What makes a good song?

T

thegubmint

New member
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?
 
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 nuraber of things could make a good song, not always the same thing.
 
Unless it's chilled (and then the arabience 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.
 
- 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.
 
- Structure
- Hooks
- Melody
- Harmony
- Instrumental and/ or Vocal skill
- Lyrics
- Originality
- "Soul"
- "Meaning"


With this I find almost everything can be scrapped except that "soul" category which i take to be what I defined as "IT"...and it still possibly be a good song.
And the opposite can happen, you have all the structural and technical requirements but with no soul, then it's crap.
 
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