Can Anyone Recommend a Good (Current) Pop Songwriting Book?

[Razor7Music]

Hello Folks--

I just finished Ralph Murphy's "Murphy's Law of Songwriting/The Book" and really enjoyed it. Does anyone know of a current book similar in topic or say, focused on the "craft" they can recommend? I've been searching online at Amazon and everything that looks relevant is old (like up to 12 years).

It would be cool if I could snatch a Cyber Monday deal, but not a deal breaker.

[Casey H]

There's Robin Frederick's books:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/098200 ... 0982004001

and

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/098200 ... 0982004028

Casey

[Razor7Music]

There's Robin Frederick's books:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/098200 ... 0982004001

and

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/098200 ... 0982004028

Casey

I saw those get held up when she spoke and the Rally but I couldn't remember the names. You are a a great resource, buddy.

[Silje]

Robins book is really one of the best on the market. I also enjoyed Jason Blume´s book

http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Songwriting ... ason+blume

-Silje

[Razor7Music]

Robins book is really one of the best on the market. I also enjoyed Jason Blume´s book

http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Songwriting ... ason+blume

-Silje

Excellent--thank you. Robin's book is still wrapped up under the tree, but when I'm done, I'll want another I'm sure.

[6bq9]

Pat Pattison has some excellent books on lyric writing. http://www.amazon.com/Pat-Pattison/e/B0 ... _pel_pop_1

[Razor7Music]

Pat Pattison has some excellent books on lyric writing. http://www.amazon.com/Pat-Pattison/e/B0 ... _pel_pop_1

Great. I'll look into it.

[neilmct]

All the above recommendations are great. I would add John Braheny's book as well. This is the first songwriting book I read and it really was great. As far as current - that's always changing. These books all have timeless advice. For what's current, subscribe to Robin Frederick's email newsletter. She analyzes current tunes and in doing so shows you how to analyze them. Really great.

Neil McTavish

[Razor7Music]

All the above recommendations are great. I would add John Braheny's book as well. This is the first songwriting book I read and it really was great. As far as current - that's always changing. These books all have timeless advice. For what's current, subscribe to Robin Frederick's email newsletter. She analyzes current tunes and in doing so shows you how to analyze them. Really great.

Neil McTavish

Hey, thanks Neil. I'll sign up for her newsletter.

[Razor7Music]

(I'm going to start by saying I love Robin's book and am growing immensely from it. I'm just getting a little left brain here)

So, I've been reading Robin's book , am nearing the end and during the whole thing I'm thinking two things. One, I'll leave for later. The other, "If someone could follow these tips and have a hit song, why doesn't everyone do it?"

The answer came to me within the second part of the book on melodies and correct me if I'm wrong (seriously, correct me if I'm wrong) the reason everyone can't just follow all of her tips and write great song's is because of the melody. Basically, there is no scientific formula where if you plug in some of these notes and mix them with some of these rhythm patterns and sprinkle them with lyrics that follow those tips, then you are guaranteed to have a hit.

(No particular order): A melody that 1) fits the overall message and mood of the song 2) grabs the listener's attention and holds it and 3) sticks in the listener's brain but not in an obnoxious way is the formula to hit quality melodies. But that's hard! Hard to quantify for the left brain and hard to come up with when you want, as often as you want and endure as long as you want from the right brain.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I haven't finished the book--you might say I'm savoring it. There might be more to it. I can't help but notice there is more to hits too--like the artist. If this wasn't true, Barbara Streisand would still be at the top of the Pop charts singing "Last Friday Night" Right?

My other thingy is that I would love to hear something Robin created or helped create but there is a Robin Frederick that keeps coming up when I search and I can't find anything Robin Fredrick has done. Anyone?