Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: Thierry Coupey
Song: One Of a Kind

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Thierry,Nice sounding song overall. Obviously it sounds like it has a special meaning to you and was written with someone specific in mind. I liked the arrangement and sectional contrast. While I don't hear it having a ton of potential in a contemporary rock market, it could make some headway in the spiritual or Christian rock area. Really solid guitar playing throughout which helps the song move along and helps the overall positivity of the message. While I'm hearing the heartfelt lyrics in the song, perhaps it hits the emotion a little too on the head. In other words, sometimes its better to leave the listener with something to ponder in terms of interpreting the lyrics, instead of going forward with a simple and overly familiar phrase like One Of A Kind.

Quote From Pro: A very positive and uplifting message in this song, along with a solid vocal and instrumental arrangement.

Broadjam Artist: Eva King
Song: Instrument Of Pleasure

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Shawn McKenzie (Producer, Artist)

Pro General Comments: Thanks Eva, for submitting this song. I apologize for the lateness of this review.You have a great song on your hands. It has a dramatic essence. Dramatic, inspiring, sensual song that makes you want to listen on repeat! Truly enjoyable.If I had to nitpick I would say lose the rapper its not necessary and does not help the song. The song has so much presence and body on its own. It does not help the vibe of the song.What you wrote is a great piece of work and it stands alone without the rapper, in face the rapper takes away from the vibe. You had me at the beginning and you lost me at the rapper. The song is a little lengthy, i would bring it down to maximum 4:20 and that's pushing it.I could see plenty of movie opportunities for this song. Or a dramatic opening for a commercial launching a new product. Reminds of when Apple launch their first product, has a total drama vibe. There was no choice from drama when making the selection of vibe of song. My choice would be dramatic/passion. I had to choose Loveable/Engaging as my closest choice.

Quote From Pro: Dramatic, inspiring, sensual song that makes you want to listen on repeat! Truly enjoyable.

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: 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: 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: Mary Segato
Song: Wishing

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

Pro General Comments: What a wonderful song. The lyric is poignant and moving and really tugs at ones heart strings. With the right artist, I could hear this translating into a big hit. The melody is memorable, singable and pleasing to my ears. The signature theme in the intro makes me want to hear the song...it really welcomes the listener and invites him/her into the story. The vocalist really brings it..the emotion in her voice is honest and elegant. Just the right amount of variance in the vocals in the verses and the chorus. The lyric flows easily and allows the story to unfold in an honest manner. Instrumentally, the track builds in a wonderful manner...just enough tension and when the new instruments appear it builds the listener's interest. Sonically the textures are lush without being sappy. The track really works well. I keep going back to the vocalist...WOW! It's like she's sitting here and relating this story to me...one on one. To me, that really makes this song and demo special...the intimacy. Lyrically the story is told on a way that allows the listener to feel like they are connected and not just a bystander, but an invited guest. I feel like I'm gushing, but this song works for me on all levels. Great lyric, great melody, great track, great vocal, great delivery!

Quote From Pro: "Wishing" is an incredibly special song. From the instrumental signature opening to the last note, it invites the listener to be an integral part of the story as it unfolds. I'll be humming this all day!

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.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: If I Had The Time Kmix7

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

Pro General Comments: Greetings Matt,This is another fine example of your natural talent in the areas of storytelling, melody, and production blending together to produce a memorable, maybe even signature sound.You seem to be able to sing and interpret your own words authentically,which allows you the freedom to always be real instead of trying to be stylized. In this song you have paid a lovely musical tribute to your Dad and his belief in bucket lists and reincarnation.He'd be proud.Overall this track has many stunning things going for it, but I offer a few suggestions for you to consider. First, change the title to "If I Have The Time" to keep it in the present tense always looking forward to more. Second, the key change going into the bridge is too abrupt and takes me out of the flow every time, even though it resolves and recovers nicely in the second line. Try keeping your original vocal melody line there, but find some chords that ease into it with more light and less weight.Third, the vocal repeat in the ending can be shortened by going directly to the line with the harmony. The instrumental double-stop fiddle hook and piano can carry it from there.Fourth, did you ever try singing the title with the accent on "IF i have the time".It tends to soften the repetitive elongated "if IIII have the time" Does it change the song's meaning for you that way or make no difference.This tune seems to have evolved since the original guitar/vox version which is endearing in its own way,but this version represents the best of what I've heard so far. Onward!

Quote From Pro: This is another fine example of your natural talent in the areas of storytelling, melody, and production blending together to produce a memorable, maybe even signature sound.

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: Sergio Simone
Song: Partners In Crime

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

Pro General Comments: Please note: I don't comment on individual instrumentation- since my specialty is more in the marketing, overall vibe, presentation, lyric, etc..Great title, great vibe. You did it on this song. The vibe doesn't stop- what a feel good song. Arrangements and singer really bring this to life- good selections.Opening has that Joe Cocker vibe- "You can leave your hat on".... With a little mix of Stevie Wonder on the side. Nice influences.Solo is tasteful, works to give the ear a nice break just like it should.I like Partners in Crime for the title however for marketing "Summer of 73" may be a bit better. The song has a retro vibe and Summer of 73 is in the hook therefore more memorable for a music supervisor sifting through music.The hook works like it should- it makes you want to hear it again. There could possibly be a bit more melodic contrast between verse and hook but it works just the same. You don't want too too much going on since the lyric needs a simpler bed to tell its story. Maybe another instrumental bed of some kind in the chorus to give it an extra flavor and signal it has arrived?You're giving me a very hard task to critique this song because its very very good. Your lyrics paint a picture just like they should. We can see these guys and maybe even want to join them on their escapades. You give life to a place in time in a very dynamic way. Lyrics full of action and colorful descriptions. "We love to talk about the good old days Acapulco Gold and Purple Haze"- your description takes us right there.You're smart and work with people who bring out your lyrics. That's the secret of success- just ask Madonna. You may want to pitch this for retro films and tv when you get a good mix on it. It is very specific- but it seems the songs I think are the hardest to place are sometimes the easiest because they're so specific. Niche things can work in your favor.

Quote From Pro: Sergio paints a very colorful picture of the good ole days, bringing you right into his world. Great work.