"Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

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ncwriter
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"Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by ncwriter » Sun May 09, 2010 7:21 pm

Hey everybody,

I posted this one for review in peer to peer a month or so ago. I really thought I had a chance with this one being forwarded. I as everyone else, put alot of effort in this recording this song. I kind of feel like the screener really wanted to forward this one, but was unable to due to lack of "tepid" in the melody. I also don't understand why he/she stated that the song was not good enough to be a radio hit as the listing requested. The listing in my opinion really dosen't ask for a radio hit. It just says that it should be appropriate for Christian radio. The name of the song is "Forever Grateful". Well anyway, somebody please tell me if you get the same feeling from the RETURN form that I get. The song is It's listed below. And please check out the song. Thanks. Tim

http://www.taxi.com/timsettle
Title: Forever Grateful

ok. I can't figure out how to post the review so I'll just write out what the screener said.
the song got a 7 for melody and 8's the rest of the way down.

screener wrote:
Compelling lyrics, Tim. Pretty chord structure though the melodies could be more compelling with a greater build as the song develops. This is a solid CD cut though the melody and build would have to push a bit harder for radio single distinction as per listing request.

MAIN REASON NOT FORWARDED:Solid lyrics with great imagery such as “…T o count all Your heavenly blessings, Is a night of counting stars.” Lovely. However melody line fails to fully distinguish as a standout track versus CD cut.
Last edited by ncwriter on Sun May 09, 2010 8:05 pm, edited 3 times in total.

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Re: "Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by 2lane » Sun May 09, 2010 7:53 pm

Sorry Tim.......bummer!!! Well, I can't give you objective feedback coz I'm such a fan of yours. I remember this song when you
posted it up......it's just beautiful man. In fairness to the screener, maybe they thought is wasn't a perfect fit? BTW...you can't link to your critiques the way you did, unless you want to give out your password.......so don't do that!!! You have to
put the critique in a PDF file or something along those lines.
All I know is, if this song didn't cut it....wonder what did? I'll have to look in the forwards section to see if there are any forwards. But Taxi has lots of members that don't use the forum, so we'll never know about those.
Dude, just keep doing what you're doing, you are a fantastic writer and vocalist Tim. I am confused about the tepid comment,
it is....but most Christian music is isn't it?
All the best Tim
Steve
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Re: "Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by bigbluebarry » Sun May 09, 2010 9:04 pm

Hey Tim,

Without seeing the actual listing it's hard to comment specifically but I'll try anyways :-)

Regarding the screener's comment on the melody... I listened to the song a couple of times. I think what the screener was getting at, to borrow a phrase from our theology, is that it felt a tad "lukewarm." It was neither hot nor cold. It was kind of in the middle. Here's a link to a song that I imagine (no pun intended) you've heard before:

Mercy Me - "I Can Only Imagine"

If you listen to that song, you can hear how as the song progresses, the melody grows with it, and then Bart just kicks it into another gear at the end.

Regarding the radio single comment. If the listing that said that the song should be appropriate for Christian radio, then IMO, their asking for radio singles. Having gone to the last two rally's, as well as a couple TAXI seminars in Nashville, I've heard it mentioned numerous times that labels and publishers aren't looking for album cuts anymore. They want singles. They want radio hits. They've already got plenty of album cuts.

As I listened to your song, that Mercy Me song came to mind. I think it'd be a great reference track for you to work with. If you're wanting to be successful in this business as a songwriter, those are the songs you're up against.

Overall, I think you've got a nice song here. I would try and take away some of the positives that the screener mentioned, such as that they felt it was a solid album cut and you had solid lyrics. That's a good foundation to build on. I think everyone who's been with TAXI for any amount of time has gotten a return or two that they didn't agree with. I know I've had my share. What you do with those critiques is up to you.

hth,
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Re: "Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by 2lane » Sun May 09, 2010 10:30 pm

bigbluebarry wrote:Hey Tim,

Without seeing the actual listing it's hard to comment specifically but I'll try anyways :-)

Regarding the screener's comment on the melody... I listened to the song a couple of times. I think what the screener was getting at, to borrow a phrase from our theology, is that it felt a tad "lukewarm." It was neither hot nor cold. It was kind of in the middle. Here's a link to a song that I imagine (no pun intended) you've heard before:

Mercy Me - "I Can Only Imagine"

If you listen to that song, you can hear how as the song progresses, the melody grows with it, and then Bart just kicks it into another gear at the end.

Regarding the radio single comment. If the listing that said that the song should be appropriate for Christian radio, then IMO, their asking for radio singles. Having gone to the last two rally's, as well as a couple TAXI seminars in Nashville, I've heard it mentioned numerous times that labels and publishers aren't looking for album cuts anymore. They want singles. They want radio hits. They've already got plenty of album cuts.

As I listened to your song, that Mercy Me song came to mind. I think it'd be a great reference track for you to work with. If you're wanting to be successful in this business as a songwriter, those are the songs you're up against.

Overall, I think you've got a nice song here. I would try and take away some of the positives that the screener mentioned, such as that they felt it was a solid album cut and you had solid lyrics. That's a good foundation to build on. I think everyone who's been with TAXI for any amount of time has gotten a return or two that they didn't agree with. I know I've had my share. What you do with those critiques is up to you.

hth,
- Big Blue
Hey Barry, that's a good example. I always think of them and Michael W Smith. It's just that MercyMe's song is 10 years old almost now. It's a fine example for what you're trying to get across tho. I also know you've had some success in this genre to, so you're more than likely totally right.
Tim, after reading your edited post after my first one, if you're at CD cut solidly, you're real close! One lemonade from lemons scenario to think about?
I "STILL" think it's a great song
My Best
Worse, how can it be worse...Jehova Jehova Jehova

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Re: "Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by ncwriter » Mon May 10, 2010 12:24 am

Well thanks guys for the input. I've still got alot to learn when it comes to pitching and writing. I also was not aware that they are only looking for hits. For some reason I got the idea that a CD cut would be enough. I guess the song does lack some in the melody. Although with the bridge and the ending chorus I really did try to switch into high gear there. :lol: But yes I am definitely pulling the good comments and using them as a foundation to build on for future reference. Maybe next time!

Thanks again

tim

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Re: "Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by cardell » Mon May 10, 2010 1:07 am

You're on the right path Tim and it's exciting to watch!
I'm a fan of yours too. :)

Stuart
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Re: "Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by rnrmachine » Mon May 10, 2010 4:14 am

Hey Tim,

NOW.. I want you to realize I am not saying these things lightly. I am holding your song to the highest standard I can in my head. There is no higher standard with me then what I am holding your song too when I say what I am about to say... If I relaxed my standard a bit.. your song would pass with realtive ease.

I ignored everything written... I just went right to your song so I could judge it all on my own. You are SOO close but a few things need to be addressed imho. You sound really good, music and vocals. I can see why a number of people wouldn't understand.. why wouldn't they take this guy? Well, the one thing I see missing is... no producer. If you were and artist in a studio with the things that stars get to have... this song would easily make the grade.. musically & vocally speaking. Lyrics are hard to judge without having them on front of me but one time I heard a spot where the lyric went a tiny bit rough with the music. I think it was more the way you sang it, but it could work as well. Seemed more like work to get the part accross then a fluid motion. There is one spot on the vocals where it's a bit obvious you don't train everyday. Around 3:23, it's good, but not top notch, if you follow me. If I was your producer/engineer I would have had you resing it... until I fel it was perfect. But I would also have built the song a bit better so you would be singing a more emotional part there.. as a producer.

I am not claiming that I am better musically speaking... I know my music has issues, it's hard when it's your own music to see them. I am speaking as a pure listener here. You definately could be a popular artist imo. Put with the right people, very popular.

So NOW after I read what the screener said I totally agree and I feel like I should have won a prize, hehe. The song never built up to that climax (production type thing) that I would figure they were looking for... going by the screener's words to you. Try adding a couple building chords.. not Sus because they usually drop down.. so maybe aug or Dim chord to create that "omg get there emotion".. then take us there, the listeners. Maybe work into a key change for the last chorus to even build further but keep it within your vocal range as well.

I definately felt like this song was a album cut and not a standalone single but it easily could be worked into a stand alone,... single,

Rob
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Re: "Forever Grateful", Returned of course!

Post by ncwriter » Sat May 15, 2010 1:39 pm

I appreciate everybody taking time to listen to my song. Your comments are very helpful, and I honestly try to use them to make my music better. They are also an encouragment to me. We all need encouragment to keep going and never give up. Thanks again.

Tim

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