Lots of interesting thoughts and philosophies in this thread. I have to say that I see a lot of beginning songwriters who develop what I call "workshop-itis". They go to songwriting workshops, read books, get pro critiques....you name it, they do it (probably shelling out plenty of money along the way). They get so hung up on following each "rule" and making sure the formula is just right that they end up overanalyzing everthing they do. In the end, it seems all they've accomplished is to stifle whatever originality and creativity they may have started out with. I think that's a shame. I do think it's important to learn the basic techniques of any craft or trade, but at some point to you've got to let go and just do it.

I'm sure there are plenty of folks who make their living from "advising and consulting" on songwriting matters that are pleased to continue selling their services, but there's no single magic formula to writing a great song. There's not some magical combination of books you will read and seminars you will attend that will suddenly unlock the golden grail of hit songwriting ability.

If there were a magic formula, I'd say that it's constant practice coupled with some level of talent that you either do or don't have.

Randy




------------------
http://www.songramp.com/homepage.ez?Who=RandyB

http://www.songramp.com/homepage.ez?Who=RandyB
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/4/randybakermusic.htm