A-b-c... is easy as 1-2-3... Review on Tips on Rating a Music Album

Assigning a number, stars or a label to someone's work is a tough task. For starters, it takes a lot of thought to understand what the creator was trying to convey or what the creator was thinking. Then there is the need to gauge the quality of the work. Finally, there's YOUR perception.

It takes me three listens atleast to register an entire musical album in my head. Once that part is over, its easy to give a fairly decent rating to a record.

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The Psyxx Factors

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I. You need to understand the genre

Its very easy to be biased just because you like or dislike the genre or style of music that the album contains. If I hate rap, its natural that I give it a lower rating than a rock n roll record. Genre based bias gives you tunnel vision so get rid of that first.

So Factor 1: Stick to styles you know if you have low tolerance for other styles.

II. The Originality factor

Years ago I heard this Giorgio Moroder LP called FROM HERE TO ETERNITY. He used a lot of synthesizers including a Moog(which is rather cool). It sounded pretty original and refreshing at the time. When you are given a chance to experience a whole new sound, it automatically pushes the albums value up.

Everyone has 12 musical notes to make songs with. So there might be similarities here and there. When you gauge originality, just free your mind and go with your instincts.

Factor 2: Check for originality

III. Make Love To My Ears

Alternate title for perverts: use of instruments

If the alternate title also didnt work: How the darn music sounds.

Recorded sound has a purpose. It has to tantalize and invoke a wide range of emotions in the listener. The use of instrumental passages and space is the key to great sounds and one of the most decisive factors. If the music sounds good, great. If the music sounds great, good job. If the music is AWESOME, full marks!

Factor 3: Listen to the melody, the rhythm and the overall blend. If it sounds good, it IS good.

IV. The Vocals

Well, if its an instrumental album, skip this. If you hear someone singing, then close your eyes, cut everything else out, and LISTEN! See how the person manipulates the air around them to create smooth sounds using only their voice boxes. From shrieks to  sensual sounds feel the voice. And most of all, feel the emotion behind the voice.

If the voice failed to cause a stir within, then its a demerit. You knock off a star or two because bad vocals can drag good music down.

Factor 4: Feel the voice. and if the voice has feel and the music complements it. the album is a hit.

V. The Encore factor

This one's easy. Just ask yourself'Am I going to listen to this album end to end sometime soon?'. If the answer is yes, the record is going to end up with a real good rating.

One such album has been The Joshua Tree by U2. I must have heard that record over a 1000 times atleast.

Factor 5: RHV - Repeated Hearing Value

VI. The Psyxth Factor

Continuity! Listen to The Wall or The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd. Song 1 to Song last. there is a thread that binds them together. Listen to Madonna's Ray Of Light. every song fits in perfectly like the pieces of the same jigsaw puzzle.

To me. an album that has a central theme and songs that do great justice to the theme, is the ultimate album.

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The rest of the factors

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A good music album is like a night of lovemaking(now I'll get into trouble for that one). Its got to give you a sense of fulfilment - of satisfaction. It should be a rewarding experience. A record thats the SLAM BAM THANK YOU MAAM kind of thing is only out there to take your money. Its a one night stand that will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Sorry if that paragraph seemed like it was laced with innuendo. I couldnt find a better example.

A good album should have good production values. Quality of recording, mixing etc. should be real good. Take the case of the Metallica classic And Justice For All.. Its an INCREDIBLE album but it suffers from poor production values. The album was powerful enough to pull through and win the race but in most cases poor production values kill a record.

Finally, check the product packaging and the sleeve art and information. Although there are instances where a good package can bear a bad product. people who are passionate about their work will spare no expense or effort to make sure that its packaged well.

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My Rating Checklist

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1. Originality - Yes / No

   
   




2. Instrumental bits - Good / Bad

   
   




3. Vocals - Good / Bad

   
   




4. Repeat Value - Yes / No

   
   




5. Production Value - Good / Bad

   
   

Give a star for every Yes and Good you get. Although this isnt fool proof, it's a safe bet.

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An Example

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Album: 1942 - a love story

Originality - Yes

Instrumental Bits - Good

Vocals - Good

Repeat Value - Yes

Production Value - Good

Its a FIVE STAR record.

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Final Say

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Reviewing Music is an area that many fear to tread. Its something that needs a lot of trial and error. Your ears are your best ally in this task so make sure you use them well. Listen to everything you can whether you like it or not. listening is one of the greatest gifts that the Maker gave us.

Follow your instinct. let instinct be your guide.

~finis~