clavier: What's your reviewing philosophy?

Confessed2005 08.10.19	When I analyse an album I consider a few things. It's prevalence in the genre, whether it has made an impression me/if it is a grower, it's dynamics, musical structure. It is very dependent on the mood I'm in. Since age 10 I've always like things like grunge/nu-metal/thrash but as I progressed and matured I developed a love for things like emo/skramz, progressive metal/rock, hip-hop (which I have always really liked) so at the end of a long day when I choose to come on sput, or even early hours of a dismal morning when I feel creative, I will always think about it before typing.
DoofDoof 08.10.19	My first consideration is 'can I make a weak pun in the review summary?'
Confessed2005 08.10.19	hahaha that's cool doof.
fogza 08.10.19	Nowadays, the most important consideration is whether it already has a review. 'Caus then mine is automatically the best one.
BlushfulHippocrene 08.10.19	Try to latch onto something particular about the album that makes it interesting and colours the entire work. Done treating reviews like promo, I think -- that should be a side effect, the discussion is more important.
Aerisavion 08.10.19	“the most important consideration is whether it already has a review.” Admittedly this does play its part. Finding the motivation to write a “secondary review” to an already better written review kinda feels meh.
BlushfulHippocrene 08.10.19	Secondary reviews are heaps good, I think, although, yeah, probably a tad discouraging -- the best ones offer an alternate perspective and/or try to engage with the criticisms of the first review (and reviews of the album in general). Heaps, heaps good!!! Also, then, there's less of an expectation to worry about having to describe the sound in too great a detail or having to "set the scene" or whatever. Can get straight to the point.
SandwichBubble 08.10.19	Speak softly and carry a big stick.
Funeralopolis 08.10.19	My starting point is to always consider the most generic possible album in the band's genre and essentially show what the band does different or interesting.
Sowing 08.10.19	Honestly I just write what's on my mind, usually pretty freeform, and then figure out a score once the review is complete.
dwightfryed 08.10.19	Usually I try to come up with a few main points that are most important in why I like it / don't like it. Start with those, and then build a review from there.
botulist 08.10.19	quill, parchment, methamphetamine
Frippertronics 08.10.19	generally go for an overview on the making of a record, historical bits if it's for older material new stuff, i'm generally at a loss as to what to write about until i stumble upon ideas. it used to come a lot more easier but it's gotten harder
Trebor. 08.10.19	piss people off
brainmelter 08.10.19	each album merits its own context in approach but usually it’s just if I have a lot to say about it.
fogza 08.10.19	Seriously though, I'm often surprised how many times I read the lyrics aren't important. To me if there are lyrics, the artist should at least strive for benign if that's not a strength, so yeah it figures in.
PunchforPunch 08.10.19	to not write for a dead website with expired copyright
Storm In A Teacup 08.10.19	write a bunch of random thoughts, wait 6 months or a year, then reorganize random thoughts into barely passable sentences = review.
rockandmetaljunkie 08.10.19	This is a cool question to ask. Personally, when i'm writing, my main concern is to analyze how an album sounds, trying to give as many details as possible. I want to persuade the reader why he/she should spend his valuable time listening to this, and even buying it. My second goal is to provide some "behind the scenes" or background information regarding the inception and recording of the album.
GhostB1rd 08.10.19	I rate solely based on how it sounds to me personally. I don't try to be "objective" like some people who actually go so far as to rate something one way for a review and another for his personal rates (LOOKING AT YOU SITAR). I don't care about lyrics at all they're there for their audial qualities. Don't care about technical ability, if it sounds like a tasty riff it doesn't have to be complex. If it's a simple vocal line to perform but it sounds angelic that's better than some opera wankery. The better it sounds, the higher the rating.
granitenotebook 08.11.19	Good question. I tend to focus on the context of the discography/genre, I am often tempted to get into the artists' personal lives too but I try to stay away from that unless there is verifiable information based on actual quotes they've given. I try to read interviews and just overall become an expert on the art I'm writing about, I think it's really important to give the reader a reason to care about reading your work beyond just agreeing with your taste, whether that's being informative or just providing a new angle.
dwightfryed 08.11.19	lyrics only matter if it sounds good.
GhandhiLion 08.11.19	First I consider if it's worth spending hour(s) planning a review.
Divaman 08.11.19	I try to write in a pretty straightforward manner, and actually tell my readers what the album sounds like, including some frames of comparison in case they weren't previously familiar with the artist.
rockandmetaljunkie 08.11.19	"First I consider if it's worth spending hour(s) planning a review" it really depends on how passionate you are
wham49 08.11.19	it has been a while since I bothered to review, but I try to give a what was happening in the history of the band and the feel of the album, which those 2 are usually intertwined, I give my opinion but leave the microreview for the listener
Nerdurosis 08.12.19	Honestly, I never had it in me to review an album. Just never felt compelled enough to sit down and churn out a well-constructed review. Not to mention, I feel like it would be an agonizing process because really, I have no clue how I would write a +2 long page review. I don't think I would have enough to write about.
BigHans 08.12.19	I don't review anymore, but when I did, I liked to talk about riffs and other things.
rockandmetaljunkie 08.12.19	^unless it is a new judas priest album
BigHans 08.12.19	lol true, but thats pushing a year and a half ago.
rockandmetaljunkie 08.12.19	it's been that long? fuck........
ramon. 08.13.19	write about phat 'n' stanky riffs intro paragraph three body paragraphs where i lose steam in the third conclusion favourite tracks summary is lower case lyrics from the record album recommendations are unrelated to the record best line in the review at the very start in case the band wants to share it but doesnt want to read it
SitarHero 08.13.19	"I rate solely based on" The title of this thread is "what's your REVIEWING philosophy", GhostB1rd.
GhostB1rd 08.13.19	Don't pretend you know how to read all of the sudden.
SitarHero 08.13.19	Don't ever change buddy.
GhostB1rd 08.13.19	Obviously.
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	I agree with Blush, creating a discussion is ideal. I'm not the best at provoking it with what I write, I'm a pretty stiff writer, but my main goal is usually just to generate a comments page for albums that deserve one. but in terms of what fills the white space, its usually just me playing off the vibe of the album while trying to be deliberate about what I'm writing. idk I guess I try to be as straightforward as possible cause it feels disingenuous to review an actual artist with super verbose writing on a B tier music website.
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	I also to capitalize my summaries
GhostB1rd 08.13.19	"B tier"? We should be so lucky.
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	theres definitely worse
GhostB1rd 08.13.19	Mr. Geriak is a well spoken, highly-regarded member of this here community.
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	^
GhostB1rd 08.13.19	"Hey! Hey Christopher! I fucked your MOM!"
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	thats the most devious thing ive ever read
GhostB1rd 08.13.19	Headline: Local "pro-life" man Christopher Geriak comes out in favor of elective abortion.
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	in a few hours my carrot is gonna be pointing at my comment and imma be calling it devious
clavier 08.13.19	this is an interesting level of discourse but i don't look forward to the inevitable confusing holes that will be left do you have a writing site sach, a shame that your reviews are ephemeral here
SitarHero 08.13.19	Beauty like that is not meant to last.
Gnocchi 08.13.19	Back on the original list topic: I think there's a whole range of criteria to be considered when reviewing music. And some of that criteria can and cannot work due to specifics of the music to be reviewed. For example; one would instantly dismiss a lyrical evaluation for instrumental pieces (jazz, classical, flamenco et al) while at the same time would consider the tone/wording of lyrics used in deeper contexts (i.e. Do the lyrics sound childish?/Are they helping relate the music to the listener?) Personally, I weigh things like first impressions, clarity, tone, balance, lasting impressions, over memorability, technical proficiency, genre/band similarities, comparisons to the same band's albums, riff/idea placement, general impact... I mean this list really goes on... Putting the review together however has a little more free-thought than piling all those mentioned above into it. I may sweep a few together, focus on a few key points, provide some examples to tie things together. I think the biggest point to make is whether or not you actually like the music (or parts of) and tie them in with some basic objectivity. There's also something to be said by being swayed by others' opinions (whether it's intended or not). After all a review is a personal opinion on whether you like something, even if you are trying to be objective and even with your views.
botulist 08.13.19	it always starts with whether the music speaks to you on a primal level. That’s the backbone. Then you flesh it out with technical aspects.
Typhoon24 08.13.19	Uhhh I start off with putting the album in its context considering when it came out and what the scene is...kinda starts off like a history lesson. Then I go to what makes the album special/or not and point out songs that must be heard or weaken the record (usually giving my two cents on why that might be the case) Then I try and estimate whom this album would appeal to, whether it appealed to me and whether it deserves a listen if it isn’t appealing on the first couple of spins
BigHans 08.13.19	it feels disingenuous to review an actual artist with super verbose writing on a B tier music website. ^ You call movies "films" I bet.
Slex 08.13.19	Gonna be honest, every single one of my reviews is completely a stream-of-thought one-shot deal
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	'You call movies "films" I bet' Only if they're digital
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	But I'm glad you fell for the satire of the sentence
SitarHero 08.13.19	I'm glad you fell for the satire of HIS sentence. It's a legendary double-satire.
TheSpaceMan 08.13.19	Oh shit
DungeonBoy 08.14.19	unrelenting hyperbolic bombardment
cvlts 08.14.19	I tend to only review albums from genres that I have somewhat of a working knowledge of. It allows me to make critical statements without talking out my ass nor coming off sounding like an uneducated dolt. Also, I try to write concise and brief. Most people on this website will only judge the album by the rating you give it (or look to argue with you over it), so I tend to just give a quick explanation as to why it's rated the way it is and move on. You can easily waste 1000 words on unnecessary prose.
Tb1114 08.14.19	First, I write reviews for albums without a review. Albums that I believe are important and merit a review - hence why I've never written a negative review. Second, over time I've come to prioritize the overall listening experience rather than a description of the sounds or a breakdown of the tracks. When I read someone else's review on an album I'm interested in, I'm looking for what feelings and sensations I'll come away from the album with. Not a track-by-track ranking or list of instruments used on what songs. Third, make it clear my reviews are just an opinion.
pizzamachine 08.14.19	I write reviews so I can write reviews
SherlockChris9021 08.25.19	I agree with Tb1114, writing a review for an album means that you recognize it as an important piece and that it deserves merit. A philosophy that I subconsciously followed which I did not realize it until I discovered most of my reviews are mostly positive. For my review philosophy, there are several criteria I also consider: (Which is quite similar to Nocte) What is the nature of the album? (If the album itself is purely instrumental or it has instrumental tracks, I would dismiss lyrical factors in the album or songs) Is songwriting in the album good? (For me, I liked lyrics that are thought-provoking, profound, approachable, creative and clarified.) Is the album diverse, both sonically and lyrically? (I believed that no one likes an album that is filled with redundant lyrics and themes, while albums with every song that sounded the same are simply plain no-no) Does it showcase the artist's creativity? (No one likes an artist who just simply make all the albums that sound just the same, or an album that lacks dynamics) And does it sound similar to other artists/bands? (A bit difficult, since it is hard to tell whether is it an homage or rip-off) How strong is the album's impact? (I usually give a 5 to albums that are seminal) I hardly focus on technical factors, since I'm not really a professional musician and that it is difficult to tell the technique they used, except when it is an instrumental album or it is a progressive/technical rock/metal album. I also would not consider much how memorable it is, because some album is excellent, but you might forget it within a few weeks, and some could be rather mediocre albums could be kept in your head for years. The first impression is not what I consider as well, because you might have more opinions after repeated listens. Finally, I would prefer to write reviews that are as concise as possible. I wrote long reviews when I joined this site, and since reduce the length of the reviews, though I might find myself writing long paragraphs. I would also recommend giving why this album is unique or how it attracts you since that could influence your feeling towards the album in the opening of the article. Make key points is also essential as well since listeners might not know what factors that make the album deserves such score. Definitely not recommend track-by-track review, since it might confuse your readers. Last but not least, try not to let the artist's behavior and reputation or your personal love towards the artist affect your judgment towards the record. I saw many shitty reviews and comments that are either mainly ranting about how bad the artist is or how godly the album was without any deep discussion.