JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Musician Message Forum Time constraints on songs....what is too long for radio?

True but more often it doesn’t, sometimes you can knock ‘em dead in 1 Min 59 – my philosophy is better having them want to hear the song again rather than switch off before they’ve heard it once.

I find it odd that most folk seem to be making a case for the longer song yet the majority of classic hits probably come in at around 3 mins or less. Writing a short, 'cut to the chase' song is an art in itself, and sadly many shy away from the challenge. Once you creep over 4.30 minutes you really need another song (e.g. you could argue that Stairway is in fact 2 songs bolted together). I think it is naïve if you think 3.30 is "no longer valid". Also we (here at JPF) are not typical listeners. As songwriters we are more likely to appreciate the craft of a longer song and see depths that Joe Public wouldn’t give a second thought to. A typical buyer/downloader will be after a catchy song with a simple message that they will want to play again.

I know my original comment about wielding the axe may have seemed flippant but I meant it. Many longer songs will benefit from being made slicker.

Now, let me get hold of Echoes by Pink Floyd cut that boring lump out of the middle. Also while I’m at I’ll turn Titanic into 2 separate films (one will be a love story, and the other will be about a big boat hitting an iceberg) and slash 40 minutes off the end of the third Lord of the Rings film (there are only so many times you can say goodbye).

Snip snip snip…. cut the guitar solo in half, shorten the intro, get rid of the verse that says what has already been said. You can do it and your songs will be better for it. If you are a performer finish while they are looking at you and not their watch