Great recordings vs. great songs

[Casey H]

HeyWe've touched on this subject before. There is a big difference between great songwriting and a great record.For example, I love the Rolling Stones "Let it Bleed" album. One of my favorite tracks is "Gimme Shelter". Let's see... there is only one chord in the verses and the same 4 over and over for the chorus/repeat... Not a whole lot of melody. Ah, but add the production. the raw energy, and the amazing backing vocal by Merry Clayton and <<poof>> great track! In fact, many successful Stones songs fall into that category.So, I opened up this thread for folks to discuss and list other examples...Hmmmm... Maybe I should open up a new thread, WHY WAS LET IT BLEED SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS???? LOL LOL LOL Casey

[edteja]

Funny, but most of the great tracks I can think of wouldn't qualify as great songwriting. I mean "Ride Captain Ride?? And I doubt any screener would pass Whiter Shade of Pale, yet that has such an affect on almost everyone.

[booker]

We were riding in the van the other day when "She drives me crazy" by Fine Young Cannibles came on... talk about repetitive... yet, I looked back at my kids, who have never heard it before... and they were really getting into it. Just goes to show ya, you can't judge a Sgt Pepper by it's color.

[ernstinen]

Quote:We were riding in the van the other day when "She drives me crazy" by Fine Young Cannibles came on... talk about repetitive... yet, I looked back at my kids, who have never heard it before... and they were really getting into it. Just goes to show ya, you can't judge a Sgt Pepper by it's color.I heard that the other day myself --- great record. Great song? Dunno.I love Steely Dan just to LISTEN to. Fantastic recordings! But the lyrics are so obscure/absurd; are they great songs? Maybe so, maybe not (Phish). Ern

[mani]

This is an interesting thread. I think it's true to say that not all great records are great songs. But I remember someone saying that not all great songs make for great records. I think this is equally true.

[davewalton]

"Night Shift" (Commodores) is one of those songs that I secretly liked but would NEVER admit it to anyone at the time, especially my fellow musicians. I don't know how it stacks up as a song, but the recording is outstanding in my opinion. Crystal clear with a spectrum that's as wide as the sky.

[ernstinen]

Alright, how about "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" by BTO. Great recording, great guitar, possibly the best rock bass sound I've ever heard on a single, great weird vocal, fantastic hook --- but great song!? I think a great song is how it stands the test of time, how many artists cover it etc. Personally, I just like great records, being a recording engineer. The Beatles had a lot of great records that made no sense lyrically.Ern

[Casey H]

I think I should have titled this "Great TRACKS vs. great songs". I wasn't really thinking about the engineering and recording quality, I was thinking more about productiion, performance, and arrangement... However, the engineering side I guess is fair game.Some great examples here. There are lots of songs that are weak in melody, chord structure, lyrics, etc... but the tracks came out fantastic. Casey

[drew]

Yes never had a lyric worth quoting (without thinking about it much)

[booker]

What about "Owner of a lonely.... something..." you're right.