Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting by Jimmy Webb Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting
Book Review: Comprehensive but stuffy
Summary: 3 Stars
I found the material on lyrics and music analysis dry and uninvolving - Webb's construction/deconstruction of the song PROBLEM CHILD is pedantic, and the laundry lists of song types and industry personages are unnecessary and redundant - but we can cut him some slack because he's trying very hard to cover a lot of ground. The most enjoyable part of the book for me was the last two chapters, which quote a lot of OTHER famous songwriters as they travel the road from fame to obsolesence/obscurity (along with Mr. Webb!) THIS material is engaging and worthwhile, as it humanizes the songwriter persona.Book Review: Well written but narrow view
Summary: 3 Stars
Ok so the guy's had some hits, but does that entitle him to classify some rhymes as "Wrong" and others as "Mistakes"? There's quite a bit of contradiction when he lays down what he believes are correct rhymes then gives a Goffin/King song as an example of Master songwriting on the next page that is full of the very "mistakes" he claims make songs amateurish. The rhymes he would like to see (ie true rhymes like cat, mat, sat etc) are precisely the ones I try to avoid in my own songs as they sound over used and too neat. I prefer (like many songwriters!)half rhymes and words that sound similiar. OK so I haven't sold as many records but I doubt that this is why... Having said all that, the book is very well written and he does have alot of very helpful stuff to impart. I suppose it was just his blanket right/wrong approach that annoyed me as this is the sort of attitude that makes any artform stand still and stagnate.Book Review: Songwriters resource.
Summary: 5 Stars
Jimmy Web talks about the music business and his career but he also gives plenty of valuable songwriting tips. I especially liked the sections on matching words to music and chord substitutions. He also comments that the popular music of today doesn't swing or rock, it pulses. Very insightful. I recommend this book to composers and songwriters.Book Review: GREAT READING
Summary: 5 Stars
Found this book to be both inspiring and informational. Having known Jimmy remotely after sale of some lyrics I grew more interested in his genius. His trials and triumphs are a heartwarming piece of his complex puzzle persona. He obviously has "THE GIFT" that A higher power intended him to cultivate.Book Review: TUNESMITH IS THE BEST ON THE SUBJECT
Summary: 5 Stars
Having finished reading several books recently on songwriting I feel somewhat qualified to comment on this subject. Jimmy Webb has done an exemplary job revealing the thought processes that transpire in the mind of a brilliant writer. His grasp of the English language, superior intellect and humble viewpoint kept me riveted from one chapter to the next. I recommend very highly this book to any aspiring songwriter or researcher interested in the serious business of songwriting. Great job, Jimmy.