Strengthen The Topline

[rtundo]

Thanks Casey.

I don't feel beat up. Having fun doing this!

Your critique helps. Just trying to discern what is good about the song in general vs for this listing. Both to improve this song in general AND train my ear to match playlists better. Especially since the reviewer said this:

"What I like most about this song:
You did a great job establishing the tone and vibe musically. The track is engaging and has an acoustic vibe that's in range of the references."

What confuses me is the reviewer did NOT check "Chorus Doesn't Stand Out" yet the only check they made was "Melody could be stronger".

That's why I get the impression the reviewer simply didn't like the melody (topline). (Which is ok just trying to "read" what the reviewer meant.)

And with the reference songs I hear GREAT songs (don't get me wrong) but I don't hear "stand out choruses".

In my song there is a chorus but it is a subtle transition which I thought matched the playlist songs. Also trying to decide if the chorus needs a better melody/hook in general not just for this listing.
Again thanks for the input!

[Casey H]

Good morning. I shouldn't have said no chorus, just not one that stands out. What you want is for the listener to not have the slightest doubt where or what the chorus is. It's the old, "if you have to explain it, it's not working". When you write a chorus, some of the techniques that work are going to higher notes, changing up the note lengths, phrasing, etc. If the chorus stays in the same melodic area as the verse, it can be a problem. Listen to some hit songs and how they do it.

What I'm hearing is a pre-chorus from 00:46-00:58. Then from 00:59-1:09 what you have as your chorus. The first line of the chorus sounds at first like it is a one line hook (more like a refrain), getting ready to go back to verse. When it continues trying to be chorus, it gets more confusing. It actually might work better that way, going back to verse after 1:01. Not for this listing but possibly a better song for something else. I would also make the title and hook line the same, changing the lyrics to have that hook line be something with "rainbows always glow".

There's good potential there.

Best,
Casey

PS Have you been to a road rally? There are some good classes and panels that are helpful.

[rtundo]

VERY helpful!

Thanks Casey