What creates a “good” or a “bad” song?
On a music theory level there is the need for a development of a melody, and the progression of this melody. If it doesn’t develop and progress thoroughly, people won’t gather as much pleasure from listening to it. This is standard 1.
Another element of importance is the presentation of the melody. If the whole song follows the same cookie cutter mold as other music, then it can’t create it’s own identity. An example of this is the famous singer Billy Holiday. Her classic trait was to sing half a beat behind the music. This brought the listener in, and made them feel more comfortable, more like they are listening to a pure emotion and less like a robotic regurgitation of a melody. This is standard 2.
The last standard, is the effectiveness of the musicians. If the musicians actually care about what they are singing, the music will be much stronger and emotional.
These elements comprise music in a whole, regardless of genre. This is not to say that music doesn’t involve more elements, but these are the essentials that are universal.
Note: The grades are on a 1 to 5 scale.
Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”
Standard 1: 4
Standard 2: 4
Standard 3: 5
Johnny Cash’s piece entitled “Hurt” is a powerhouse of emotion and syncopation. Every measure of this tune, bring a crash of a wave with it. The primary reason for this is that, Johnny Cash wrote this song basically on his death bed. He channeled the sadness that comes with going through chemo for his cancer.
Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag”
Standard 1: 3
Standard 2: 2
Standard 3: 3
Teenage dirtbag does bring a interesting combination of steel string guitar and heavy drums. This is a potent combination that can draw the listener in. However, after the song starts off it doesn’t have room to group and branch out. It sticks with the same chord progression throughout the song, which is only 1 chord change away from ending.
On a music theory level there is the need for a development of a melody, and the progression of this melody. If it doesn’t develop and progress thoroughly, people won’t gather as much pleasure from listening to it. This is standard 1.
Another element of importance is the presentation of the melody. If the whole song follows the same cookie cutter mold as other music, then it can’t create it’s own identity. An example of this is the famous singer Billy Holiday. Her classic trait was to sing half a beat behind the music. This brought the listener in, and made them feel more comfortable, more like they are listening to a pure emotion and less like a robotic regurgitation of a melody. This is standard 2.
The last standard, is the effectiveness of the musicians. If the musicians actually care about what they are singing, the music will be much stronger and emotional.
These elements comprise music in a whole, regardless of genre. This is not to say that music doesn’t involve more elements, but these are the essentials that are universal.
Note: The grades are on a 1 to 5 scale.
Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”
Standard 1: 4
Standard 2: 4
Standard 3: 5
Johnny Cash’s piece entitled “Hurt” is a powerhouse of emotion and syncopation. Every measure of this tune, bring a crash of a wave with it. The primary reason for this is that, Johnny Cash wrote this song basically on his death bed. He channeled the sadness that comes with going through chemo for his cancer.
Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag”
Standard 1: 3
Standard 2: 2
Standard 3: 3
Teenage dirtbag does bring a interesting combination of steel string guitar and heavy drums. This is a potent combination that can draw the listener in. However, after the song starts off it doesn’t have room to group and branch out. It sticks with the same chord progression throughout the song, which is only 1 chord change away from ending.