Amazing Lyrics.

[twilsbach]

One of my goals for '08 is to get forwarded for a high-bar listing and to that end I'm working on a few songs for the following listing.MODERN POP/HOT AC SONGS in the general range of Rob Thomas, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, etc. are sought by the Sr. VP of Creative at a large Independent Publisher. He's seeking great hit songs to pitch to today's biggest Pop/Hot AC stars like those mentioned above. Amazing lyrics, hooks, and choruses are all essential. Please submit one to three songs per CD/online, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Feb. 15, 2008. TAXI # S080215MPI'm having some issues rectifying what I think are amazing lyrics, versus what that actually means in terms of this listing. I've listened to the most recently popular one or two tracks from all of the ala's listed, and I just don't hear any amazing lyrics there. They all follow a basic theme, Heartbreak. As either a potential pitfall, so beware, or as an event that has happened in the past that they are currently, or have already gotten over, with various degrees of forgiveness to the person that left them/they left.There is little to no imagery in any of the lyrics, and certainly no deeper meaning to be gained, so I'm just kinda scratching my head a bit trying to fall in line with the lyrical themes that are ever-present in this style, while at the same time coming up with something that is lyrically amazing.I don't really have a question for anyone. Just kind of a vent/observation. A lot of times just posting here will uncover a new perspective, but if anyone has any tips/tricks on how they write lyrics for this style of muzak would certainly be welcome.

[paults]

You've already figured it out. They're not like typical "heartbreak" songs, because they offer some hope or forgiveness, instead of being filled with negativity. (This is coming from someone who used to write those typical songs)And, they do it in a direct, simple way. Syncopation (especially in the verses), big lifts, a dramatic chorus, the soaring bridge that dumps back into the chorus repeats. Yeah, I've been looking at what makes them work , too

[twilsbach]

So you tend to stick with the optimistic heartbreak theme lyrically, or are you looking to push the envelope when it comes to subject matter?

[telaak]

Quote:One of my goals for '08 is to get forwarded for a high-bar listing and to that end I'm working on a few songs for the following listing.MODERN POP/HOT AC SONGS in the general range of Rob Thomas, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, etc. are sought by the Sr. VP of Creative at a large Independent Publisher. He's seeking great hit songs to pitch to today's biggest Pop/Hot AC stars like those mentioned above. Amazing lyrics, hooks, and choruses are all essential. Please submit one to three songs per CD/online, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Feb. 15, 2008. TAXI # S080215MPI'm having some issues rectifying what I think are amazing lyrics, versus what that actually means in terms of this listing. I've listened to the most recently popular one or two tracks from all of the ala's listed, and I just don't hear any amazing lyrics there. They all follow a basic theme, Heartbreak. As either a potential pitfall, so beware, or as an event that has happened in the past that they are currently, or have already gotten over, with various degrees of forgiveness to the person that left them/they left.There is little to no imagery in any of the lyrics, and certainly no deeper meaning to be gained, so I'm just kinda scratching my head a bit trying to fall in line with the lyrical themes that are ever-present in this style, while at the same time coming up with something that is lyrically amazing.I don't really have a question for anyone. Just kind of a vent/observation. A lot of times just posting here will uncover a new perspective, but if anyone has any tips/tricks on how they write lyrics for this style of muzak would certainly be welcome.I was puzzled by this listing as well..and i'm pretty sure I submitted to this and was rejected in mid January..I listen to "some" radio these days just to hear whats hip..haven't heard amazing lyrics {or what I consider amazing} in quite some time..especially from the artists mentioned ?in other words..i'm no help

[Casey H]

I think there is a pitfall that we all can end up in as new songwriters. We have to remember the double-standard. It is VERY real. So, saying, "but I hear so-and-so on the radio and it's crap" or anything similar has no value. Our songs won't get past the first gatekeeper (screener, publisher, etc) unless they are many times more impressive than those songs.It's just the way it is... Casey

[paults]

Quote:So you tend to stick with the optimistic heartbreak theme lyrically, or are you looking to push the envelope when it comes to subject matter?I've been trying to push the envelope. Story songs, Love songs, the kind of songs that would cast the singer in a very positive light. I'm working on an idea for a pop-rock anthem at the moment, trying to keep it universal.

[matto]

You don't think "Unwritten" is an amazing lyric?? If you have written anything as good as that, you'd better post it pronto, cause I wanna hear it, and so does the rest of the world! "Breakaway" is no slouch either...

[twilsbach]

Matto, I do think Unwritten is a really good lyric. I was referencing her more recent tracks (like Put Your Arms Around Me and Love Like This), assuming that the listing was looking for the most recent trends. I don't think I claimed that I was some universally amazing lyricist either. Just looking for some outside perspectives on what 'amazing' means. To you 'Unwritten' is amazing and 'Breakaway' is a close second. Thanks for the insight, that helps.I understand that this is a high bar listing, and that we need to break through a ridiculous amount of competition for even a small chance at getting a cut. Not trying to change the system. Just trying to understand it a little better.Quote:You don't think "Unwritten" is an amazing lyric?? If you have written anything as good as that, you'd better post it pronto, cause I wanna hear it, and so does the rest of the world! "Breakaway" is no slouch either...

[Casey H]

The funny thing is as much as I think the lyrics to "Unwritten" are great, I have to wonder how they would be received by publishers, A&R, etc when from new songwriters. When you read the lyrics, as many A&R folks do, you see a lack of conventional structure (no short hook/chorus like "Since You've Been Gone" for example) and only one line in the song (after a lot of other lines) that really tells you what the overall message is: "Live your life with arms wide open"... That's not a criticism of the lyric writing, just an observation. Some publishers read lyrics before even listening and don't even listen if they don't like the lyrics. So, the question is how would these lyrics do on just a read? These folks are impatient and tend to scan quickly for those few words that make up the chorus/hook. "Unwritten" is a great song because of the lyrics and the musical hook. Both are great.Don't get me wrong, I'd love to write something as good as this!Now, the person running this listing does say he wants amazing lyrics so maybe he will read more carefully. And many folks do listen before or while reading. I have no doubt that an A&R person LISTENING to "Unwritten" for the first time would be hooked.Lyrics at:http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/natashab ... n.htmlJust a few cents of my thoughts... Comments welcome, appreciated, and unavoidable... Casey

[paults]

Quote:You don't think "Unwritten" is an amazing lyric?? If you have written anything as good as that, you'd better post it pronto, cause I wanna hear it, and so does the rest of the world! "Breakaway" is no slouch either...I agree, especially about "Unwritten". Its interesting how both those songs use those "feel the rain" "feel the wind" kind of references, isn't it? I love metaphor songs As far as double standards go, that's the reality of the business. This is starting to read like a Contemporary Country thead