Just Parameters for Knowing the Merits of Sound:
What follows is my first entry into a series where I create music reviews via music analysis. With this entry, I intend to outline the overall characteristics of sound that are consistent in music regardless of genre using this acronym: SMRHG.
The five factors of musical expression are sound, melody, rhythm, harmony and growth. These are the components that combine in artful ways producing what we call music. Lets look at each one individually.
Sound- The timbre or quality of the sound that makes one know the instrumentation or how electronically processed a certain track is.
Melody- This is the catchy hook or “earwormy" sequence of frequencies/pitches that become the memorable aspect of a particular song or composition.
Rhythm- This factor is the embodiment of the dance of music or what makes one want to tap your foot or clap your hands, etc. Rhythm is a primal aspect of music making.
Harmony- Harmony is the chordal development or stacking of frequencies/pitches. Harmony is the tonal characteristics of a song or composition that allows the progression of the song’s structure. Harmony follows rules of tonality, and those rules are based on where the ear naturally wishes a certain sound to resolve.
Growth- Growth is the way a song develops over time. This aspect of musical analysis is more ambiguous than other facets. Think “big picture” here. Growth is the way a song is organized through time.
Beyond SMRHG, I’m interested in understanding how certain songs become excellent or even timeless. Brainstorming now, I think some of the aspects of music that cause them to be adored as “classics,” “excellent,” or “timeless” are innovation, replay value, and how culturally relevant the piece is when it’s released. In other words, a great song innovates and stands out, becomes more enjoyable with age, and accurately depicts what it feels like to be alive at the time it is released.
By taking on this task of reviewing music based on the commonalities all music shares, I hope to add a bit of objective perspective to taste, and though taste is subjective, I hope my appraisals, as well as the curation choices I make, will influence the way you listen to music. If I do my job well, perhaps you will be able to listen to and appreciate music with greater depth.
What facets of music do you look for in an excellent piece of music? Have I forgotten anything? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!
