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Mar 25, 2021 · Learn the steps to writing a music review, from listening to the music to following the six steps of analysis. This article covers the role of music reviews in today's streaming environment, the fundamentals of music review writing, and the tips to follow good writing practices.
May 3, 2024 · Music reviews of new albums in pop, rock, folk, jazz, blues, classical, world, and hip-hop.
See how to write music review samples for yourself. Write better with AI! Automatically find sources, add MLA or APA style formats and download ready-to-use files = better than ChatGPT.Free AI Tool A Comprehensive Guide to Song and Music Reviews In the world of music, song reviews play a significant role in shaping public opinion and promoting talent. These reviews provide musicians with ...
- Listen to the music until you are sick of it. There are millions of songs in the world. As a writer, you might be asked to write a review of a song you aren’t familiar with.
- Research the music. Before you write a music review, you’ll want to make sure that you are packed with as much information as possible about the music and the artist.
- Identify a focus for your review. It is important that the writer of a review considers the type of review wanted by the publisher. The needs of music review publishers may differ.
- Identify the genre. You can try to categorize it, but keep in mind that many artists do not wish to be categorized. Some tracks defy genre and transcend musical and lyrical limitations.
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How to write a music review?
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What should you look for when reviewing a song?
- Don’t skimp out on research. As the reviewer, you are supposed to be the expert on that particular piece of music. That’s why it’s important to establish your credibility with solid background information about the artist and their work.
- Do listen carefully. Most music writers agree that you should listen to a piece at least 3 times before you start to write. After all, first impressions are important.
- Do craft a strong outline. When it comes to short stories or novels, I prefer to write freely and see where my creativity takes me. However, music reviews — like all forms of journalism — need a tight, concise structure.
- Do try to cover all aspects. 250-300 words may not sound like enough to write about an entire album or concert. And really, there is no such thing as a “definitive” review that covers absolutely everything.
The first paragraph should be a general introduction to what you're reviewing. Include the title, artist, and an interesting fact about its success or how it was made. The main body of the review needs detailed observations. Use specific vocabulary (e.g. lyrics, fast-paced, catchy melodies) to comment on particular songs and parts of the music.
- Listen
- Research Is Key
- Think About Context
- Consider Different Angles
- Avoid Bias
- Be Honest
- Write Clearly
- Edit Your Review
Before you start writing a review, listen to the music from start to finish at least twice. As you listen, note down your initial thoughts and feelings. Next, think about how you will introduce and summarize the music. As well as sitting down to listen critically to the music, it might help to listen through speakers or headphones as you go about y...
Once you’ve listened to the music, do your research. Read articles and interviews with the artist to gather facts about them and the music you’re reviewing. It can also help to read other people’s reviews so you become familiar with the language used in music writing.
Think about the music in the context of its genreand the artist’s history. How does it compare with the rest of its genre? Is it a classic example of bubblegum pop, or does it bend the boundary between heavy metal and hardcore punk? And how does it compare to the artist’s previous work?
Think about all aspects of the album: how it works as a whole, the individual songs, the lyrics, the artwork, the instrumentation, and its production. Set out your overall impression and go into detail on anything you find interesting (e.g., a theme running through the lyrics or a repeating melody).
If you write for as wide an audience as possible, try to be objective. Whether it’s music by your favorite artist or a band and genre you hate, try not to let this cloud your judgement. If you don’t like an artist or a genre, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality of the music is bad.
It might be tempting to copy what everyone else is writing about the music, but your review should give your honest opinion. If you loved an album that the rest of the world seems to despise, let everyone know! You can acknowledge other people’s opinions and general attitudes to the music, but it is your review and therefore your own opinion matter...
Your review should be clear and readable. For longer reviews, use subheadings and cover different aspects of the album in separate sections to make it easy to follow. You can also include images of the artist or the album artwork to break up the text and illustrate your writing.
Once you’ve written a first draft of your review, think about how to edit it. Look for ways to make it clear and memorable. It may help to read it aloud or ask others to give you feedback. Make revisions where necessary, and remember to check your spelling, grammar and punctuation.
