Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: Ron Wilson
Song: Bye Bye Orlando

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Nikki Hornsby (Songwriter, Artist, Producer, Arranger)

Pro General Comments: Demo quality of instruments arrangement producer is not good for this catchy product song. Let me share something from our CJP-NHRecords files we give to our clients that might explain why it is important: "[Quoting G. Marshall Instructor, H. Musicians Institute. Source: Disc Makers Fast Forward, Vol. 5, No. 3 Issue 1997]"Years ago you could have given A & R reps and publishers a demo with just vocal and guitar on it, and they may have been able to hear how it would sound with a full band behind it but today they don't have time. They want to hear a fully produced, finished album. Remember, your demo is your business card. You get one chance to make an impression don't give out your card until you're sure it's ready." Hope this helps since I and my staff have been telling this in CJP-NHRecords clients in the one to one consultation since 2000. Hope this helps explain what is needed since I know your material has great bones! Maybe it needs some better clothing to be shopped for acquisition if that is the goal you are working towards. I would love to know who your professional studio musicians and even the name of the studio where you recorded your song(s). Now back to my listening as I do this over & over to make sure I am touching all bases with my personal knowledge. I do this technically as a producer including like publisher would do for your production towards marketing it to the consumer which a label with staff would also do plus the responsibility of a studio engineer that cares if his name is on it would help improve your product and not just engineer it for the money and get it out the door. I believe good money spent should have a good product and anything less is bad character in an honorable profession of the recording music industry.

Quote From Pro: The introduction part of this song could be improved but the complete song does sound like a commercial for the Auto Train if that was your intent. It is a catching melody message but like the ones they made many years ago for radio advertising. But in my opinion the fact that it's a demo is no excuse for the song suffering by what you present. It is still only my opinion of a poor production for your song which no professional in the area of acquisition or marketing would take now. Sometimes the better dressed get a better seat at the table and you want to give your songs a better chance to be heard without the negative distraction of such mistakes in the recording process especially the notes that were sung off key with the music or as I see it musicians are off from the vocal lead. Thank you, Ron, for sharing another catchy melody that you have written even with the flaws I heard. I look forward to reviewing others of your creation and I look forward to a better demo production if you can afford doing that for songwriting your talents. God bless.

Broadjam Artist: Tom & Mary Erangey
Song: Blue Umbrella

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jonathan Weiss (Music Supervisor, A&R)

Pro General Comments: Great chorus in this song. The chorus, lead and background vocals remind me of something that Carole King would've have sung back in her hey day. I felt the verses let me down a bit after lyrically, melodically and rhythmically after hearing such a strong chorus, each time it went back to the verses. The chorus seems to be in sort of a cut time, or doubled rhythm, whereas the verses do not have that same sort of forward movement. I think in this case, the verses need to be as strong as the chorus, and in this piece, in my opinion, it's not. Lyrically, it's a lighthearted song about being with someone you care about while its raining. Think we've all been there at one time and this is a great representation of what an experience like this might be like. Solid lead vocals do a good job of expressing the joy of this experience. The background vocal arrangements are also quite strong and harmonically work perfectly.

Quote From Pro: Strong chorus in this song that would evoke visual images from the listener. Creative and solid background vocal arrangements in the chorus, make this a very catchy song that would work well behind visuals in an advertisement.

Broadjam Artist: Hugo Bass
Song: Alpha Dancer (Remix)

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Diana Williamson (Songwriter, Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.Hi there, Hugo. First off you have a winning attitude. I always encourage people to give me truth and can't stand anyone who says they like something then secretly hates it. My one cardinal rule is to tell the truth- because that's how everyone LEARNS and gets better! The fact that you ask for the brutal truth is a feather in your cap! Of course you have to be careful who you listen to and disregard people with unworthy intentions. You are only going to grow and that's how you perfect your craft. So that is major step one.The good news is you have a great handle on this type of writing. You lured me in immediately with the intro and vibe. The song has a very cool vibe to it. The instrumentation and arrangement has a tasteful flavor that is easy on the ears.One of the easiest and overlooked things to fix is to always try to have a title with an emotional lure to it. Something that everyone immediately gets curious about. Alpha Dancer is interesting but could be more interesting. I'm left wondering what it means. For eg "Dancing in the Moonlight" suggests a midnight rendevous- so we're wondering "who" are the lovers- something relating to our own emotional experiences. So if it was something like "Dancing into Love" it makes it more personal for the listener because they can relate to it. Something to keep in mind.Great opening- nice feel. Nice choice of vocalist. Interesting vocal effect part round 48 & 2:48, some sonic bells and whistles give the track a fun feel.When verse comes in you might want to add a little more ear candy- you want it to build a little more rapidly. The vocal is mixed a little low in places so I can't really make out the lyrics. Lyrics are important so make sure we can hear them.When getting reviews- be sure to include them so you can get feedback on them.It seems that perhaps the rhymes may be a little forced (but since I can't really hear the words- a clearer mix would help- ) I can't say for sure- but humanity /sanity and dominant/prominent seem a bit awkward. The general rule is to keep lyrics conversational so they have a good flow to them. Prominent and humanity may be a bit formal for a song. Be careful on this.Lyric comes out off the top a little preachy- be very careful with this- big words such as "humanity" can scare someone off. Today's society is all about instant gratification - so if you want to say something important- you have to lure them into it. Music is escape for most people so you have to deliver escapism and then add something deep in a fun way so they don't realize they are being preached to. It's very hard to talk about issues without coming off preachy- it's a fine line. You don't want to alienate your listener.I can't seem to follow lyrical story. Part of it is the mix buries some of the words but I think also that the lyric may need a bit of going over. Make sure it progresses from the beginning and evolves. I like what you seem to be trying to do- (your intent) but it feels a bit confusing- as mentioned- when you keep it conversational versus overly poetic- it feels natural to the listener and flows.

Quote From Pro: Track has beautiful feel and suggests writer would be good at crafting commercials and scores.

Broadjam Artist: Bill Zeffiro
Song: What The Hell It's Christmas

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Diana Williamson (Songwriter, Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.I apologize for being a few days late- I fell down like a dead soldier with the flu- but am now back in action.This song the way it is, would be perfect for theatre. It sounds tailor made for theatre. However there may not be that many appropriate plays. However one of the beauties of the season is there are new xmas movies out each year that are always looking for songs and original Christmas songs can be hard to come by.There is the one publisher Justin Wylde's company that specializes in placing Christmas songs in movies and you may want to see if he is interested. You'd have to google him to find his contact info. The demo the way it is would have to be given a fresh coat of paint. It sounds "theatre-ish" and would need a bit more finesse.Infact Justin may be able to give you a good review of how he sees it fitting into the marketplace- you may want to ask him in your email to get his thoughts since he knows the Christmas marketplace very well.It would have to be a Christmas comedy of course that would use such as song. Since it's very specific, it makes it a bit tougher to place because it is like a story song and not "universal" which are easier songs to place. However some of the most remote songs in my library have been some of the ones I've placed the easiest for some reasons. A song such as "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" is a bit easier to place since it's not so specific.It's great to write comedic Christmas songs which is why the one about a reindeer running over Grandma or whatever that title was- was such a hit. There hadn't been many out like that before. Woody Allen could probably have a field day finding all the funny things that go on at Christmas.You did a great job on the lyric. It sounds old school of course with the words like "frisky", etc. One way you could also use this version is to perhaps make a comedic video for youtube with a talented videographer. (doesn't have to be expensive these days). Have an older couple playing off each other in a comedic way. If done well, you could attract some attention to the song and use this as a marketing tool.Another clever thing you did is make it into a duet. There are a lack of duets around. Stars always want to find a way to work with their heroes such as David Bowie and Bing Crosby. So delivering a duet is a smart move in itself. Very good work. I wish you the best of luck with it.

Quote From Pro: Songwriter has a flair for writing a rare and tricky thing, a comedic Christmas song.

Broadjam Artist: Tom & Mary Erangey
Song: Reach Out

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jonathan Weiss (Music Supervisor, A&R)

Pro General Comments: Really liked how the song started out lyrically, it began to tell a story that many families can relate to. I also liked the way the dynamics of the song structure changed gaining more energy and emotion as the song went on. It's a nice surprise that the vocal goes up an octave in the second verse. The double-time and background harmonies during the bridge sort of take you out of the first part of the feel of the song, but does give it a sectional contrast that the listener would not be expecting. Harmony and double time rhythm also comes in during the last chorus. Overall, I enjoyed the sentiment expressed in the song that could be interpreted in several different ways.

Quote From Pro: A very melodic lead vocal, strong arrangement and a sensitive and important lyrical topic make this song a powerful statement in the struggle against Alzheimer's disease.

Broadjam Artist: Christina Linda Lyons
Song: Carousel of the Critters -- a Medley for Children

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
David Weiss (Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Christina,Hi, thanks so much for submitting "Carousel of the Critters", and requesting my feedback. It's not easy to put together an extensive classical composition and arrangement, so congratulations for putting the time and effort in to make it happen!From a constructive criticism standpoint, I believe this song still needs a lot of work to take it to the next level. While the arrangement is exuberant and joyous, there seems to be far too much going on to make it suitable for extended listening by children or adults. It feels like the various instruments are "all over the place", and not doing their individual performances with any direct connection to each other. In fact, at many times it feels like there are two completely different songs playing at the same time! The way to correct this is to look at your arrangement, and see how each section can be vastly simplified. As it is now, the sections are "fighting" each other, making it difficult for the ear to lock in any one melody at any point. I'd suggest that the recording quality be improved, and the mix could have better balance and clarity as well.

Quote From Pro: I must defer at this time. Please feel free to send me an improved arrangement/recording, and I will be happy to make a quote that will be beneficial. I hope my input has been helpful to you! Making great classical music, for kids or adults, is not easy -- keep up the hard work and I'm sure you will realize the benefits. Best,David Weiss

Broadjam Artist: Sergio Simone
Song: Take My Advice

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Diana Williamson (Songwriter, Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Dear Sergio from Kleinburg- ha ha- where is the contact button on your site- to contact you direct? Try emailing me again- it's been very hectic and I can't seem to find it.As usual- Please be advised that I don't comment on individual instrumentation as my forte is more in the overall picture- lyrics, melody, arrangements and marketing.The word appalling sounds like a convenient rhyme- songs usually do best with everyday speech- not something that feels tacked on. Some of the lyrics here have a feel that they are mostly too easy rhymes- "quick as a flash/make a mad dash"- appalling/calling, what she's like, took a hike. You want to use phrases that you would use when talking to a friend- more or less- so they have that natural flow to them. Be careful of this. For eg "give her the news" isn't something you would really say to a friend.Vocal sounds a bit sing song-ey- versus the subject matter which could be a bit more angst ridden concerning the topic. This singer isn't selling me this song. I am too aware of his vocal instead of what he's saying. You might want to look for a richer bluesy voice- one that has more color. You don't have to be too clever in a blues song- sometimes its just about the singer - saying he's hurting- is enough. But that voice has to draw us in immediately. Maybe study some Robert Cray for ideas?- he deals with those subjects but also has a catchiness to his work that some blues don't always have. Eg- https://youtu.be/2gQEDwjhaDE?list=PLUmnnNR3rRsR2vdw9b765Jow6ZgICtqL-

Quote From Pro: Sergio Simone's songs tell stories from the heart.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: I Can't Help It

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

Pro General Comments: Greetings Matt,Sure appreciate hearing such a soulful song performed and produced in an appropriately natural environment. No need to"hard sell" this one. Your vocal tone caresses the lyric with a combination of a "too good to be true" and "don't sweat the small stuff" delivery.The only different vocal inflection could come in the next to last bridge line try emphasizing Why Do I Love You? by elongating the question.Musically,your choices of upright bass, brushes,rhythm guitar and dobro lead(or is it a slide?) are right in the pocket with the laid back lead vocal and cool harmony.If you haven't already done so, you might think of a visually and financially real way to present this track on YouTube since you nailed it musically as well as anyone could. If this is an indication melodically of the rest of your repertoire, consider releasing a long-form with 10 songs of this quality independently.You've got the right creative instincts for success with your songs, but you'll need to find a true-beliver in the form of a door-opening music supervisor, publisher, co-producer,or small label owner who can help position you and your sound to the right audience, and help get you to the next step.Wishing you all the best now and in the future,Tom Bocci

Quote From Pro: Matt,Your naturally soulful approach to songwriting and performing is a great asset to success.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: I Can't Help It

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Can't Help It - Matt Taylor 062815When a song critique artist (and it IS an art) runs into someone on your (rare) level, the line between critique and co-write is stretched thin. I DO have suggestions to make, but only as examples.I love the groove. Comfortable and relaxing 1-4. It helps when you have Nashville level monster sidemen, too. Bass player flat out blows the walls down in your video. Killer dobro man. Hey, ALL these guys should have been expensive. Sweet, sweet licks.Your unique and very good vocal styles are outstanding, as usual. On key backup singers. Costly. Very cool, though.Now, down to business.If you go to BMI.com and do a "repertoire" search for that title ("Can't Help It"), you will see there are already 59 songs with identical title that are published and registered at BMI. Some of them are already cut, some are vanity cuts, but the point is that there are a LOT of them. You, having decided that's your HOOK, have to out write them all to get attention. I'm not saying that's by any means impossible, especially not for YOU.But it doesn't matter how hot your backup is (and all those guys are hot!), you have to have something that INVOLVES the casual listener. That HAS to be the song, lyric and all. But you are going to have to have EVERY LINE SPARKLE, in some way. It has to perk up the ears of even the most jaded listener. The lyric of the hook, "Can't Help It", has not been a huge hit for the other 59 versions of the title, so it probably has to come from the rest of the lyric.If it doesn't tell me a story, paint me a picture, or hit my funny bone, find something better."My credit cards have gone into shock, but I love you, I can't help itThe last time you left I almost changed the locks, but I love you, Can't help it,"Just a suggestion/example..."Hard to believe the way I'm feeling now" should probably be the template for the couplets you need to write to replace it. You might want to try brainstorming couplets like that. Sit there for five minutes, or a half an hour with a blank piece of paper and come up with every one of those couplets you can think of, whether they're ridiculous or not. Write them down. Don't quit till you've got 20 of them. Don't edit yourself, just write what comes into your head. There you will find the gems. You need about five really great ones. That's where the meat of the groove is.But they have to be WAY better than what is here right now."I want to up and leave but I don't see how..." C'mon, man. I can tell when a line has the "I Need To Fill Something In Here" feel from a MILE AWAY, and so can your average listener.(Continued in the Artist's Submitted Question box)

Quote From Pro: Matt Taylor is the real deal.

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!