How would you rate a song?

Yes Way

Hello Everybody,

I really see some great feedback here, and I was hoping you would help me with a project I want to start. I had a friend recently tell me that Backspacer sucks, and I of course disagree. But he told me that I was too close to PJ to see clearly.

So I am going to rate the albums on my blog, by rating each song and then averaging the totals. I want to do it as objectively as possible. I know it will still be subjective, but I want to eliminate things like No Code being my favorite album because the way it made me feel at the time.

Anyway, so far I will rate each song based on "lyrics," "music" itself, "live performance," and possibly how the song "holds up over time."

What I'd like to know is what other categories you'd add. Or what I should do about Vitalogy, for instance, with its three songs that aren't really songs. And if you think this is stupid, that's fine. Just please move on to another topic.

Thanks everyone!

dcmaidens

You should have a topic on "how it made me feel", don't eliminate it. Music is more than just notes on a sheet, how a band plays them, how it was recorded, or what the lyrics are. Why does art and music move us? It's not because Joe can play the guitar really fast, or Jane is super hot, or the painting matches my couch, it's about how it speaks to you - the way it makes you feel.

I will always remember The Tragically Hip beacuse I was listening to one of their albums the first time I got drunk. I was sixteen and drinking with a few friends when I got a bit buzzed. Everything went mellow, peaceful, and quiet. I focused in on the music and for the first time I felt in peace and calm. Now everytime I listen to the Hip I get little reminders, snippets, of that night.

Music is all about how it makes you feel. If you like it then it's the best song in the world... because it means something to you. Who cares how others feel about it, it's your moment you can share with the artist. That's why going to a concert is so amazing. We are all tied, bound together by one element - the music. Even though it will mean different things to each one of us, and yes some there will even hate certain songs, we create this atmosphere that energizes each one of us, bringing us together.

When Pearl Jam came to Winnipeg and played at the MTS Centre, every single person there was an extreme fan of Pearl Jam. The atmosphere was mind blowing. If you can find the Bootlegger of this concert - GET IT. That night, that concert, was one of the best in my life. The officials running the place had to force Pearl Jam to stop and kick us out. Haha, I think if we had the chance we would never have left.

You should make this a category so you can see how much mood can influence how we rate a song, or an album. I think it will be an interesting experiment.

FenwayFaithful

dcmaidens, great 1st post!
OP, great avatar!

Loveboatkaren

I could never rate PJ...it is a very personal thing and some of my friends and family don't "GET" them but I don't care. I loved them from 10 but my sister didn't get it until Vitology! Whatever it takes, it's only yours to feel!

Yes Way

dcmaidens, thank you so much for your reply! I love reading something that immediately makes me feel stupid for what I've missed in the first place. Fortunately I'm married and have swallowed my pride long ago.

Of course you are right. Would I like Pearl Jam in the first place if not for how songs make me feel? I distinctly remember the early 90's, when music was the likes of PM Dawn and Boyz II Men. I liked Metallica well enough at the time, but I remember clearly the first time I heard Alive and Black, I was blown away that music like that could be made. It sounded so right, and so real.

Consider the category of "how it made me feel" to be included.