What makes a good song?

[DJBootyJuice]

I know this is kind of a general question, but when you really think about it, it applies to all kinds of genres. Does it need a good beat? a memorable melody? catchy lyrics?

Put what you think is the one most important part about what makes a song good.

[2-10-ryan]

It really depends on what kind of music it is. For rap or hip hop it needs lyrics and a good beat. For rock it needs a cool sounding guitar solo or something and good lyrics a good intro to really. Mostly though for a song ot be good you need ot have all things iin it to be good mostly there isnot one part of a song that can redeem it from crappiness.

[dust11]

Too true. When I'm composing, I try to keep my songs as interesting as possible. Music is a fine art and shouldn't be rushed (although I've made songs in a matter of hours before :P). Also, if you're thinking of making music, it's good to accept criticism sometimes, even from people who you think don't have a clue what they're talking about. You'd be suprised how often their advice is good!! And don't take any criticism to heart. It will make you a better artist if you work with it.

I was crap when I started, but now I'm doing mixing and editing for some major artists (Phenomena, Jpeg, etc...). You never know what you can do until you try!!

[jobelow]

another thing you're missing is the rise and fall of tension. like good literature, a piece of music needs a plot triangle: an introduction, a rise of conflict, a climax, and a resolution. in a song this could happen three or four times though, building in intensity each time. a lot of songs are also made good by the addition of a coda, like a musical epilogue, not much to do with the original themes, but kind of moves the listener in a different direction to keep things fresh.

[jobelow]

something else i forgot to add: in my experience the best lyrics are about things people can relate to. as opposed to like a bunch of gibberish like king diamond's concept album (not that i don't like king diamond). my most successful song ever was just about a night i threatened to punch some guys in the face if they didn't get off my porch. people love that song, and the lyrics are only like three lines long, repeated over and over, just because it's a simple topic that people can relate to.

[Erkie]

Ah, well said.

It all has to do with personal preference, like the guy said, do not rush your process, if you do, you'll butcher the song.

[JonH2O]

At 5/17/05 10:57 PM, DJBootyJuice wrote:

Put what you think is the one most important part about what makes a song good.

Elaboration.

[Chronamut]

you can always take a generic idea and then distort the shit outta it adding synths fx and whatnot so it barely sounds recognizable - thats be like an industrial or misc. type song...

[Erkie]

No such thing as a bad sound, it's how you use it.

[sabotage-the-fool]

Lyrics that mean something, a riff that gets stuck in your head, a nice drum track, nohing too heavy or quiet and then you are on the right lines! :-)

[jobelow]

you sure a song can't be too heavy?

[Erkie]

Songs can be anything, a heavy song can be a heavy song as long as it's balanced out.

[Chronamut]

At 5/18/05 09:28 PM, Erkie wrote: Songs can be anything, a heavy song can be a heavy song as long as it's balanced out.

ok - im gonna combine an opera voice with britney spears and richard nixen - then we'll see if there is such a thing as a "bad sound"

[jobelow]

At 5/18/05 09:47 PM, Chronamut wrote:

At 5/18/05 09:28 PM, Erkie wrote:

britney spears and richard nixen

sounds like something ministry would (or maybe already has?) try.

[Erkie]

Yes, then forward it to me and I'll use it in one of my songs, and I'll laugh my ass off at you.

[Chronamut]

At 5/19/05 02:54 PM, Erkie wrote: Yes, then forward it to me and I'll use it in one of my songs, and I'll laugh my ass off at you.

No - I will not do anything to make you laugh at me - get your OWN britney richard nixen voice!

[SpamWarrior]

People said rap and rock would never mix..... I dont know who these people were, but someone WILL have said that, back in the day..... Indeed, much rap-metal is shite, but you cant diss walk this way, or rage against the machine

[B0UNC3]

A good song needs much...Personal taste is good ;D

Also all the sounds should blend with each other good.
If the bass drum completely swallows the bassline then that isnt good.

I like strong beats and heavy synthleads ;)

[JonH2O]

At 5/18/05 09:47 PM, Chronamut wrote:

ok - im gonna combine an opera voice with britney spears and richard nixen - then we'll see if there is such a thing as a "bad sound"

That would be hilarious...But like what was said: It's how you use them.