Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: IamLegendBeatz
Song: Choose w/ Chorus Drums

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

Pro General Comments: Please note I do not rate instrumentation as my expertise lies more in overall presentation, marketing, lyrics, etc.Great track. Your vocals work nicely to promote your song and the arrangements are very tasteful, not too much and not too little- so another words you have a great sense of proportion.It has that deep, poignant delivery overall appropriate for the occasion. Song has a really pleasant groove and the keys and synths work well to support your theme.You set up conflict "that you were never going to fall in love again"- which is good. Songs need conflict to keep interest. Maybe suggest something about them that let you know they were the one? The keeper?You are far ahead of a lot of people and lucky that you can not only write but record your own material- which is a very great advantage in today's market.

Quote From Pro: Track would fit nicely for a TV show about weddings and proposals.

Broadjam Artist: Tony DeSimone
Song: Stay Beautiful

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jonathan Stone (Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Really good all the way around. Reminds me a little of U2. I think this will have great opportunity for film and TV use as well. Its clear that the author/artist is experienced and professional. This is a perfect example of writing an idea that has practical application to many visuals which is great for sync opportunities. The lyric never really gets to specific and they bring forth a very positive message "Stay Beautiful" inside. Don't know if this was the author's intent but never the less it opens up a wide variety of potential uses by doing same. I often get songs pitched to me and the artist wants to get syncs, which all tracks have potential for such, but as soon as you go off into subject matter that is too specific like "my pet butterfly flew away" your song can only be pitched for projects about pet butterflies. You get the point. It could be that the artist here just wrote from his heart and out came the perfect "sync" song. I hope thats the case, so much the better. Or perhaps we have a wiley craftsman here who intended to write a song just for sync ops. Doesn't really matter. Regardless, he has one here and he would be well served to get this out to as many film and Tv libraries as he can that accept outside "songs" and see what happens.

Quote From Pro: Tony DeSimone nails it with "Stay Beautiful". Great track, message and performance! Check it out!

Broadjam Artist: Tony DeSimone
Song: Stay Beautiful

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jonathan Stone (Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Really good all the way around. Reminds me a little of U2. I think this will have great opportunity for film and TV use as well. Its clear that the author/artist is experienced and professional. This is a perfect example of writing an idea that has practical application to many visuals which is great for sync opportunities. The lyric never really gets to specific and they bring forth a very positive message "Stay Beautiful" inside. Don't know if this was the author's intent but never the less it opens up a wide variety of potential uses by doing same. I often get songs pitched to me and the artist wants to get syncs, which all tracks have potential for such, but as soon as you go off into subject matter that is too specific like "my pet butterfly flew away" your song can only be pitched for projects about pet butterflies. You get the point. It could be that the artist here just wrote from his heart and out came the perfect "sync" song. I hope thats the case, so much the better. Or perhaps we have a wiley craftsman here who intended to write a song just for sync ops. Doesn't really matter. Regardless, he has one here and he would be well served to get this out to as many film and Tv libraries as he can that accept outside "songs" and see what happens.

Quote From Pro: Tony DeSimone nails it with "Stay Beautiful". Great track, message and performance! Check it out!

Broadjam Artist: Andy Barlow
Song: Underneath the Mistletoe

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Andy -Thanks so much for bringing this song to my attention. I have really enjoyed listening to it. I definitely think you're on target here for sure. You don't hear too many "new" Christmas songs, so for that alone, I applaud what you're doing. The song's writing style, arrangement, melody, production, etc. are all very well done and sound excellent. I can tell you've put a lot of work into it.Overall, I feel that this song does have potential to be a Christmas classic as it does have a really great holiday feel to it and does conjure up thoughts of family, Christmastime, exchanging gifts, and celebrating the real meaning of Christmas - especially the chorus.I think that the lead vocals are really great as-is, but wouldn't be adverse to hearing a more contemporary voice as well just for comparison. I like Kevin's voice and vocal performance a lot though, so it would really have to be excellent to be "better" than his vocal work. A determining factor might just be if another artist is willing to record it. If it were an American artist for instance, that would give it a totally different feel (not necessarily better, just different - again, I really like the existing vocal).I'll address some of your questions below...

Quote From Pro: Andy Barlow's "Underneath the Mistletoe" is an excellent, upbeat and unique Christmas song that blends traditional holiday music of the past with a modern touch - and gives the listener a new Christmas classic for the holidays.

Broadjam Artist: Andy Barlow
Song: Underneath the Mistletoe

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Andy -Thanks so much for bringing this song to my attention. I have really enjoyed listening to it. I definitely think you're on target here for sure. You don't hear too many "new" Christmas songs, so for that alone, I applaud what you're doing. The song's writing style, arrangement, melody, production, etc. are all very well done and sound excellent. I can tell you've put a lot of work into it.Overall, I feel that this song does have potential to be a Christmas classic as it does have a really great holiday feel to it and does conjure up thoughts of family, Christmastime, exchanging gifts, and celebrating the real meaning of Christmas - especially the chorus.I think that the lead vocals are really great as-is, but wouldn't be adverse to hearing a more contemporary voice as well just for comparison. I like Kevin's voice and vocal performance a lot though, so it would really have to be excellent to be "better" than his vocal work. A determining factor might just be if another artist is willing to record it. If it were an American artist for instance, that would give it a totally different feel (not necessarily better, just different - again, I really like the existing vocal).I'll address some of your questions below...

Quote From Pro: Andy Barlow's "Underneath the Mistletoe" is an excellent, upbeat and unique Christmas song that blends traditional holiday music of the past with a modern touch - and gives the listener a new Christmas classic for the holidays.

Broadjam Artist: Bill Zeffiro
Song: Universal Truth

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

Pro General Comments: Please note: I do not comment on instrumentation since my expertise lies in marketing, lyric, melody, overall presentation, etc..Hi Bill- Good concept. It may be a hard sell to an artist though- universal truth- most artists want songs that portray them as virile, competent and a winner. It can be an uphill battle to sell a song where they call themselves a schmuck. This is the age of false beauty- where everyone edits their image until it's six pack, no wrinkles, etc etc. It would take an artist who has been on top for quite a while, with a great sense of humor to undertake such a song.It is perfect for theatre though where an audience can listen along and empathize. For some reason we love actors to look like schmucks because we can see ourselves in their shoes and feel less silly about our own foibles. However in music - its usually a more sexy thing- and the preening peacock artist rarely submits themselves to ridicule no matter how warranted. Sense of humor alas seems to be a rare quality in the music biz..You may want to decide on a sexier title- Universal truth can bring to mind some religious leader about to lecture us on the perils of sin (lol). You want a title that is going to bite and make us curious- so we just have to know more. "Just Another Schmuck in Love" for eg - gives us the tone of the song- we know its going to be funny.You have a great way with lyrics. Maybe you could research comedians that sing- a lot of comedy records are done and see who is working on an album. Adam Sandler? Steve Martin? Some who sing: Jimmy Fallon, Tom Lehrer, and Steve Martin.

Quote From Pro: Bill has a great flair for comedy.

Broadjam Artist: Bill Zeffiro
Song: Universal Truth

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

Pro General Comments: Please note: I do not comment on instrumentation since my expertise lies in marketing, lyric, melody, overall presentation, etc..Hi Bill- Good concept. It may be a hard sell to an artist though- universal truth- most artists want songs that portray them as virile, competent and a winner. It can be an uphill battle to sell a song where they call themselves a schmuck. This is the age of false beauty- where everyone edits their image until it's six pack, no wrinkles, etc etc. It would take an artist who has been on top for quite a while, with a great sense of humor to undertake such a song.It is perfect for theatre though where an audience can listen along and empathize. For some reason we love actors to look like schmucks because we can see ourselves in their shoes and feel less silly about our own foibles. However in music - its usually a more sexy thing- and the preening peacock artist rarely submits themselves to ridicule no matter how warranted. Sense of humor alas seems to be a rare quality in the music biz..You may want to decide on a sexier title- Universal truth can bring to mind some religious leader about to lecture us on the perils of sin (lol). You want a title that is going to bite and make us curious- so we just have to know more. "Just Another Schmuck in Love" for eg - gives us the tone of the song- we know its going to be funny.You have a great way with lyrics. Maybe you could research comedians that sing- a lot of comedy records are done and see who is working on an album. Adam Sandler? Steve Martin? Some who sing: Jimmy Fallon, Tom Lehrer, and Steve Martin.

Quote From Pro: Bill has a great flair for comedy.

Broadjam Artist: One More River Music
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.

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.

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.