MWR wrote:Ok finally got it to work.
This whole bullshit about it not having a hook really bothers me. Keep in mind I tell it like it is and leave the "dicksucking" to the noobs.
Yes the song lacks an obvious hook but there's enough there that it's a non isssure. What this song has in spades is PASSION and I value that more than anything. Without it it's just a by-the-dozen pop song and as we all know those things are designed with the soul reason of having a hook so the thing gets stuck in your head. I think your "constructive" critisism is seriously off Josh.
This reminded me of Howie Day alot. Perhaps a little too much. While I don't think it needs to be more hooky I do think there should be a bridge or some sort of break. I know the lead break is in there and I liked that but I think the mood should shift more and then come back. It gives a sense of movement and breaks up repitition.
Your voice was awesome although again the resemblance to Howie Day was pretty evident. I would be surprised if you told me you don't listen to him...really surprised.
As far as the recording I would have liked a bit more low end on the acoustic.
Awesome job period. Please get us some more originals quick.
I never said that the "by-the-dozen" pop song was what he should be going for; listen to any jazz standard: it will have a hook (or in actual jazz lingo "the head"). A hook doesn't have to be some annoying repetitive theme in a song; it can be the fast tempo, a melodic bass line, or a unique guitar riff. Maybe the best term to use wasn't "hook." Perhaps it would be better if I put it this way: the song lacks something that makes me want to listen to it again.
And the fact that it seems to remind so many people of Howie Day is why I think it needs some work. First of all, Howie Day is a hack who can't sing on key. Miguel CAN sing on key. When I hear a song that is written by Miguel, I want to be able to think "hey, that sounds like a Miguel song" not "hey, that sounds like a hack who can't sing." (which i really didn't think either of these things)
And I did mention that he was into it, or what you said is passion. That's cool and all, but it's just not an interesting song. That's great if Miguel has fun playing it, but I didn't feel the same thing he did. Let's not forget I never said it was a bad song. The guitar playing was solid and Miguel doesn't need me to tell him that his voice is amazing. It wasn't a bad song, I just didn't find anything unique about it.
