks so much for bringing this song to my attention. I've enjoyed listening to it! This is like the James Bond theme that never was! (I love James Bond themes by the way).Overall, I really like your song, the production and nearly everything about it. The vocal is nice and works well with it and the mix was done well too so that things sit where they should between left and right and overall volumes of individual parts. I don't really have too many suggestions for you from the standpoint of production technique or the recording as that is all pretty solid. Depending on what you want to do with the song (pitch it as-is or try to get an artist interested in re-recording it in their style) would dictate what needs to happen with the lead vocal in my opinion. If you're going to pitch it as-is, I think the current vocal works fine, with perhaps a few lyric tweaks like you mentioned below. If you're thinking of having another artist record this song, sometimes it pays to have a demo singer that's closer to the artist style you're pitching to, so you might want to keep that in mind because you want the artist to identify with it being "their style" right away and not make them guess whether it would work for them or not.

Quote From Pro: "Beautiful Hurricane" is the James Bond theme that never was! It's an excellent, emotional song that has much to offer that perfectly-matched spot in a Film or TV show.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: Sometimes You Just Don't See It Coming 3:33

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Chris Keaton (Music Publisher, Artist Manager, Song Plugger)

Pro General Comments: This is an exceptional country song. The lyric is as strong as gas and really evokes deep emotion in the listener. The vocal reminds me of the late, great John Denver and his great song writing and vocal delivery. I am very impressed with the vocalist and the instrumentalists (it sounds like a very professional demo). This is definitely ready to be pitched to major artists in the country genre. The melody in the chorus is easy to sing and very memorable (in my professional opinion, those two elements are essential in a hit song's chorus.) I will find myself humming this melody all day long today. Let me also mention the bridge...it ties the story together in a very neat bow and does what a chorus should do...be the morale of the story. If you are not getting this song in front of music industry professionals, you certainly should be. It sounds like a hit song to this reviewer. Thanks for allowing me to hear this!

Quote From Pro: "Sometimes You Just Don't See It Coming" is a hit song waiting to be discovered. It has timeless appeal and should be in Country Radio right now!!!

Broadjam Artist: amy abernathy
Song: I wish you Love

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Michael Marans (Music Technologist)

Pro General Comments: I Wish You Love has great potential. The message is uplifting, the lyrics thoughtful, and the vocal performance is sweet, strong, and sincere. Unfortunately, the very traditional instrumentation and arrangement drag the song down, giving the track a dated, unoriginal flavor---one that's truly not deserved. I'd suggest recutting the track with an entirely new instrumental approach, one that gives each section of the song a chance to grow and flourish and offer some level of unpredictability and surprise. (Several of the later-appearing chord changes do just that...take you to a place other than the one you were expecting.) Things to try might include a piano-only intro and first verse, and instrumentation that's not so familiar, such as a fretless bass and a synth accompanied by hand percussion (or whatever). You might even want to revisit the overall feel and tempo entirely, just to take the song out of it's current '80s R&B vibe. The point is to take the song somewhere else sonically, so that the listener hears something fresh and new. You've got a strong message and delivery. Now you need the instrumental arrangement support to bring the song home. With that in place, your lower and middle scores would all increase accordingly, and you'd have a solid track to showcase your vocals. If you're set on the traditional sound and feel, I'd recommend listening to some of the early Wynonna records (Wynonna, Tell Me Why) for inspiration. Last critique: You vocal sounds generally effortless (a good thing), but in a few places, the phrasing is a little bit unnatural, one example being "I hope you never lose your love and Inspiration, That you get the passion that you are craving," (2nd time) where it seems as though you might be trying to fit all of the words in, instead of just letting them flow naturally. Experimentation with some alternative phrasing could yield worthwhile results. And don't be afraid to hold back on your vocal in the beginning and belt it out at the end. Dynamics capture the listener...you've got 'em, use 'em!

Quote From Pro: The message is uplifting, the lyrics thoughtful, and the vocal performance is sweet, strong, and sincere.

Broadjam Artist: Black Roses
Song: I Could Get Used To This

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Serge Durand (A&R/Publisher/Manager)

Pro General Comments: I really like this song. I think it has a good feel to it. The hook is catchy and memorable. I like the subject matter. I think you did a great job writing this song. I also think the production is solid. It kind of reminds me of Robin Thicke's "Lost Without You." I thought the verses were also well written. You have a beautiful voice. You did a great job vocally. I have nothing bad to say about this song. I don't think it's a big radio hit, but it has great licensing potential. I would suggest that your management pitch this record to as many music supervisors as possible. It has Film/TV licensing potential. I would pitch it to multiple reality shows and upcoming movies. That's a great way to get discovered. When people hear it, they'll Shazam it and purchase it.This song makes me want to hear more form you. I would love to hear what the rest of your project sounds like.

Quote From Pro: 'I Could Get Use to This" is a great record. It makes me want to hear more from Black Roses. She has a special tone and voice. I'm a fan.

Broadjam Artist: J.J. McGuigan
Song: Desperate Eyes

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Robert Dellaposta (Writer, A&R, Publisher)

Pro General Comments: J.J. I was unable to hear the lyrics...The bass, percussion, guitar and sound effects drowned out your vocal and without a lyric sheet i was unable to make out what you were saying...I want to hear this again so please after you do a re-mix and bring up the vocal and lower the instruments to a level where i can hear every word send it to me at my3kidsmusic@comcast.net and i'll do another evaluation for free...What I did hear sounded dark and alternative which i think is what you intended. Your musicianship is not in question. Instrumentally the track was very good...very professional...The mix was sub par especially if you pitch this to a music supervisor for a lyric specific spot in a movie or television show...in this instance the lyrics are very important and need to be heard

Quote From Pro: J.J. McGuigan is proving that he has the capabilities to write competitive music in any genre. He is not afraid to dare to be different and break the rules.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: Like A Mountain

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jim Bruno (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Hi Matt, Sorry for the delay. I reviewed this song a couple of weeks ago but for whatever reason it didn't go through. I don't think that Broadjam like Firefox. Anyway...I really like this song a lot. The prosody between lyrics and melody is very strong. I think your bridge is especially strong. It did exactly what a well written bridge should do, it re-engaged this listener by having tangentially related lyrics and melody. Well written bridges are not easy to write. Your use of the title as a refrain was also very well done. I think that this form of romantic determination is a great subject to write about. It gives voice to so many who empathize with the singers situation. Due to its theme, the song is also highly coverable making it I would imagine desirable to a publisher. I could see any number of recording artists recording this song. I think your understated production is very effective and lends support to the sincerity of both the song and the performance. Your performance vocally matched your guitar work really well. If I were to produce this song I'd make every effort to keep the production simple. Maybe just add a bass and a lead instrument like a cello or how about a steel guitar? Overall a very well crafted song, performed in a very effective manner. I wish you much success!

Quote From Pro: If like me you appreciate sincerity in singer-songwriters, you're going to love Matt Taylor. Do yourself a favor and check him out!

Broadjam Artist: J.J. McGuigan
Song: Forces I Cannot See

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Robert Dellaposta (Writer, A&R, Publisher)

Pro General Comments: This is a strong song for you to promote on yourself as the artist...it's a deep introspective personal look into your psyche...very strong intro...great guitar and percussion sounds and technique...i love the chorus...very catchy and memorable...I could still hear it playing in my mind long after the song was over and that's a good sign...the chord progression is good...the minor chords support the lyric...the military cadence of the snare drum really made the track interesting. the instrumental will make a good pitch for movies and television background...the overall length is within commercial time restraints

Quote From Pro: J.J. McGuigan is a soulful Alternative rock artist with the capabilities to pull an audience into his lyrics and music and hold their attention till the end of the song.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: Like A Mountain

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tom Bocci (Music Supervisor, Producer, and Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Greetings Matt,Appreciate having you submit two more songs for review.Your signature high lonesome vocal performance does the heavy lifting on this "bare bones" singer-songwriter demo.It interprets the heartfelt sentiment and imagery in the lyrics to offer a balance of questioning life's mysteries with the comfort of knowing a loving relationship as the ultimate truth. In the songs I've heard so far, your unique intimacy in delivery and presentation sets you apart, so having someone else belting it out theatrically seems counter-productive, especially in "Like A Mountain". You might consider changing the lyric in the B section of the first verse to, 'beats faster when you're near, like pure fresh water need to drink you in'. My production advice would be to repair the pitchy vocal, add some string pads and BG harmony to the hook, and end on a dominant chord that resolves and reflects completion of your good mind moment.

Quote From Pro: "Your musical intimacy in structure and presentation sets your songs and production apart from the pack".Tom Bocci

Broadjam Artist: Tim Sharp
Song: I Call Her Fred

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: This is good work. My only objection, and in this case it's small, is that I can't in good conscience give you a critique on your writing. The reason is that you have already gotten this thing produced, and if I said that, for instance, you needed to rethink your arrangement, it's too late. It's already produced, and you're not going to change that.I recommend to all my kids that they send me a guitar/voice demo that is a work tape. Then I can tear apart what they have, and show them tips how to make it more commercially viable.But this song, to coin a phrase, is what it is. And that really ain't too bad, my friend.

Quote From Pro: Tim's music will bring a toothy smile to your lovely face!