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What's most important in a song (Patreon)

Published:
2022-11-25 23:22:51
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

Content

Hey gang,


Writing a lot of music this week with different people, and I've realized a lot of people have differing opinions on what is the most important aspect of a song. 


For me, I have a hard time even giving a song a chance unless I find the vibe, melodies and voice engaging. I think music production quality isn't THAT important to me - it doesn't have to sound pristine. And if the lyrics are terrible, songs will generally not end up in my regular rotation. A little bit of dirt/imperfections in the song helps me connect to it as well, compared to something super polished.


I'm interested to know, what do you find the most important for a song to end up one of your "go tos"? Let me know in the comments!


Joel

Comments

Mari

Honestly for me it has to have good lyrics and a good chorus, if it fails on either of those things I won't like it.

Shauna

Lyrics is a huge one for me followed by how it sounds. If it sounds TOO polished I probably won’t go to it too often. Agreed that it does need some dirt in it lol. Anything too produced turns me off as well as too much autotune.

Mari

Also nothing is WORSE than a song that has great verses and then a trash chorus, completely ruins the whole song.

Cheekii

I would say lyrics to connect to or relate to and the over all vibe. If its too repetitive I wont like it so its also important for me that its musically interesting if that makes sense 😅

Shauna
>>96328953

If the melody meshes well with the lyrics I may have it on repeat lol

Alle Engdahl

If the song has a great melody and/or great production, but the lyrics are mid…the song automatically becomes mid to me. Lyrics generally make or break a song to me.

Vikki

I just gotta be able to vibe to it, especially when I'm feeling up or down, lyrics are on back burner for me cuz I listen to different language music too

Dannielle O'Neill

Lyrics are important, but the voice is just as important. It's connected for me. I honestly prefer to hear the little "imperfections". I'd call them variations. I want to hear a unique person. I want to hear the feelings of a song. Even when it's not an "emotional" song. If it's a fun song...I want you to sound excited. If it's a sad song, there's maybe a vulnerability that comes through.

Elke

Imperfections are what make songs ‘human’ and they help me connect. Nice melodies can be cool, but really simple songs have hit hard in the past too. Bad lyrics make me want to skip the song. I think for me personally it’s a question of emotion/vibe, which is probably a combination of instrumental and vocal work plus my own emotional state.

emy

I feel the same about dirt and imperfections. These things give me my foothold into the song. Like if something is too smooth - either lyrically or sonically - I can’t find anything to hang onto. Also I tend to feel seen when lyrics sound genuine, like words from a real flawed human vs an invincible club hottie lol. I think I would describe all my fave lyricists in that way

Clair (Teampanda)

Hey Joel, For me it's the voice of the singer first. If I can't get my head around their tonality or range I'll struggle to like any song. Then it's Lyrics and then melody. X

naschpanda

First thing for me is the general vibe a song gives me. It depends a lot on my mood. Then I listen to the lyrics. I like them to tell a story that I can imagine in my head or just be relatable to what's happening in my life.

Whit-EbullientShrub

For me it comes down to the message of the song. If the lyrics just aren't something I can get behind, I hard pass. Other than that, I think it's what you talk about in a lot of videos...catchy enough to hook you, but complex enough to keep you....as far as the overall vibe and melodies go, at least.

Aubrey Danielle

Ohhh, interesting. I guess that really varies from person to person but for me, it’s ALWAYS “vibes” first. I will listen to a song for like 4 seconds and be like “NOPE, SKIP”. Lol For example, “Drama Queen” by Alessia Cara - I can listen to this song on repeat for hours lol. Why? It immediately has a happy/snappy tone to it (feel good), she’s got very clean vocals, and then the BONUS is the lyrics are fantastic…and relatable. So, Vibes, Clean Vocals, & then lyrics for me. Happy you are writing more 🤓

Emmanuelle

That's a tough question. For me, it's generally the sound and rythm. The lyrics...well, it depends on the kind of songs. I absolutely don't care about the lyrics when i listen to Despacito or Dance monkey gor example, but it 's more important when I listen to Before you go. Lyrics give more power to a song in my opinion and will make it last longer, but first thing is the sound and vibe

loonylovesgood

It’s honestly melodies and vibe for me. If the lyrics are good, it’s a definite bonus but I can usually tune them out if the overall melody/tune is catchy. I know you don’t like Heat Waves but I honestly love the vibe of that song, so I can ignore the repetitive nature of it. I think I gravitate towards songs that are a bit dark and moody. 🤔

Cas

First is the vibe and melody. If I don't connect with that, I don't even want to try to listen to the lyrics. Then, if the lyrics appeal to me the connection becomes emotional. Production is something I was frankly unaware of before I started watching your channel. I honestly don't listen close enough to hear all the details of production like you do. So, as long as production services the vibe, I am good. Voice for me is only a little relevant. If it is unique without being grating it helps me appreciate the song on first listen. I don't think there is a single answer to this question though. This is just me.

AnovaSig

When lyrics have smart metaphors, I have to keep listening to the song because it usually resonates on how I connect to the situation or feelings being described. But I also like some absolute garbage lyrics because…vibes.

BellatrixBerghult

I want either to not be able to not dance or the sound really has to grab my insides. I love all over goosebumps or just spazzing out! Example for you, your song Own You, I am completely taken over when it comes on. On the other side of it, that song Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli just... Wow.

Becky Lorion

I need lyrics that really strike something in me, like being able to relate to them from a past experience or what I’m feeling/going through currently. A good melody follows the lyrics for me.

Courtney Walker

I look for different aspects of song depending on what mood I'm going for. I like thoughtful lyrics for days when I want to slow down and just chill. Other days, I want a song that has dance-ability to it to get my pumped up and ready to face the day. Most of my playlists are a compilation of everything - every genre, decade, and mood/tone. But the most important to me tends to be vibe (if the beat hits right and the melodies are on point).

Karmas05

Since I realise that the singers of the songs I most listen have similar voices, I would say that the most important for me it's the voice. But also vibe and lyrics are really important.

Bookdragon 43

For me lyrics are the most important , when I am listening to a song. If the lyrics speak to me, I will definitely add it to my playlists.

Dorie

I go for the vibe and the melody and there has to be something about at least some of the lyrics that has to catch my attention. I definitely prefer a more raw/gritty/dirty sound. I love a voice that delivers the lyrics in a way that makes you feel something.

Expired Coupon

I think familiarity is probably the biggest draw for me: the genre, “the millennial whoop”, sing-a-long ability or dance-a-long ability, melody, bpm, relatable lyrics, the “mere exposure effect”…these are just a few of the variables that will undoubtedly put a new-to-me song into my listening rotation. If I give a song a listen and it’s just a cacophony of sound to my brain— because it’s unfamiliar, different, or “foreign” to my ears— then I’m not going to like it much or be excited to hear it again.

Sofie G

I'll answer the opposite of your question; Things that will eliminate any chance of a song making it to my faves list: 1) if it takes to long to get started. Long quiet intros is just dead air to me and I can't have that ruining my listening session (same for long outros). 2) if there's toooooo much instrumental break in the middle. 3) if the music is not hella catchy OR emotionally fulfilling on its own - I need to vibe to it regardless of the lyrics. 4) the lyrics are less important to me (I usually mishear them anyway), but they can't be terrible either. Rhyming the same words over and over is lazy and I won't stand for it! 5) I prefer it when the title has some relation to the lyrics, or I can't remember the song from the title. As much as I enjoy Fall Out Boy, their long strange titles drive me nuts. 6) if there's an annoying instrumental sound insisting it's the best thing ever and I don't agree with it=instant death of song. 7) lyrics that are SO specific I can't apply them to ME in any way. If you write a song for 1 person and 1 person only, that person better be me or I won't care, sorry. 8) production needs to be pleasant for headphone listening. 9) is the voice is not to my liking, there's no saving a song.... 10) songs that are too long in general don't tend to make it to my list. 4mins+ is somehow just too long in 2022.

Helga 🦊

Lyrics are first, tone of voice is second, melody and vibe/mood of the song are the last but not least. For example, Labrinth “Jealous”…I like that song a lot but can’t listen to it often (lyrics are great, vibe and melody are right on spot, but tone of the voice/way of pronunciation isn’t my favourite). I hope it makes at least some sense 😅

Sugary Magnolia

It really depends on the mood I'm in. Or the mood I want to be in. It's hard to pick a genre or a specific part of music that is essential for it to become a thing for me. I do like interesting new things but tend to stick with old familiars. Music and memories are tied together and can bring up a lot of emotion. But sometimes a ridiculous mmbop is just what I need in the moment. It's like at the end of the day, I'm just comfortable in my worn out sweats and bare feet playing the same life tracks I've been playing for decades. I don't think I'd be a good or a happy musician, because thinking about the logistics and analyzing each part of a song takes the joy out of it. That's just me though. I do find joy in the logistics and analysis of my own passions though, so I can see why that is more important to others.

Kat

This is tooough. I'm pretty big on lyrics first, but if the vocals are poorly produced (or just plain boring) I probably won't listen to it often. I do really love production, but for me its a matter of having interesting production more than "clean" production. Don't get me wrong, I like the super clean stuff too, but sometimes I really fun melodic line can just MAKE a song for me. Idk. It really depends on the song, I guess.... vibe is a good answer too. Like, the feeling it induces. This is not helpful. Lol. Sorry

Luna

Interesting that most people find the lyrics so important. There are songs where the lyrics are also important to me, or exactly what creates the connection to the song for me. But that happens very rarely. For me, the instrumental comes first. For example, if one of my favorite genres such as nu metal/rockish, drum'n'bass or certain types of synthwave is used and implemented well, the voice follows closely. If the voice sucks, the song's ruined. But if it fits together, there's a good chance it'll make my list. Then comes the melody for me and then the lyrics. How good the production has to be always depends on the genre and the specific song. But sometimes personal connection is also an indicator of whether I like a song. If I were to hear Lil Pitchy's music that's been released so far on the radio, I probably wouldn't find it particularly noteworthy because it mostly doesn't fit my usual taste in music. But by associating them with you, it's much easier for me to like them more and more. And it's certainly the same with songs by artists I've liked a lot before. (but doesn't always work)

Sugary Magnolia

As far as a new or unheard song piquing my interest, a beautiful and/or unique voice will do it. That will at least make me listen, then the lyrics get their chance to make an impression. A long or boring intro will usually earn a skip. A flat repetitive melody will make me lose interest before the song is over.

Stephanie Bruso

What really pulled me in MCR is the lyrics. Also Gerard Way is an unrated singer. Good lyrics, good singer. The Black Parade album tells a very important story and I love hearing the story over and over. Taylor Swift can tell a story very well as well. There is one song I don’t like by her and that “The Last Time” (Taylor’s version). Her voice with Gary’s does not blend well. Swifties are in love with Folklore. It’s because of the lyrics. I’m thinking of “artist” I don’t like and I can’t stand Olivia Rodrigo. She can’t sing and her lyrics are super childish. LYRICS are so important. “The End” lyrics “if you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see you can find out first hand what it’s like to be me” that made me want to listen to more of the album. MCR even said in an interview that does bring people in and they are right. MRC has some beautiful music and cords like in “Disenchanted.” Omg that guitar is so beautiful in the background. MCR made a note (G) famous. That is power. Gerard Way’s vocals in “Famous Last Words” are insane.

Cas
>>96332802

Never try to listen to American Pie then Sof!

Shiny

The thing that distinguishes a song I will continue to listen to to one I might enjoy but never think of again is lyrics that connect with me, a good beat and interesting melody. Having said that sometimes there’s just something l can’t put my finger on, like the intro to ‘super massive black hole’ by muse that makes me feel things.

CK DeP

Imo I feel like your music is the most honest, truthful, informative, inspirational , interesting lyrics and messages, for example your song "Own You" or "We Don't Wanna Know" "Do You Think Of Me" "it Kills Me" "Until I Have You" & many other of your music has seen mostly good or bads of relationships or past selfs, I love that idea , message of those stories that you put into you music. For aswell as JAX , her music is very moving ,some very heartbreaking, emotionally touching, but others are like very dance vibes , very like yeah I own this type vibe! Like "Victoria's Secret" - absolutely agree with her story telling thru that song & as like you've said when you reacted to the song/flash mob dance video w Jonas & August. & her others songs like "90's Kids" Which is souper nostalgic for me coz I grew up in 90s so she practically had lots of 90's vibes , beat wise , lyrics like "take a hit me one more time like Britney B****" - in reference to Britney Spears' song either it's Britney B**** or either for Hit Me Baby One More Time. Either way very cool how she had that idea to create an song, story of things for us 90's kids and those Tamagotchi's too!! For "Like My Father" - it's from her childhood and for her family her parents as what she would like for dads to treat their moms or wife's,etc. Very emotional, but indeed very interesting, unique storytelling vibes, lyrics, very moving! (Ya know if of course you enjoy that kind of stuff lol)😂 & Panic! At The Disco - their music has made millions , etc. Wprldwide copies and their still going! Even tho w/ due to pandemic& all they've been working on their new album & it came out of this year & bam sold out Tour less than a week. Sure they went on an "hiatus break" for awhile , no albums, no touring , etc. & for along while it really just was Brendon Urie himself, he was doing many other things like writing or co-writing songs for his friends, former friends, bandmates , other artist, etc. Doing lots of interviews, Twitch streams, talking more on his medias thru his fans , etc. Doing 'solo' music on his own until his band came 'together' again after pandemic,etc. Then directing some music videos or cameos for magazines or such content presses. & here we are with the new Panic! At The Disco's - Viva Las Vengeance album. (Don't know if you've heard their single 'Viva Las Vengeance' off their album or have done an reaction/review on each track on their album, if not, I have seen many peeps on your Twitch streams talking about it , including me too lol if you would do an reaction/review on each track by track on Panic! At The Disco's Viva Las Vengeance album) (NOT at all forcing you to do it but just giving you some info & idea for it if of course it comes up maybe as a video suggestions/idea, etc.) Ummmm. I think for now that's all I can say/think if coz my brain be tired & all. 😂 & of course if you do see, read this also. I think that my mind, brain have been on a 4 day weekend for too long and it's only been two whole days since it lol haha got 2 more days then it's back to crazy work on Monday all over again ughhh, my stress, anxiety levels can't even focus or something while at my crazy work job but I get paid every other week so I shouldn't complain to much haha right! Hope ya had an amazing, nice Thanksgiving (if you did/do clebrate it of course) @Roomie

Andrea mills

If the song gets me tapping my toes to it or bopping my head, it's got me. Lyrics are important but they can mean different to each person, so sometimes you want the words to come across one way but might not come out that way in the end. I guess it's always going to be a throw a dart type of experience. But have to say I seem to love anything you put out, you have a way with words Joel.

Jessistache_73

I think the vibe of a song is really important, but then lyrics can also make or break a song. Example, I really like the Sam Smith song "Unholy" but the lyrics are too offputting for me. I can't fully enjoy the song because of it's lyrics. Then sometimes the lyrics don't matter at all to me. For example, Lorem Ipsum (Arctic Anthem) by Anamanaguchi has lyrics, but what makes that song special to me is the ambiance and music itself. It's a stellar song, really. But I'm sure there is way more that goes into making a song that I don't understand at all haha great question, Joel!

Calize

Pretty much what you said: vibe, melodies, vocals. Maybe vocals first for me. If I don’t like a vocal (like on most Coldplay songs) no what how great the music is, is will not end up in my playlist. I only listen to the lyrics once I like a song so I guess that’s not as important in the end.

Brandt

Short term is melody, I got to find the melody to hum a long too. But to continue listening to it and possibly for it to live on for me it needs to have good lyrics. Or at least the lyrics can’t be bad. Of course there are exceptions, where I have listened to a song and not liked it but then it has grown on me. Production don’t really matter, the melody is the key either way.

Juniper loo

I'm more a sound over lyrics person. The songs I gravitate towards most tend to have a good beat or vibe. A dirty bassline or distorted guitar is gonna give me that sweet dopamine hit lol. With pop music it's more a catchy beat and melodies. Vocals can make a difference, like too whiney or weird vocals can annoy me. On the other hand I can like almost any song with relatable lyrics. If the lyrics kinda blend in with the music then I can ignore bad lyrics, but if it's too in your face then it's off-putting. Dunno if I'm making sense, I'm clearly not a songwriter lol

Lebuwi

I think lyrics and voice go first for me, I kind of need to relate to it and second is vibe and anything that gives my brain dopamine. So a good drop, surprising changes in the melodys or different layers help a lot with it. I still listen to my favorite bands to date and most of the modern things are good for one or two month then never listen to it again😅

Jen 🦙

Over time, I’ve become a lyric person then beat person. If I can’t find relatability in the words then I’ll just switch off. That said, I’ll automatically feel my body vibing to 80s style music and pop punk subconsciously so I guess if a beat is nostalgic to me I’m more likely to get into it? 😅

JustSomeJK

Good & interesting voice and what kind of soundscape that song creates in my mind, strong beat, beautiful melody. Sometimes it can be even some small note, that hits the sweet spot, that can make me obsessed about a song. And attitude in lyrics or certain voice to bring the dirt or surprise. But what becomes most important thing to me in a song is the lyrics, those need to be relatable or to make me feel something and that can be anything. If the singer feels the lyrics him-/herself it most likely transfers to the listeners. If talking about only dance music, then the lyrics don't weight much at all. I'm looking forward to hearing what kind of songs you have come up with, I have liked the lyrics on your previous songs a lot 🙂

Gayle

Lyrics are important, agree with where the overall song takes you while listening. I do agree also that if you, the artist, doesn't have the right vibe to grab you. That empowers your very emotional memory.....we as listeners will fall flat. We all desire the song that tugs at our emotions. Music, the arts about emotions. That is the unique aspect of all....how it brings us in. I'm glad for your unique insights, Joel. Not trying to make you cringe or butter you up. There is really a different feel to all your music. Most pop and popular songs feel and sound(to me) somewhat similar and most is boring. I can sometimes figure out the words or melody from first time hearing it. I haven't been able to do this with anything you have produced. Sorry, if these sounds like I put you on a pedestal..... please, don't get too big an ego. Please, relax and let the muse inspire you. Love you and please, take care of yourself.

Ave Castruita

I guess for me its emotion, I mean the way a singer delivers (does it make sense?), vibe would be second and probably lyrics... when I like a song in a foreing language immediately look it up to understand... if it's bad, it might kill my love for a song.

Lisa Jasperson

Basically everything you said actually ☀️🎶

N. wondering

I like to "dance or sing it out". For that I need singable and relatable lyrics (sometimes one relatable line is enough) and danceable music (but I am not into "dance music"). A song needs to have a little bit of drama.

Melissa Rogers

Melody, beat, tempo/vibe throughout the song. Tonality and relatability of vocals and lyrics. Is the song fairly easy to sing along to (at least with the chorus) during the first or second listen?! I’ve never recorded myself singing, but I’ve pretty much been singing (totally unprofessionally and untrained) since I learned to talk. I’ve tried to (somewhat) train myself by singing with my favorite singers for decades…let’s just say that Imma bit older than you, dear senpai. So, if I can sing with the artist, and I enjoy and can relate to the song/music; then, most likely I’ll put it on Repeat or into one of my playlists. I hope that what we’re all saying helps you, Joel.