Google Code-in/Elements of a CritiqueBrainz Review: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:55, 8 January 2016

This is not a full-blown "how to" article. The internet has lots of resources if you'd like to read more about how to write engaging music reviews.

Instead, this is a short list of things that I look for personally in a CritiqueBrainz review. Maybe it will help you get started.

Read some good reviews!
You can find lots of great reviews on CritiqueBrainz, or search the web.
Write in a comfortable voice.
A good review probably won't sound like an academic paper, and probably won't sound like a youtube comment, but it should sound like you.

Reviews don't need to be in English. If you're more comfortable in another language, go for it.

What's the overall feel, style, genre or mood of the album?
Who will probably like (or dislike) the album?
Can you give the reader a sense of the writing or musicianship on the album by describing a few highlights?
How does the music make you feel? What does it remind you of?

Not all questions will apply to all shows, of course.

What was the size of the show? Small club? Giant sports arena?
What was the style and energy level? Ballads? Dance-able pop? Head-banging and a mosh pit? Challenging contemporary "classical"?
Was there any notable interaction between the artist(s) and the audience?
Were the songs mostly new material? Old favorites? Were there any interesting covers or guest appearances?
Were there any surprising choices made? New arrangements of familiar tunes? Unreleased material performed for the first time? A wide range of styles performed?
Did the artist(s) seem comfortable and relaxed? Energized by the crowd's reaction? Maybe they were having an "off" night, or seemed to be "phoning it in"?
Overall, how was the show received by the audience?

How does this album compare to others by the same artist?
How does this album compare to others by contemporary artists?
Was this album influenced significantly by earlier artists? Or did it go on to heavily influence later artists?

Are there parts that don't really answer any of the above questions? Parts that just feel like filler, or that the reader would already know by looking at e.g. the MusicBrainz page for that album? Consider removing these parts!
Did you talk about other artists or other albums? Link to the corresponding CB pages!
CB uses markdown

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 ===Try to answer some or all of the following:===
+====Albums====
 * What's the overall feel, style, genre or mood of the album?
 * Who will probably like (or dislike) the album?
 * Can you give the reader a sense of the writing or musicianship on the album by describing a few highlights?
 * How does the music make you feel? What does it remind you of?
+====Live Performances====
+Not all questions will apply to all shows, of course.
+* What was the size of the show? Small club? Giant sports arena?
+* What was the style and energy level? Ballads? Dance-able pop? Head-banging and a mosh pit? Challenging contemporary "classical"?
+* Was there any notable interaction between the artist(s) and the audience?
+* Were the songs mostly new material? Old favorites? Were there any interesting covers or guest appearances?
+* Were there any surprising choices made? New arrangements of familiar tunes? Unreleased material performed for the first time? A wide range of styles performed?
+* Did the artist(s) seem comfortable and relaxed? Energized by the crowd's reaction? Maybe they were having an "off" night, or seemed to be [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=phone+it+in "phoning it in"]?
+* Overall, how was the show received by the audience?
 ===Then, try to add some context:===