What makes a good song?

FireInCairo · 05-23-2009, 05:32 AM

I can't really come up with an answer to this one...So I'd like to know what you guys think.

There are really so many variables to what makes a song good:
- Structure
- Hooks
- Melody
- Instrumental talent
- Originality
- "IT"
ETC.

What's your formula for a good tune?

boo boo · 05-23-2009, 05:37 AM

-Structure
-Texture
-Melody
-Rhythm
-Timbre
-Hooks
-Skill
-Drugs

Ok the last three aren't always necessary. But they certainly help.

~~The Unfan~~ · 05-23-2009, 05:39 AM

Sounds.

Double X · 05-23-2009, 08:33 AM

Maybe it falls into structure...but mood and atmosphere are really the most important aspects to me.

khfreek · 05-23-2009, 09:03 AM

Dynamics are a big one for me. A band that maintains the same volume all the time just bores me.

sidewinder · 05-23-2009, 10:42 AM

Nothing specific for me, it's just a feeling. I like or don't like. I think it's easier to say why I don't like a song (what makes a bad song) than what makes a good song...because any number of things could make a good song, not always the same thing.

jackhammer · 05-23-2009, 11:11 AM

Unless it's chilled (and then the ambience is key for me), basslines are definitely one for me. I also generally like good production unless it's Punk and then I like it sounding like it was recorded onto a tape recorder. What I do dislike (especially in heavier music) is a tinny drum sound. Really puts me off big time.

dac · 05-23-2009, 11:14 AM

Hard to say. What works for one band can sound terrible with another. With that said though, I am a pretty big sucker for string arrangements.

sidewinder · 05-23-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

Unless it's chilled (and then the ambience is key for me), basslines are definitely one for me. I also generally like good production unless it's Punk and then I like it sounding like it was recorded onto a tape recorder. What I do dislike (especially in heavier music) is a tinny drum sound. Really puts me off big time.

I agree with most of this, particularly the bass lines (mostly in electronic or hip-hop) and the tinny drums in rock/metal. There is some punk in which I enjoy good production, but for the most part yes, it should sound rather rough.

One thing I didn't think of before that's big for me is vocals. Bad vocals can ruin a band for me, no matter how good they are musically. So the same applies at the song level.

Rickenbacker · 05-23-2009, 05:31 PM

- Structure
- Hooks
- Melody
- Harmony
- Instrumental and/ or Vocal skill
- Lyrics
- Originality
- "Soul"
- "Meaning"

The last two are far too abstract to define or categorize, but what should occur when one hears a song with "soul" and "meaning" is that they would know it instantly.

05-23-2009, 05:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
FireInCairo Later on... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,235	What makes a good song? I can't really come up with an answer to this one...So I'd like to know what you guys think. There are really so many variables to what makes a song good: - Structure - Hooks - Melody - Instrumental talent - Originality - "IT" ETC. What's your formula for a good tune? __________________ O G MUDBONE: Only You can prevent forest fires.

05-23-2009, 09:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
khfreek What a guy Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brentwood, TN Posts: 2,123	Dynamics are a big one for me. A band that maintains the same volume all the time just bores me. __________________ last.fm

05-23-2009, 10:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
sidewinder Engorged Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,536	Nothing specific for me, it's just a feeling. I like or don't like. I think it's easier to say why I don't like a song (what makes a bad song) than what makes a good song...because any number of things could make a good song, not always the same thing. __________________ last.fm \| my collection on RYM \| vinyl instagram @allthatyouseeandhear I'd love to see your signature/links too, but the huge and obnoxious ones have caused me to block all signatures.

05-23-2009, 11:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Unless it's chilled (and then the ambience is key for me), basslines are definitely one for me. I also generally like good production unless it's Punk and then I like it sounding like it was recorded onto a tape recorder. What I do dislike (especially in heavier music) is a tinny drum sound. Really puts me off big time. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

05-23-2009, 11:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
dac MB's Biggest Fanboy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land Posts: 2,852	Hard to say. What works for one band can sound terrible with another. With that said though, I am a pretty big sucker for string arrangements. __________________

05-23-2009, 05:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
~~The Unfan~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Methville Posts: 2,116	Sounds.

05-23-2009, 08:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
Double X sleepe Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: boston Posts: 1,140	Maybe it falls into structure...but mood and atmosphere are really the most important aspects to me.

05-23-2009, 05:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
Rickenbacker / Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Conn Posts: 1,338	- Structure - Hooks - Melody - Harmony - Instrumental and/ or Vocal skill - Lyrics - Originality - "Soul" - "Meaning" The last two are far too abstract to define or categorize, but what should occur when one hears a song with "soul" and "meaning" is that they would know it instantly.