JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum Is Songwriting Dead?

First define great. I like all kinds of songs from abstract Pink Floyd to, great storytelling like many old country artists, great economy of words songs like the standards which look so easy to write. To Hit Songs that tell us whats going on in the world etc.

I like angst ridden lyrics like in punk rock and many rock songs that dont seem to be about any one thing.

Songs where the message moves me and I can relate to

Or songs that dont say anything at all. There are many ways to be great.

And thats just lyrics...

But thats one thing, when we speak of great CRAFTED songs, that will be different than my favorites.

The craft encompasses everything from economy of words, to clear message, to structure, use of literary devices, songs that speak to human emotions, songs that have a universal appeal.

Songs that seem like they were never written, they come out so smooth and natural they seem like they were always there, uncontrived, while being contrived.

It's kind of like the details of a painting, the attention to all the details.

And songs where the lyric and music match perfectly. As if they were made for each other, so they come across as genuine and authentic, not something made up.

But I'll give u a list if u want it. from different genres

I wont go too far back u might get lost lol
well stick with pop/rock

Great:

Eleanor Rigby (not just for the lyrics and melody, but for what the song represents, there is a section of sociology called "ritualism" Eleanor rigby is about ritualism.

Piano Man (perfect song, he completely nails the scene at the bar, most musicans have had somebody ask them "what are you doing here?

Desperado (a song that paysoff like a country song at the end... you better let somebody love you etc)

Empty Garden (Elton John and Bernie use a metaphor of a of garden and gardener to describe John lennon and his death,)

a homer pick, Springsteen, Thunder Road.

of course to the REAL songwriters even these are not the greatest.

5 Terrible Songs?

Right Said Fred, Im too sexy for my shirt?
Pick a Katie Perry or rhianna song.


In Between?

sometimes when we touch, great song just old.
Coward of the county, great song really, seems dated now.
Money For Nothing, great song, but many wont credit it as being it.
Jesus take the Wheel
Every Breath you Take, (a ton of craft in there if u look for it)

Now give me yours.