Songs that open with the chorus

[andreh]

I have a couple also...and I thought twice before keeping them as is; the songs just seem to flow more naturally that way for a variety of reasons. Here's one example:http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemus ... dID=186523 (click on "Right Here Inside")This song doesn't actually open with the chorus, but you hear the chorus before any verses.I hope a screener would consider how a song flows before dissmissing it entirely due to the chorus opening the song or preceeding the verse.Andre

[Casey H]

Before crucifying a screener for rejecting a song because it opens with the chorus, bear in mind that if it opens that way, it better be a killer hook. My "What a World" opens with the chorus. I am not saying I know if the hook is "killer" enough to meet what I said above. I cannot be objective since it is my own song and my own idea to open it that way (earlier versions did not). What 1-2 taxi screeners said (and I disagree with) is that I "gave it away" too soon, not having the listener go through the build and then the hook... So I guess, "Can't Buy Me Love" also gave it away too soon?? BTW, I am 100% open-minded as far as opinions both pro and con to what those screeners said on the song. Cheers Casey

[53mph]

I like Ray Davies (of the Kinks) take on openings.He says to look for a repeatable pattern in the song that is not either the verse or chorus (but could be a section of one of these) then open the song with that. Often it's just a few chords.Lola by the Kinks is a perfect example.Give it a listen and you'll see what I mean.

[matto]

Quote:I hope a screener would consider how a song flows before dissmissing it entirely due to the chorus opening the song or preceeding the verse.Obviously nobody would reject a song because of that, IF the song works, is on target, and clears the listing bar. I would be very surprised if in the case of Casey's song, that was given as "main reason your submission was returned". Screeners don't go thru some kind of check list to decide whether a song should be forwarded, they go by their gut instinct, drawing on their years' of experience in the music business (just like any A&R person or publisher would). After they've made that decision, they will give you their opinion/feedback on how the song could be improved.These are two different things and people always seem to forget this. That's why Taxi added that "main reason your submission was forwarded/returned" box.matto

[Casey H]

Quote:Quote:I hope a screener would consider how a song flows before dismissing it entirely due to the chorus opening the song or preceding the verse.Obviously nobody would reject a song because of that, IF the song works, is on target, and clears the listing bar. I would be very surprised if in the case of Casey's song, that was given as "main reason your submission was returned". Screeners don't go thru some kind of check list to decide whether a song should be forwarded, they go by their gut instinct, drawing on their years' of experience in the music business (just like any A&R person or publisher would). After they've made that decision, they will give you their opinion/feedback on how the song could be improved.These are two different things and people always seem to forget this. That's why Taxi added that "main reason your submission was forwarded/returned" box.mattoJust to clarify... The song was forwarded many times, even called a "great song" by some reviewers. I don't recall all of this since it was a few years ago, but there were some reviewers who didn't like the opening with the chorus... and likewise, I don't recall the main reason for not forwarding. So Matto, you could very well be right. If I can dig up the old reviews, I will... Unfortunately, when you terminate your taxi membership, you lose access to the taxi critiques on broadjam. I need to call them and ask about that. Casey

[horacejesse]

Ready for a few more?1. How Long2. Guantanamera3. Upside Down4. Don't Pull Your Love Out