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HeyWe've touched on this subject before. There is a big difference between great songwriting and a great record.For example, I love the Rolling Stones "Let it Bleed" album. One of my favorite tracks is "Gimme Shelter". Let's see... there is only one chord in the verses and the same 4 over and over for the chorus/repeat... Not a whole lot of melody. Ah, but add the production. the raw energy, and the amazing backing vocal by Merry Clayton and <<poof>> great track! In fact, many successful Stones songs fall into that category.So, I opened up this thread for folks to discuss and list other examples...Hmmmm... Maybe I should open up a new thread, WHY WAS LET IT BLEED SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS???? LOL LOL LOL Casey

Funny, but most of the great tracks I can think of wouldn't qualify as great songwriting. I mean "Ride Captain Ride?? And I doubt any screener would pass Whiter Shade of Pale, yet that has such an affect on almost everyone.

We were riding in the van the other day when "She drives me crazy" by Fine Young Cannibles came on... talk about repetitive... yet, I looked back at my kids, who have never heard it before... and they were really getting into it. Just goes to show ya, you can't judge a Sgt Pepper by it's color.

Quote:We were riding in the van the other day when "She drives me crazy" by Fine Young Cannibles came on... talk about repetitive... yet, I looked back at my kids, who have never heard it before... and they were really getting into it. Just goes to show ya, you can't judge a Sgt Pepper by it's color.I heard that the other day myself --- great record. Great song? Dunno.I love Steely Dan just to LISTEN to. Fantastic recordings! But the lyrics are so obscure/absurd; are they great songs? Maybe so, maybe not (Phish). Ern

This is an interesting thread. I think it's true to say that not all great records are great songs. But I remember someone saying that not all great songs make for great records. I think this is equally true.

"Night Shift" (Commodores) is one of those songs that I secretly liked but would NEVER admit it to anyone at the time, especially my fellow musicians. I don't know how it stacks up as a song, but the recording is outstanding in my opinion. Crystal clear with a spectrum that's as wide as the sky.

Alright, how about "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" by BTO. Great recording, great guitar, possibly the best rock bass sound I've ever heard on a single, great weird vocal, fantastic hook --- but great song!? I think a great song is how it stands the test of time, how many artists cover it etc. Personally, I just like great records, being a recording engineer. The Beatles had a lot of great records that made no sense lyrically.Ern

I think I should have titled this "Great TRACKS vs. great songs". I wasn't really thinking about the engineering and recording quality, I was thinking more about productiion, performance, and arrangement... However, the engineering side I guess is fair game.Some great examples here. There are lots of songs that are weak in melody, chord structure, lyrics, etc... but the tracks came out fantastic. Casey

Yes never had a lyric worth quoting (without thinking about it much)

What about "Owner of a lonely.... something..." you're right.