Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: Ian Lee
Song: Rainbows without rain

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Malik Williams (Producer, Artist, Engineer, Composer)

Pro General Comments: Hi Ian,Thank you so much for allowing me to review your music!This is a really great story and a really nice pop/rock ballad.. It's timeless! I love the emotion you put into this performance as well. I like the simplicity of this song and the somber, but rich piano sound. "Why can't there be rainbows without rain?". Very cool.. that vocal line really drew me in! The lyric is well written and you did a great job with the vocal performance. Christopher Cross came to mind in regard to your vocal tone and delivery. As I listened to it, I could also hear this song produced with a bigger orchestral arrangement. I'm not suggesting that you do that because the "less is more" factor is working in your favor already. Indeed this a good soundtrack song and lots of people can relate to the theme. It has a lot of film and tv licensing potential. Overall, the songwriting, performance and mix of this song was very well done!

Quote From Pro: This is a really great story and a really nice pop/rock ballad.. It's timeless!

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: It Doesn't Matter Now Kmix3

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Okay, Matt,Just to be right up front, I really like your stuff. The music is great, I love the feel. Shows unlimited potential. REALLY.Also, to be a up front, I have written a song called "As If It Matters", which my co-writer and I have been considering changing to "It Doesn't Matter". This is to give you a heads up on the title. I didn't steal it from you, I stole it from someone else many years ago. (Joke!)The bad news is that the better I like your stuff, the harder I have to be on you. Because you are cruising around the rim of writing an unforgettable, I'm going to have to give you some SEROUS criticism to get you there. Note: CL=Casual Listener. This is someone who doesn't know you, someone who's never HEARD of you, who is hearing your song for the first time. It is his/her perception that is most important to you, the songwriter. Your lyrics show flashes of brilliance. There is an almost poetic feel to your conversation. But you are still making rookie mistakes.You are saying pretty much the same thing in all your verses, just with a different set of words. It's all to express the ennui. Yet you don't have a set of circumstances you have shown the CL to cause the CL to care, especially after you've told him/her your feelings in the first verse.You should REALLY consider giving the CL some specific information about why you feel the way this song says you do. If not in the first verse (I would strive to get it in there somehow, maybe a few IMAGES?) then at least have the second verse dedicated to it.So you have to make the CL listen and become involved in your CHORUS. Let's take a look.but it doesn't matter now [I like the sound and the feel of the way you did the hook here]with all the time that's past [but I'm none too crazy about THIS lyric. It's a serious clich, right where you can't have a clich (in the chorus). The CL doesn't know what happened to cause this ennui, so can't possibly identify the amount of time that's PASSED (note spelling), or what that MEANS---hence, the CL is not getting involved emotionally.]It doesn't matter now [Still like the hook here. Kinda sorta background]those dreams were never meant to last [WHAT? How 80's. You can do better than THIS, Matt.]It doesn't matter now [I'll still believe the hook here, but you MIGHT be able to come up with something just to change up the flow the third time around ("Lives are scattered now", for example)]It's all working out for the best with all that life has put me thru it's put me to the test [This is garbage. You're using "it's working out", which is an utterly meaningless clich, in about three different places in this song. And EVERYBODY's life has put them to the test. Cliches. Poisonous].Continued in Artist's Question section

Quote From Pro: This guy has universal potential. Like, NO doubt.

Broadjam Artist: sharon gosler
Song: This is life

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
A.J. Gundell (Songwriter, Composer, Music Supervisor, Producer)

Pro General Comments: As a music supervisor and music library owner/creator, I like to say I'm always on the lookout for material that gets what I call 'the holy trinity' (no religion required -): song, singer, and record. All three are needed for successful, professional, broadcast/release-ready work. There is so much to love about Sharon Gosler's "This is life" and almost nothing that comes up short. She's captured the holy trinity. "This is life" is a beautifully crafted, thoughtful song, with some really unexpected but effective turns of phrase lyrically and developments harmonically. Sharon's vocal is pitch perfect: not just technically, but in the way she weaves and sells the emotion of a somewhat philosophical topic she feels it, so as listeners we do too. The recording is world-class: absolutely undeniable performances and sonic textures from all players and programming beautifully arranged and developed as the record builds a perfect mix, setting, and approach for the pop/AC genre of the song and Sharon's vocal.As I say, the musical 'holy trinity' doesn't require any religion. But in "This is life," Sharon makes me a believer--and she'll make you one too.

Quote From Pro: As a music supervisor and music library owner/creator, I like to say I'm always on the lookout for material that gets what I call 'the holy trinity' (no religion required -): song, singer, and record. All three are needed for successful, professional, broadcast/release-ready work. There is so much to love about Sharon Gosler's "This is life" and almost nothing that comes up short. She's captured the holy trinity. And even though there's no religion required, in "This is life," Sharon makes me a believer--and she'll make you one too.

Broadjam Artist: Jim Reeder
Song: I Believe

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

Pro General Comments: Greetings Jim,Thanks for submitting this inspirational cover song written in 1953 after the outbreak of the Korean War as a source of hope and faith for people still suffering from the effects of World War II. By using your dramatic background and lovely, clear tenor voice with a slightly different arrangement and production approach, you have the unique opportunity to remake this classic your own for today's media.A suggestion would be to make the song more of a Folk/Hymn by slowing the tempo and finding the "pocket" so that the lyrics can be sung with deeply interpreted,inspiring emotion. Using the acoustic guitar finger-picking by itself in the first verse is a good idea, but without any background harmony. Then in the second verse use harmonies to emphasize important lyrics or phrases especially in the build to the ending.As it stands now, there's way too much overall "reverb" in the mix. Try pulling it back to where it acts as an intimate shadow to your vocal rather than a distracting effect.Also experiment with different bass note inversions to the ones already there that aren't always complimentary. Keep it simple and beautiful. Feel it in your heart and produce it that way.It could be a timely remake for our current troubled world all over again.

Quote From Pro: By using your dramatic background and lovely, clear tenor voice with a slightly different arrangement and production approach, you have the unique opportunity to remake this classic your own for today's media.It could be a timely cover for our current troubled world all over again.

Broadjam Artist: Jim Reeder
Song: I Believe

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
A.J. Gundell (Songwriter, Composer, Music Supervisor, Producer)

Pro General Comments: This is a timeless classic song, recorded by such notables as Elvis Presley and LeAnn Rimes. Jim Reeder covers it with a sincere, heartfelt vocal performance a bit reminiscent of classic Roy Orbison--and a recording that honors the intentions of the original music and lyric: a deep and almost spiritual commitment to believing in the good, simple virtues of life.

Quote From Pro: This is a timeless classic song, recorded by such notables as Elvis Presley and LeAnn Rimes. Jim Reeder covers it with a sincere, heartfelt vocal performance a bit reminiscent of classic Roy Orbison--and a recording that honors the intentions of the original music and lyric: a deep and almost spiritual commitment to believing in the good, simple virtues of life.

Broadjam Artist: Elle Ray
Song: Out Of The Maze

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
John Anderson (Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Hello Elle Ray, I'm so happy to see a submission from you. Overall, I think this is a really great song with great potential. It's an anthemic and moving ballad with solid song writing structure focusing on redemption. It's a perfect emotional track for placement in television or film. The production quality is amazing and already suitable for film and TV. Your vocals are definitely up to par and able to translate all that tremendous emotion to the listener. The lyrics are also very well written and anyone who's ever been in a relationship can relate to this this song.I feel really empowered just listening to this song. You remind me a bit of Melissa Etheridge especially in terms of your uplifting and empowering vocals. I was intrigued so I actually found your EDM version because I see a lot of potential for use there. The subject matter is right on point for a big dance club hit. I thought it was good and I think you should pursue other remix opportunities as well. It really is a great track for it.

Quote From Pro: An anthemic and moving ballad. Solid song writing structure focusing on redemption. It's a perfect emotional track for placement in television or film.

Broadjam Artist: Pat Hardy Lockwood
Song: Entangled In Love -- Feat. Kris Bradley

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

Pro General Comments: Greetings Pat,I appreciate the opportunity to review this excellent example of your gracious nod to the Antonio Carlos Jobim classic bossa-nova style.Your song and demo arrangement reflect your study and absorption of this form. Its natural earthy Kris Bradley vocal,rhythm,instrumentation,and structure immediately draw you into repeated listening for the subtle nuances. These obviously would be even more pleasing if not limited to the Band-In-A Box sound.Even so, the lovely flute, emotional sax, and faint string samples all seem to fit well and appropriately.However,since there is really no chorus in favor of the strong hook line, your good musical bridge tends to suffer lyrically as if you settled for the words.In all the verses you demonstrate a unique ability to fashion inside rhyming lines that don't sound contrived, why not continue that in the bridge with something like, "We're upping the ante, we're going all in, with cards on the table, seems like a win-win, so let us begin...". Just a thought, but I know you can do better than to rhyme love with love in a bridge that needs to provide contrast to the verses, not a restated continuation. Would also suggest you try editing out the repeated first two verses and bridge by going from the end sax solo at 2:00 to the last verse at 3:12. Less is always more.All the great vintage jazz standards that became cross-over pop hits were unique in all musical and lyrical aspects, and that's why they still endure and get airplay. You certainly have the overall talent to make the final version of this song a contender as an on-camera or source cue for any number of Film and TV usages playing in a club atmosphere. Very best wishes for success with this song and all the others in your catalog.

Quote From Pro: You certainly have the overall talent to make the final version of this song a contender as an on-camera or source cue for any number of Film and TV usages playing in a club atmosphere. Very best wishes for success with this song and all the others in your catalog. Tom Bocci

Broadjam Artist: Veo Coun
Song: Fly tonight

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

Pro General Comments: Veo,Verses in this song started out with some promise as it leads up to the hook of the song. Lyrical subject matter seems a bit overly familiar to me, "tonight will bring a brighter day, tonight we're going to fly away, there's going to bring a brighter day." "We're going wild on the dance floor."I liked how the verses built up in energy in the arrangement as the song continues on. The vocal also builds up in energy and is able to handle the lead melody well. To me, the track sounds like in its in demo form. If this was sent to me for film & TV, I would not be able to use, due to the overall quality of the recording. While I think that aspect can be worked on, I'd be more concerned with the overly familiar sounding lyric and concept. Sounds like something I've heard before and unless the arrangement is so slamming that it brings everyone to the dance floor, then I think its an ok electronic dance track that still needs some development and work.

Quote From Pro: A pop electronic track that has some solid movements and sectional contrast in the arrangement. A familiar sounding lyrical hook that with further development in this genre, could gain some regional play in clubs.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: If I Had The Time Kmix4

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Okay, Matt, I like this song. I like this song a lot. That's the good news.The bad news is that if I like a song, it's usually the kiss of death.It almost has a 70s folk pop feel to it. Almost like a cross between James Taylor and Steely Dan, with maybe a little Simon and Garfunkel thrown in.Since it's CLOSE, I'm going to nitpick you to death.On first listen, it was difficult to know where the chorus was beginning. As a matter of fact, what I believe you are calling your chorus sounds more like a bridge to me. But then comes along another bridge, complete with jolting key change. And you repeat your hook at the end of every four-line verse.Very odd song form. But that's okay, you almost pull it off.I would love to hear your signature lick played on an honest to goodness cello. In harmony, maybe, with a violin.The cheesy synthetic fiddle was almost irritating.You only need ONE of those licks in the intro, anyway. No matter what it's played on. Get into the song as quick as you can.Your VERSES are very hooky. The line in the 2nd verse, "while all the lines in my face start to show" was a bit of a speed bump the way you had to sing it. All you need is "while lines in my face start to show" and it sings much more with the flow. IMHO. (Hey! That all RHYMES!)The chorus needs some work, I fear.I understand that this is about your actual father, and as such, it's kind of a memorial to him. But to the casual listener who doesn't know you, "Dad used to say that just one lifetime," is a poisonously clichd line. The "Daddy told me" thing is so old and overused, it's meaningless. It's great for you and your family as a commemoration, but if you want to commercially exploit this song (and it has GREAT potential for that), something like "I've heard it said", for instance, might be better. Also jettison either the "that" or the "just" in that line. As in, "I've heard it said just one lifetime""would surely never be enough" is okay here, if you can't polish it somehow."you need the first one just to figure out what you want to do and another one to make those dreams come true". The objection is not to content, but to person. You suddenly change to second person here, which makes it sound preachier than it maybe should. If the singer includes himself in with the listener, as in "WE need the first to figure out what WE want to do...etc." Please notice I left out the word "just". I suggest you consider doing the same thing. It's almost ALWAYS a meaningless fill word. Like "THAT".You change person the same way in your key-change bridge. "The time WE have in life is fleetingand it's easy to forget just what YOU'VE got." They need to be the same person. I strongly suggest the "WE". And get rid of that friggin' "just". "It easy to forget what WE'VE got..."Which makes the last two lines of the bridge: "Before WE know it they'll be leavingWE should take some time in the uphill climb, to love the ones WE love a lot." And, when you re-sing that last line, enunciate the words VERY CLEARLY. They are the MEAT of the song, actually. Give the listener a clear melody and understandable lyric they can sing along to right there. I didn't understand the words until I READ them.I'd love to hear what this sucker turns out to be. It has serious potential. As a matter of fact, you get this right, and there are a lot of opportunities here on Broadjam that you could pitch it to.Keep the faith.Tirk Wilder

Quote From Pro: A cross between James Taylor, Stephen Bishop, Steely Dan and other favorites, Matt Taylor mixes it all together into his own unique approach, turning himself into a "MUST LISTEN".

Broadjam Artist: David Banks
Song: The Machines Are Coming (less is more mix)

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

Pro General Comments: Very inventive film oriented score piece. When the track started out, I thought as a listener that is going to remain plaintive and string and piano oriented and did not expect the heavy electronic aspect with choral arrangements to come into play. When it did, it was an interesting surprise and the cue a unique feel and tension and release arrangement. This would be a solid calling card of a cue to attempt to gain work in the film or TV scoring arena. It shows a good grasp of arrangements and also an ability to think out of the box, combining classical type string arrangements and contemporary sounding electronic beats. The choral arrangement was also a pleasant surprise that gave it a lighter feel over the more harsh electronic slightly dub step sounds. Overall, an inventive piece that shows a versatility in composing and overall arranging skills.

Quote From Pro: An inventive and contemporary score cue that has both classical and contemporary electronic elements, along with a lilting choral arrangement. All combined, it shows a versatility for arranging and original composition.