Month: December 2016

Broadjam Artist: Jeff Maguire
Song: Last Free Man In America

Reviewer: Black Diamonds

Positive Comments: The song sounds like a country hit to me. The guitar was nice, and I liked the transition into the chorus. The vocal pitch seemed right on, admittedly I’m no expert. The message of the last free man in America is obviously super popular, right now, and it seems bashing welfare recipients, will never go out of style, so I think you have yourself a hit.

Constructive Comments: The drums could have had a little more bump, pop, and sizzle, but that was my only real complaint mix wise. It’s just the drum seemed in the back and needed to cut through a little more. Creativity wise, I felt like it was a concept that has been borrowed, more than once, but I think this particular genre is all about sticking to traditions.

Broadjam Artist: The Cram’s
Song: The Long Goodbye

Reviewer: Black Diamonds

Positive Comments: Wow. Really great track! Clever, provocative, subtle and yet powerful. I love the Spanish guitar and beautiful sultry vocals. The mix was really great and the whole track sounded full, without being muddy. I feel like some of these tracks I’ve been reviewing are just too good for peer review, and belong in the professional review section.

Constructive Comments: The constructive criticism I would give is that I’m hearing this in the wrong section. I feel like it should all ready be in a movie, or getting reviewed by a professional, or getting alot of play. I would have skipped reviewing the song, but once I started listening, I wanted to hear the rest. I really enjoyed your track.

Broadjam Artist: Patrick E. Muth
Song: BEFORE THE WORLD STOPS SPINNIN!

Reviewer: Black Diamonds

Positive Comments: This song made me smile alot. It was really awesome, lighthearted, meaningful, and fun. I thought it sounded really professional. The arrangement was classic, and there was so much personality in the vocals. The backup vocals added even more character to the song, and the overall mix sounded awesome. I was impressed from the intro noises to the last hat.

Constructive Comments: Constructive criticism, huh. I’d feel like Daniel Son trying to teach Maggi. I don’t create Chicago blues, so it just sounded really well done to me. Maybe if I’d have listened to more of this genre, I could be more helpful, but to me it honestly sounded just like what I have heard in the movies. Really nice work!

Broadjam Artist: KCKeys
Song: About Face (Be Saved)

Reviewer: Black Diamonds

Positive Comments: I liked the clarity of your message. The whole song really seemed to act as a medium to get out a message, that you needed to share. The message was universal to Christianity, and thus was completely appropriate, considering it was Christian Rock. The arrangement was unique, at least to me, so points for creativity.

Constructive Comments: The overall sound quality lacked, in my opinion. It seemed like the voice was either clipping, distorting, or being effected by other instruments. The mix of all of the elements became muddy. The lead instrument seemed to jump a bit much, especially in the transitions. I think volume adjustments and a better mix would help out alot.

Broadjam Artist: Chet Nichols
Song: Gloria, It’s Going To Be A Great Day (#1 New Age-Religious)

Reviewer: Paul Winter

Positive Comments: This is a uplifting song of celebration. I like the guitar. The melody is simple but catchy. The style is original. This would be a great song to cheer you up in the morning with it’s positive message. I like the quality of the vocal. Lot’s of musical interest in the backing instruments.

Constructive Comments: The more I listen to it the more I like this song.

Broadjam Artist: Julia Schmidt
Song: Raindrops are tears (by Diana Rasmussen)

Reviewer: Paul Winter

Positive Comments: I really like the vocals. There are some interesting effects used in the backing which give colour to the music, although at times I felt they could have been toned down. I would definitely listen to more music from this artist. I like the idea behind the lyrics.

Constructive Comments: There seems to be some distortion in the intro, but I’m not sure if that’s intentional or not.

Broadjam Artist: Keith Burgess
Song: Rivers Of Faith

Reviewer: Paul Winter

Positive Comments: This is an instrumental piece. I really like the the rhythm and beat of this piece of music. The instruments are played well. Although the idea is simple, it does seem to stick in your head. It is very original.

Constructive Comments: As it stands, it is a little long and in my opinion it could do with shortening. It could also do with more instruments to add interest to the piece. At times I thought it was going somewhere but it seemed to have got stuck. I think those piece has a lot of potential with a bit more work.

Broadjam Artist: Glenda Jackson
Song: Out of the Darkness Into His Marvelous Light

Reviewer: Paul Winter

Positive Comments: A good praise song which I think would work well in a worship setting and can imagine it being sung by a large congregation. The lyric is simple but meaningful. I like the bridge and the chorus is catchy. The music has a good rock feel to it.

Constructive Comments: The electric guitar overwhelms the vocal in places. Maybe the vocals could do with beefing up a bit so the guitar doesn’t overwhelm them. The harmonies could be brought forward more. Maybe the bridge could start quieter with less instruments and gradually be increased in volume.

Broadjam Artist: Greg Lambert
Song: Song of Peace

Reviewer: Paul Winter

Positive Comments: I like the concept behind this song. Great lyrics and a interesting melody which sticks in your head. I like the mix of instruments which is simple but effective. I like the build up at the beginning. The harmonies in the chorus work well. The singer has a great quality to his voice.

Constructive Comments: I really like the arrangement and can’t really think of anyway to improve what is a great song. Maybe a instrumental break could be added.

Broadjam Artist: Kate Carpenter
Song: Colossians 2: 9-10

Reviewer: Paul Winter

Positive Comments: This is a nice worship song that is suitable for congregational singing. It would work well in a worship service. It could do with some more verses. I got the sense of worship from the vocals.

Constructive Comments: Some more verses would help. Also it may be possible to do more with the vocal arrangement to add interest. The whole song could be repeated, which is what I’d imagine would happen if it was being used in a worship service.