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Got yet another return and wanted to get some feedback from you folks out there. The listing was S131004CO for "HEARTFELT, CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY SONGS with MALE VOCALS. I agree with the review (listener #373) that my song is really intended for an older artist, not one of the young guns so popular now (Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, etc.). I'm an old fart, so I tend to think in those terms.

Anyway, there were a couple of other things that gave me pause, so I would like to ask anyone out there if you would give a listen and see what you think. Specifically, Listener #373 said that the song has "a very stock melody." Not sure what that means. I listen to a lot of modern country music, and I hear a lot of similarities between songs, not only melodically, but lyrically as well. So if someone could shed some light on that, it would be very helpful.

Also, Listener #373 said that there were some common lyrical themes: (quoting from the review) "There's also some common images in here- from the whole country bar setup, with the sawdust on the floor, her tight blue jeans etc.- to your bridge lines "good/bad times", and "more than lovers more than friends" lines." (end quote). Granted, these are common images in country music. So are chasing girls, drinking beer, partying, driving pick-up trucks, and moonlit nights. Why are those themes popular and good, while country bars, sawdust on the floor, tight blue jeans, good times/bad times are "common" and not good? It's not as though chasing girls, drinking beer, driving pickup trucks are new lyrical concepts to country music. And in listening to the young guys that are so popular these days, I find that chasing girls, drinking beer, partying, driving pick-up trucks, and moonlit nights are a lot of what they sing about. And that's NOT common?

If anyone out there is interested, it would be a big help if you could give a listen. All feedback is very much appreciated!

Song is at: https://soundcloud.com/brad-roseborough/god-would-know

Thanks!
Brad

Hey Brad,

I feel your pain. I recently submitted a song to a number of listings. The song is called "Might Get Lucky" It talks about getting off on Friday, going to the bar, hang in with friends, and trying to "get lucky". Screener #373 always give the same critique, too familiar, nothing new, blah blah blah. I like you, listen to country music all day most everyday while driving in my car. Every other song talks about finding a girl, getting drunk, driving down a dirt road, etc. I wish #373 would just get some balls and say he doesn't like the song rather than give a scripted response, I would have a lot more respect for his "expert opinion" . #373 has critiqued the last 3 or 4 submissions I have made. I have had a couple of forwards for the song on previous listings, It would be nice if Taxi could vary the screeners they use occasionally!


WWW.taxi.com/billybob

Hi Brad.
Read your post and listened to your song; sorta wished you'd posted the lyrics on your SC page.
That's just my own thing: I like to see the words, and follow along with hearing them...at least for the first listen, or two.

I'm an older dude, too . The song seems good, and one I can relate to. I also think there is an audience for it.

Sounds to me like the story is coming from someone who's been married awhile, and is reflecting on past moments of temptations, choices, decisions - a testing of, and tensions between, passions and commitments; honor and integrity.

In light of that, I can understand the point about appealing to an older audience...even, presumably, ones familiar with marriage.
Therefore, that does narrow the number of folks relating to the song...at least as far as age goes.
While that may not be a bad thing, it may limit which listings or artists want to present it.

What I find missing in the track is a strong "hook"; and the dynamics of highs and lows: like might happen with some harmony vocals enhancing your hook - or Chorus - the part that really "grabs you, and pulls you in", and anchors the story.

I'm not a Taxi member, so I cannot comment on the rigors of the submit-and-return sentiments.
If it's a song that contains an important story for you to tell, but it's meeting some resistance as-is; maybe it's worth seeing how you might improve on what you have.
I'm trying to give an honest, encouraging reply; hoping it does not come across as too brutal.

Cheers.
Peter R.
http://www.soundcloud.com/funsongs-1

Well, I listened to the tune. Nicely done. I think your problem is in your message. The way I understood it, is that if your spouse passes away, you should not find another love in this world. That you should stay "faithful" to her memory. I think, if you lose a spouse to death, that if she really loved you, she would want you to find happiness with someone else, rather than growing old all alone. Ott

Thanks for your comments, guys. Very much appreciated.

Just for the record, the song is about a guy who has been married for many years and stays true to his marriage vows throughout times of temptation, tragedy, etc. and I tried to imply that the wife barely lived through the accident and he stayed by her side during a long recovery, which no one thought she would make. And also, he never even thought about cheating on her with the floozy in the bar.

As for the hook of the song, that was about the only thing that screener 373 liked about the song. Actually, no one who has critiqued the song has said it didn't have a strong hook, so I am kind of confused by the assessment of it not having a strong hook. But hey, we each hear things differently. No big deal.

I have had different people interpret the story in the song differently, so I guess I need to be clearer in my lyric choices going forward.

Thanks again, guys!
Brad

Hi Brad.

Just came from visiting and listening to some of the songs you've posted on SC.
You've got a really nice, good voice; but I'm curious about one thing: why the lack of harmony parts?
You've got some good songs there, too, imho. I'm particularly interested in your Gospel-friendly lyrics.
Cheers.
Peter R.
www.soundcloud.com/funsongs-1

Hey Peter,

Thanks for the kind words. I am the worship leader at my church, so I write mostly Christian/Gospel songs. My foray into country is fairly recent. Been listening to a LOT of country music the last several months.

As for why my songs are short on harmony parts, no reason in particular other than maybe a lack available voices. I do all the music/vocal arrangements for my church, so harmony is not a problem for me. Just didn't give it that much thought for my own stuff. I have a few songs with backing vocals and harmonies, but I don't do it with a lot of them.

Thanks Peter!
Blessings,
Brad