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I'm a BMI member, but I ran across this on ASCAP's site and it turned out to be a very good article with some good analysis on country music and the trends/common elements in all the hits of 2002.Check 'er out.Andyhttp://www.ascap.com/nashville/murphy/murphy17.html

Andy,I'm not a country writer but I did stumble upon that article and the rest of his series and thought it was some real food for thought too.

Does anyone really think we should take such a by-the-numbers approach, rather than ask ourselves (and each other) "Is this any good?". I'd like to see a wrap-up of 2008's #1s for comparison, that might be helpful in discovering broader trends.

Good point Mojo, it would be really nice to be able to compare it to last year. Not only would we be able to see what's hot, but we could see where it's going.Andy

Here are 2004 stats:http://www.ascap.com/nashville/murphy/murphy19.html

Andy,Thanks for sharing. I've seen these in the past as well. I too see Mojo's comment as hitting the mark.I believe past trends can be a useful tool as long as we keep in mind that such things are history rather than prophecy.One of the most interesting things I noticed in the 2002 and 2004 results is that not many lead singers received credit as a songwriter.I’ve heard that the industry prefers singer/songwriters over songwriters alone when putting together a CD. But the 2002 and 2004 results show that the singer/songwriter combo, when it comes to attaining a number 1 hit is less likely.Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Keith Urban standout as singer/songwriters that consistently have managed to do both. If other years display similar trends as 2002 and 2004, then the failure of the singer/songwriter to consistently gain the top spot sends an unpopular message to the industry and performers alike—if you want a number 1 hit, you best consider songs written by someone other than the lead performer or more times than not you’re out of luck.This is not a knock against singer/songwriters. Clearly, the combo has produced many non-number 1 hits. Rather, it’s merely an affirmation that the songwriter has his or her place in the mix as well. GB

I think the long term trend is toward singer/songwriters though. I think the sole songwriter is a vanishing thing. People are wanting to hear more personal, edgy stuff. And in this age of "reality tv" and the such people would rather hear the singer's sucky song than if they sang's a songwriter's brilliant song.In some cases that's great because there are a lot of great singer/songwriters out there. But it makes for a lot more filler too.Andy

If any of us here on the outside manage to get one past the goalie and actually attract the interest of a major, expect that major to receive a songwriting credit.Man oh man, I'd give it gladly.

Feb 4, 2009, 5:56pm, jwebbinspired wrote:I think the long term trend is toward singer/songwriters though. I think the sole songwriter is a vanishing thing. People are wanting to hear more personal, edgy stuff. And in this age of "reality tv" and the such people would rather hear the singer's sucky song than if they sang's a songwriter's brilliant song.In some cases that's great because there are a lot of great singer/songwriters out there. But it makes for a lot more filler too.AndyAndy, I think there are more opportunities than ever. Mostly because so many of the old tried and true methods of promoting songs are out rusting in fields like thrown away tractors. Nobody really knows where this whole music business thing is heading. Whatever is vanishing, will be replaced by something else. People are still going to continue to listen to music. How they acquire it is certainly changing. There are 2 ways to do things with songs & recordings. Hope someone will find & want to use your songs, or create new ways for your songs to make money. Proactive always wins in the long run.

Steve, You're right. Music will always be in high demand, and the smart businessman will discover a way to tap into it regardless of the trends. I want to get more aggressive in marketing my stuff but I am realizing that I need to greatly improve my recording/production skills to set myself apart. I have great songwriting ideas, but I can't convey them professionally without spending a fortune to have them done for me.Andy