Broadjam Artist: Randal Dunkle
Song: This Old Cross
Reviewer: The Bitter Elegance
Positive Comments: I can instantly sing back your chorus, which is not only important, but the highest compliment I can give a songwriter.This is a good worship song, and I can see it being used as part of a ministry to great affect. The vocal sounds heartfelt and sincere, and the singer has good pitch and delivery. A few tweaks (listed below) and I think the market appeal could be improved greatly.
Constructive Comments: I think that what keeps this song from being a complete home run, is the lack of unique rhythmic structure in the verse melodies. I do understand that praise music needs to have a sing-song sensibility, but all of the great worship songs that come to mind share this detail – the verse (or release) is phrased in a way that sets it apart from the chorus.As for the arrangement, I think a simple piano/vocal would be more effective and timeless – you don’t need the other instruments and they clutter up the beauty of your very direct melodic hook.