WHAT MAKES A SONG GREAT?

A great song connects with people. Timeless songs connect to millions of people and continue to do so over time. When you play a great song for someone, they are able to connect to it emotionally. That connection is what causes someone to love your song. If your song about your broken heart connects me to a time when I had a broken heart, I’m connected and interested.
 
A great song causes a reaction. The listener is compelled to do SOMETHING when they hear a great song. It might cause them to dance, laugh, cry, sing along, etc – but they will do something in response to a great song. It’s almost impossible to avoid reacting when you hear a well written, great song.

​A great song stands the test of time. A great song will usually be relatable and relevant 25 years or 50 years after it was written. There may be exceptions, but a great song sticks around.

A great song is memorable. There are things about the song musically and/or lyrically that stick in the listener’s minds. That’s why they are called “hooks”. If you hear the song “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees, you will be singing it the rest of the day. That’s a very hooky song in every way. They have started teaching people to give CPR while singing that song because it puts the chest compressions the right space apart and because almost everyone can remember that song.
 
The song is crafted well. The writer put in time getting the craft right. Usually, the rhyme scheme is solid with close or perfect rhymes. The structure helps the listener follow along. Lines that rhyme are just as good as the line they rhymed with. The song is easy to follow and communicates clearly. Great songs are usually products of great craftsmanship.

Author

Hangi Tavakoli is our in-house established and professional music producer with more than 17 years of experience in songwriting, music production, mix and mastering. He has produced more than 3,000 and written more than 4,800 published songs to-date, including some major hits in international scale.