Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: Christian Taylor Michaels
Song: Prison

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.Got that nice 80's Pat Benetar, Patty Smyth type vibe. Good choice of vocalist and the guitar licks are tasty. Structurally really sound, you know your way around a song. Arrangements rise and fall like they should, building and releasing.Good opening gives us conflict, drama to draw us in from the get go.Maybe use of some stacked harmonies to add some depth and dimension would be nice. Not necessary but might be nice. I also could hear some cool bluesy guitar licks to give a more current edge. You may have some back in the mix? Let you "in, in" or "eye, eye" sounds a little contrived and makes it sound a little more like a demo- in terms of being made aware of vocalist instead of just listening to song. Same goes with the rhyme screaming at the "air" sounds like an over easy use of rhyme which in the 80's was more acceptable but stands out more today in use of "close/less than perfect" rhymes.Good use of structure, your songs has a good flow to it and you know how to make your hook give us the pay off. Breakdown/vocal part gives the song a bit of space which is smart arranging. You understand the basics which is the main thing in songwriting and can be transferred to other styles/genres. Not everyone has a strong song structural sense, so good work.

Quote From Pro: Solid songwriting chops, knows how to structure a song and deliver the pay off hooks.

Broadjam Artist: Sublimaze69
Song: Liar, Liar, (Pants On Fire)

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 Scott:It's always good to take a well worn phrase and use it in a song. This is a good tool for a hook to draw your audience in initially.When building your hook, your main payoff in a song, try to find an accompanying phrase that gives more dimension to your idea and has a strong rhyme. "Liar, liar, pants on fire", - you have a lot of words that could rhyme to play with- higher, desire, etc.. Your hook really needs to have that strong PAYOFF. Also it breaks up the repitition. It gives the song more zest than just repeating the same line.You also really want to have that hook payoff melodically. So build from your verse to the hook so it's something so catchy that a person who hears it once can "whistle it back to you". The old "whistle test" which writers from Tin Pan Alley would use to see if they had a good song. If they played it 2 to 3 times to a someone and that person could whistle it back- they knew they had something catchy. You want to incorporate this every time into your songs. The style you are going seems to work with the subject matter. It's dark and mysterious. Grungy guitars and layered vocals. Really like your reverbed vocals. Your lead vocal feels a bit buried in this particular mix. Try to find a fresh way of making the song stand out. Why not for eg- have some fun and have a female vocalist sing one of the verses- maybe she's reacting to the lead vocalist. Mix things up a bit to make things as interesting as much as possible. Maybe add some dark strings to bring up the arrangement a notch?In the marketplace it's the most inventive that gets heard out there, unless you're an already established artist like "Adelle" who just has to write a simple song Hello- and everyone falls apart. It's the melody in that song that makes it undeniable.Study some hits that are in your vein to see what tricks they use. The Foo Fighters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBjQ9tuuTJQ) for eg may be an interesting one- it really came in with a bang on to the airwaves. It also talks about lying in an interesting way- "Pretender". You might want to try and be a little more specific in your lyrics. Mysterious is good but vague only gets confusing. Also try and keep your lines "everyday speech" something someone would actually say. This lends credibility and allows people to understand what you are really trying to say. If they don't they will lose interest."And pain you "lace" inside- is not a phrase someone would say- lace doesn't really make sense. Try to make your words flow smoothly so they don't attract attention because they don't make sense. "So many stories told?Information thats better, to with hold" This feels a bit like a "forced rhyme", something you tried too hard to make to fit. "You just don't see me seein' through what you see". This phrase also feels a bit awkward. A person wouldn't say this in real life. Keep it conversational and it will work better.Give us a beginning middle and end in a song. Who is this person to the singer, a lover, a friend? We want to know how the singer feels about this person- draw us into your story if you want us to care. For eg, an "end" to the story might be the singer walking away or the singer saying I'll be there for you when you decide to change. Have some kind of resolution and the song will feel more complete.

Quote From Pro: Good, aggressive rock vibe.

Broadjam Artist: RekLes Studios
Song: Buried Alive

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

Pro General Comments: I think this is a good song. I like the fact that it's not the cookie cutter attempt at a club anthem. I like your story telling ability. I like the way you paint pictures with your words. You bring the listener into your world. I also like the lyrics, concept, and hook. It's evident that you're talented and a good rapper. After hearing this, I'd probably like to hear more from you. The only thing that I would suggest is maybe adding a short intro. The song jumped right into the chorus. The chorus is catchy and memorable, so I would add a short instrumental intro then jump into the chorus. It's always refreshing to hear artists rap about real situations and bring the listener into their world. Stay in that lane. Artists like J. Cole, Drake and Kendrick Lamar are winning big in that lane. Even older like Nas has been able to sustain a long career because of their story telling ability. This song doesn't scream a strong first single, but it would be a good song on a project. It's not a traditional club or soulful record. It's a great fuse of rap and rock because of the instrumentation used. I'd like to hear a strong first single from you. Keep up the good work.

Quote From Pro: It's always refreshing to hear an artist that has the ability to write records with substance. After hearing "Buried Alive", I was drawn to his music and I was interested in hearing more from him.

Broadjam Artist: Sublimaze69
Song: There's Too Many People...

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

Pro General Comments: HI Scott:Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.You have an interesting way of creating the vocal effects. It's really fun in its attitude and vibe.Before I read your lyrics, this is the vibe I got from your song which is completely different once I read your lyric:What would really bring up the song is increasing your melodic contrast and builds. Right now it works if you cut the song short. I can see you working with this for the background in a film in a comedic type scene. Do you know any student filmmakers you can work with and provide some bg music?For eg., I could see a comedic type character walking through a marketplace in India, maybe someone spiked his drink and he is seeing double vision while trying to find his way back to his hotel in a foreign place. This type of song in the background could suit a bewildered comic character who the audience thinks is funny. Many times filmmakers use contrasting music to play against a scene.As mentioned earlier the melody would have to go somewhere new if you were going to use it for something else to break up the repetition. It's also good to vary up the dynamics in such a case. You want to build to the hook not give it away right away.After reading about the lyrics, it obviously doesn't seem like a comedic song due to the subject matter, man's heartlessness. So I would either change the lyric a bit to suit the vibe of the song or change the music up a bit to suit the style of the music.Just an idea, not sure if you're interested or your bg. But you might have fun doing music for sketches. There are so many people making shorts nowadays and they all need music. You might want to try your hand at this and see where it takes you. It's always great fun to see your music on film and meeting new collaborators could help your create process.You are following a good rhyme scheme. When talking about heavy subject matter It's probably a good idea to have three verses at the most and try to evolve the subject matter when moving from one to the following. Then possibly break it up with a bridge that takes the song somewhere new.Have fun and good luck.

Quote From Pro: Song shows a potential for possible media collaborations with filmmakers.

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.