Artist ~ Jim Hoye
Song ~ "Lovers Moon"
Date posted ~ 2-Mar
Link ~ http://artists.mp3s.com/artist_song/2137/2137018.html
Judge ~ Doogle
Score ~ 6
Comment ~ Critique – This is a difficult one to judge, and I agree with many of the sentiments stated by
the other judges. The song does have a real charm, whether this would be improved or not by
a better production is debatable. John Shuttleworth would be proud though.
Judge ~ Paul Ward
Score ~ 5
Comment ~ quirky but catchy tune that sounds like the velvet underground doing a childrens song, alright
but not a keeper 5/10
Judge ~ Bobbio
Score ~ 4
Comment ~ Critique: Randy Newman-like...predictable
Judge ~ Jimmyz
Score ~ 6.5
Comment ~ Judge (JimmyZ) Comments: Great lyrics with a story line. Song structure builds up to chorus. I
could hear other instruments (in my mind) that would enhance the overall song, like strings and
such but in a pop way - so with that said, I am imagining what it could sound like and feel it
could have good potential.
Judge ~ Iggy
Score ~ 5
Comment ~ Poorly produced with strained vocals and yet this song stayed in my head for hours. "The
Moon" that's all I kept humming. Nice change to what I think was the bridge but not quite sure
where the chorus was. Lyrics were poetic and well written, however a bit too dramatic.
Judge ~ Tim Walton
Score ~ 5
Comment ~ The percussion is annoying. The lyrics are tight and the story is well told, though the subject
matter is a bit tired. The song suffers from it's production quality.
Judge ~ Nancy G.
Score ~ 3
Comment ~ This song doesn't come together for me. It is too
busy. I can't hear your words well enough. Sound is not smooth. It is hard on the listener. The
lyrics are good, just need some clarity to get the
message across.
Judge ~ Tim Nemeth
Score ~ 5
Comment ~ Seems a little too much is going on...verses a little repetive
Judge ~ Hazelglow
Score ~ 2
Comment ~ Unfortunately the quality of production/performance and arrangement are a real distraction. I’m
not saying these elements need to be intricately written nor brilliantly performed to show a
song off, but they do need to be up to a level where they are at least competent and
inoffensive otherwise they can seriously hinder the listener from being able to hear what
potential there might be in the song you’re trying to present. Perhaps though, what I’m actually
revealing here is a shortcoming in me as a judge! The overall topic/theme of this song needs to
have something interesting/different to say – as it stands it doesn’t say anything much lyrically
or musically. There are already an endless number of songs with sentiments like this about the
moon – it’s been done do death - so you’ve picked a very hard task!
Judge ~ Todd
Score ~ 6
Comment ~ Critique: After much discussion on the forum, I took a different aspect to listening to Jim's
productions. I thought to myself "which artists could I Imagine playing this tune?" and the
answer was quite a few. It has a mexi-cali feel to it that I could see a number of groups, from
Willie Nelson to Los Lobos pulling off with great effect. The main weakness to the song however
is the bridge, in which the timing is off; This can be corrected with the right phrasing, but is
integral to the judging of the song, in my opinion. The ideas are solid on the rest, however, and
I hope you continue to develop the idea. The lyrics are great.
Judge ~ Melina/Christina
Score ~ 6.5
Comment ~ Critique: I hear this song more like a wedding song to dance to. It might be quite good
performed by a crooner in Dean Martin's style. There's potential.
Judge ~ Alex
Score ~ 6
Comment ~ From a purely songwriting perspective, this song has merit.
From a production & performance standpoint it was not up to par even by home recording
standards. I must admit though that I don’t like MIDI music a whole lot. I may not be a good
and fair judge for this style of composing.