How to write an album review
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This document provides instructions for writing an album review in 3 steps: listen to the full album, research the artist and album, then write the review addressing the artist's background, impressions of songs, an overall rating, and concluding comments. The review introduction should name the artist and album, describe the music type, and provide overall impressions. The body should discuss the artist's history, song meanings and lyrics, unique elements, and comparisons to other works.
How to write an album review
- 1. How to write an album review Christopher Baker Music in Context www.musicstudentinfo.com
- 2. Album Review How To
- 3. Instructions Directions: While listening to your chosen Album use the following outline to help you prepare to write a review. You may not need to address all of the suggested topics or questions, but use them as prompts in order to write an informative review.
- 5. Love • Write about what you LOVE! • Pick one of your favorite albums to write about. • It will make the process so much more enjoyable.
- 6. Listen to the Album in Full! Before writing Listen to the Album in Full
- 7. Album Review Take time! • Take time to listen! • Before writing, listen to the album from start to finish! • Jot down any impressions you have. • These ideas are your emotional responses. • How would you communicate the sound of the album in words? • The reader is interested in what the music means to YOU and why it moves YOU.
- 8. How to Album Review Introduction A. Name of musician/band B. Name of song/CD C. Type of music D. Overall impressions
- 9. Album Review How to Musician or Band Background A. List of participating musicians and instruments used B. Background • How long have they been around? • Are they well known in the music scene? C. Previously released CDs or songs D. How does this CD or song compare to others by this group or artist?
- 10. Album Review How to Song/CD • Explain the meaning of the song or CD • Quote some lyrics • Explain how the song is a reflection of the musician or band
- 11. Album Review How to Impressions and Opinions A. Impressions after thorough listening (justify your opinion) B. Unique elements of the song or CD C. Comparison to another band, song, or artist
- 12. Album Review How to Overall rating and final comments A. Rate on a scale of 1-10 B. Will fans be happy or disappointed? C. Concluding comments
- 13. Summary In a nutshell
- 14. Album Reviewing in a Nutshell • Make your opinion known up front! • Within the first few sentences, let your reader know why this album is worth listening to. • Research! Find out everything you can about the album. • Read about the artist and their influences. • Can you hear these influences in the music?
- 15. Album Reviewing in a Nutshell • What is the social context that the artist operates in? • Do you think this has made an impact on the artist's style? • The reader is interested in hearing your response to the album, but your review will be made even stronger with the support of outside research. • You don’t need to mention every song; instead, choose a couple of examples to back up your point. • Consider: Lyrics, Rhythm, Originality, Sequence of songs, Comparison to past albums
- 16. Album Review How to