Our Hit Song

[stansongman]

Songs that are hits happen because someone in the decision process heard it as a smash, and supported it. And generally, I'd say that the hits are truly hits. Doesn't mean we all love them, we all have unique taste. But, when I analyze the songs, the hit qualities are usually there. I think the best approach is to write every song like a hit. The best melody, idea, and lyrical execution. I try to best everything I'm hearing out there. Then, I put it out there, and move on to the next song. Once you've done your job, the rest of it is not really in your control.

[ggalen]

Stan,What you say resonates with me.I suspect, though, that the factors that make a song a hit are more varied and uncontrollable than most would like to believe.I think people in the business are regularly surprised by what flops, and well as what gets big real fast. And it has always been that way, don't you think?Great books on songwriting help you avoid the obvious weaknesses. But the temptation is to believe that if you can do everything the great books say, you are almost guaranteed a hit.

[stansongman]

I agree. What people hear as a smash is always a surprise. I think there's that X-factor thing a hit song has that we can't put our fingers on, but everyone knows it when they hear it. That's why pro writers write so many songs. Most of them are probably pretty great, but it's the ones that come from out of nowhere from time to time that they are looking for. I know it's happened to me. I also think there are many external factors - what's going on in the world at that moment, who the artist is on the song, etc. I have been told that my best shot (and my only shot) is to write from my heart, from my unique perspective, continue to make my songs the best they can be, and put them out there. If what I bring to the party is what people want at some point in time (I could be early or late with my own brand of songs), it will get visibility.

[squidlips]

I think that's good advice. The hit-making machine is so quirky, it's difficult to figure out how it runs. I try not to pay much attention to that. Writing what's unique to you (or me) is a start. Editing to please is always good too. Sometimes I wonder if timing (in the world, in the industry, in your life) isn't a bigger factor in a hit than is mentioned in books.

[stansongman]

Absolutely! It's a matter of everything aligning a the perfect moment. The right song, the right artist, the right pitch meeting / submission, etc. I always consider my work done once the demo's out there. I can't really control much beyond that point.