SONGRAMP SONG CRITIQUE FORM

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Your song is evaluated based on 10 items. Each item will be scored from 1 - 10, 10 being the best score. There is also space for the evaluator to write a custom note for more detailed information. If you would like an even deeper evaluation, please let us know, and we can consider that option for the future. Email us at critiques@songramp.com .

SONG TITLE: Walking 101
WRITER(S): Michael Frazier
CRITERIA: Commercial Cuts SCORE

Does this song have a strong opening line that pulls the listener in? 7
Comments: At the beginning of the song, a picture is painted of this man who is seen walking every day and so we find ourselves intrigued, wondering 'who is this man'? This does draw a listener in.

Song structure: does the song flow and hold the listener's interest? 5
Comments: Arrangement could use some tweaking, specifically more dynamics, ie, sections where it gets quiet and introspective, sections where the passion and the pain are loud and anguished, which should be tied to the lyric at appropriate places. A short bridge would be nice to break it up some and provide a fresh start to the back half of the song.
For me, composition-wise, I would have taken out the pauses at the end of every line in the verses ~ it would make the song itself as well as the story flow better for the listener.
The harmony was great when it came in; very tight. It didn't come in until the third section of the song. I'd sprinkle a few more of those harms throughout the song beginning in verse two because it changes it up a smidge and it gives the listener a good payoff, which is what you kind of need if you don't have a chorus or refrain.

Is the hook/idea memorable and well placed (visible & repeated) in the song? 5
Comments: The hook/idea is interesting. I did experience a little bit of confusion because 101 often refers to a beginners level in education, so Walking 101, can mean a couple different things. Also, because I am personally not familiar with the road 101, as you're using it, I can't really picture the location, and the lyric doesn't help me with that. I would benefit from a little more clarification of the hook.

Verse lyric: do all verses support the chorus and clearly tell the meaning? 6
Comments: Lyrically, I love a good story song and this has the makings of one. It has great visuals and imagery (such as the reference to one bag in his hand, maybe he's lost someone so close to his heart that he can't breathe, and I've seen him in the downpours that can soak you in a flash).
The one thing I'd mention is that there's no resolution to the story. The singer does a lot of thinking/wondering about this man they see every day and then... nothing. It would have been such a great payoff to learn what the deal is with the guy who's walking every day on 101. To really push this song to the next level, you have to finish telling the story, otherwise it's like a book missing half the pages. When we get to the end of the song, we're still left wondering.

Chorus lyric: does it tie the verses together? Is it memorable? Highlight the hook? n/a
Comments: N/A

Prosody: does the music emotionally match and support the lyric? 7
Comments: Yes, the music does hold some mystery which supports the lyric well. Very nice feel and vibe to this.

Does the melody and tempo (metering and phrasing) flow? 6
Comments: Melodically, my ear wanted to hear a bit more variation of the melody in say, the fourth line of every verse. Changing it up in places, going high instead of low would add a nice feel to it as well.

Is the melody memorable? 6
Comments: The musical phrase containing the hook/title is catchy, and does stay in my mind. Yes, that part is memorable. However, the main sections fade away rather quickly, in my opinion. The suggested variations could help highlight other sections and make them more memorable too.

Is this song perceived to have commercial appeal; fit a well defined category? 5
Comments: To determine the commercial appeal, it would really depend on the intended use. This could be ideally suited for TV/Film, or another situation where this theme needs musical representation. As for the "stand alone" commercial cut appeal, I do feel the lyric needs more resolution (as mentioned earlier), as well as the melody/arrangement being tweaked to change it up a bit and make it more memorable.

In whatever way you would like to see this song be used, SongRamp wishes you the very best of luck with it.

Overall: does this song provide a satisfying listening experience? 6
Comments: Really a cool song and well sung; has a great vibe to it. However, the slide guitar (3rd string) wasn't in tune with the picked guitar, and the mix could use more separation in the instrumentation, panning, eq etc. As mentioned, a more resolute story and tweaked arrangement would enhance the listening experience. Still, it is very nice to listen to and I thank you for submitting it for a critique.

MORE INFORMATION (additional comments):
In order to provide you with a broader view of this song, three evaluators chimed in on this critique. We sincerely hope this is helpful information, and we thank you for using the service. Keep writing, you certainly do have a great talent, and SongRamp is lucky to have you as a member. Good luck with your musical endeavors!