Writing a Good Review
From KDHX Production
Contents
Overview
Writing a good review requires imagination, wit, analysis and honesty. The goal is not to hype or promote the artist, nor to harass or destroy them. The goal is to write well about music.
This Wiki focuses on the basic principles involved in writing about music, whether for a Live at KDHX article, a concert review, an interview or any other type of article.
Some Tips
The Lede
- The lede (the first paragraph) should draw the reader in with a clever line, a powerful image, a controversial (but defensible) assertion, an original observation, or just a great sentence. It should also be concise with no more than 30 words.
The Body Text
- Include brief and accurate biographical information that is relevant to the review. If an artist is less known, more biography may be necessary, but should never exceed 4-5 sentences.
- Double-check all facts and spelling of song titles and names used in the article.
- Discuss both the sound of the songs and any existing lyrics. Solely focusing on one or the other will not provide a complete picture for the reader.
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and support those points where relevant.
- A good review will avoid obvious cliches like pounding drums, scorching guitar, killer solo, unique voice, interesting lyrics, catchy hooks, pop goodness, etc.
- Try to convey the emotion and musical content of the performance. The review should make the reader see, feel and all hear the performance through the written word.
- Be descriptive and analytical, rather than just throw out a recommendation. Never use phrases like “This performance didn't disappointed," or "this band is sure to please," or anything similar.
- A standard piece should be approximately 300-500 words, but a longer length is fine.
Notes on style
- Focus on describing the band’s sound and style, rather than hyping or promoting them.
- Use metaphors and images to convey the sound. A creative comparison can be both evocative and entertaining for your readers.
- Keep exclamation points and cliches to a minimum.
- Generally speaking, avoid the first person (I, we).
- Be attentive to your adjectives. Keep them fresh and relevant. Avoid overused modifiers like interesting, unique, perfect, emotional, soulful etc. The word very can almost always be cut.
- Use active verbs. Do not rely on passive voice or "to be" verbs (is, are, was, were, etc.).
- When you have completed a satisfying draft, read the piece out loud, listening to the language. Revise to improve any awkward or unclear phrases.
- Avoid unnecessary repetition.
- Please review the Wiki article on KDHX online writing style.
- DO NOT plagiarize! If you rely on outside sources like an online biography, press releases or Wiki pages, you must never merely rephrase or rehash -- let alone copy verbatim -- that material. Please review our Plagiarism and syndication information for policy clarification.
