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Thank you, Bob, for 5-starring "Ride the Wave." Anyone who has heard your songs (and they should!) will know that you know what songwriting is about and your compliments and insights are very meaningful! Thank you, sir! John
My pleasure John.
Hi Donny, Thanks for a kind review of Dance Hall Of Dreams. It's getting on in years but was written in the days I managed a theatre and ballroom. The ballroom still had tea dances some afternoons and the song was inspired by a very elegant couple, well in their 80's, who were still clearly devoted to each other and who's lives had revolved (no pun intended) around the ballroom. One of the high points of my life was when I performed it during an afternoon concert in the theatre to an audience "of a certain age" who really took it to their hearts. Wonderful memories! Thanks again, Bob
Hi Barry, Many thanks for a kind review of Homesick, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Bob
My pleasure, a good tune.... keep creating!!!
Thank you.
Hi Rex, Thank you for awarding Drifting 5 stars, much appreciated. Just had a quick listen to a couple of your tracks and am much impressed, especially as you do everything yourself. That's the way I like to do things also. Good luck, Bob
Bob, thanks for the listens. Always enjoy auditing your stuff. -- I need to do more listening overall, too many distractions here, life can get crazy. Opportunity should improve soon tho, changing circumstances. Stay well and creative, sir! 'Rex'
Thank you, and you as well.
Hi Catnip, Many thanks for your kind review of Going To Church, it's much appreciated. Great to see how well your songs are doing, good luck. Cheers, Bob
You must be doing this as a regular job David! Yep, me again. The Drawing Room was an experiment really, it was just something that came to me when improvising away at the keyboard. I'm not a pianist, but a guitar player who uses the keyboards to provide backings, so I was cuffing the piano playing - a lot. Again, I'm not an arranger so just had a stab at it to see what I could do. By and large I was pleased with this as it was towards the limit of my ability - and it's had a great response one way or another. So, considering I was so far out of my comfort zone, I'm pleased with the review. Many thanks, again! Bob
Bob, I get your point, I'm not a keyboard player either and experiment is part of the process. Most of the time when playing the keyboard, I have to drastically reduce the tempo while recording in order to be able to play what I have in mind. Don't take my 2 cents too much to heart. You know how music is a question of taste mostly.
Reviewing my music is becoming a full time job for you David! Thanks for the kind review of Caledonia, very much appreciated. I did find the comment "It sounds more like a love song (without vocals) than a soundtrack to my ears though" surprising, this has never crossed my mind. I have turned two of my instrumentals into vocals over the years but it never crossed my mind with this one. Still, it takes all sorts........! Thanks again, Bob
Lol Bob, I wish I could do it as a regular job :)
I've probably got enough material to keep you busy for about half a day!!
Hi All, Thanks for a generous review of We Have Been Young, much appreciated. Bob
And again David - you must have done something awful in a previous life?! Is no one else putting instrumentals on Bjam?! Seriously, thank you for reviewing Thomas's Theme and for your valid comments. I may well rehash this at some stage and will keep your thoughts in mind. Cheers, Bob
Hi Ante, Thanks for your kind review of Ireland's Eye, your comments are much appreciated. Cheers, Bob
Hi Shelly, Having been on the receiving end of a Bob Juch diatribe disguised as a review, I couldn't help but notice that you were clearly upset by his review of Country In Chicago. So I had a listen to your song and checked out his supposedly "positive" comment in the review section. For him to be so arrogant as to say there was nothing about your song that he liked was one of the most arrogant comments I've seen in my time on Broadjam. Mr Juch was similarly dismissive of my song and, whilst I've been in this game long enough that I really don't care, more sensitive songwriters and people just starting out could feel very differently. I have tried to explain to him that the whole point of peer reviews is to encourage fellow Bjammers through constructive, feedback, even if there is a need to be critical. I'm not sure he's heard the phrase "if you've nothing nice to say, say nothing"?! He seems to think we are after empty platitudes but I, for one, rely on genuine feedback so that I actually gain from the review process. We all get so close to our songs we actually stop hearing them after a while, so other people's views can be incredibly useful. By the same token, I won't tell someone their song is great if I don't think it is, but I will try to be kind and will try to be constructive. But, in this case, you have a guy who seems to think he's head and shoulders above the rest of us and uses reviews to make judgements, rather than to provide thoughtful advice, guidance and encouragement. Hopefully, he'll learn from the responses he's just received from me and several of my friends, but I'm not convinced he will. Please don't be put off by this incredibly negative and pompous attitude, carry on writing good songs with original ideas and, most importantly, enjoy producing music. Reviews are there to help but you are the one in charge and can choose to ignore them if you so wish. Good luck with your projects, Bob
Thank you for your support. I probably should not have responded to him like I did. Now I know it is just not me...lol I try to find the good in everyone's songs. We all know the hard work and emotions that go into them. Thanks for looking out for me. Also, I am all for constructive criticism too, makes us a better writer. Sometimes hearing a song I may not be a fan of, ends up being a huge hit. Go figure 🤣
Also, that is cool about your song and Queen Elizabeth. I just loved her. Have watched The Crown on Netflix all the way through at least 3 times.
Thanks Shelly. Yes it was a thrill to be involved in such a prestigious project and to get quality recognition. The Song was to be sung in all the commonwealth countries as they lit beacons. What a feather in the cap for the chosen lyricist. Good luck Bob
That's a coincidence Barry, I've just sent you a message! Thank you for a great review of The Moonlight. Much appreciated, Bob
You got me again David! Thanks for a kind review of Drifting, it's much appreciated. Bob
You're welcome !
Hi Again David, Thanks for your useful review of Remember Last Summer, the instrumental version, it's much appreciated. It was a bit of a filler really as I was struggling with a vocal but coincidentally have only recently posted a vocal version on Bjam. Thanks again, Bob
Well now Bob, Thank you for reviewing True Friend even if it was an incredibly negative affair, in all respects. I'm not sure you quite understand that the point of a review is to try and assist your fellow songwriters in producing the best they can? Personally, I don't really mind whether you like the song or not, I'm long enough in the tooth not to be bothered by that. I also continuously ask for feedback from fellow Bjammers and expect both good and bad, otherwise I'm not making best use of the site. However, if I were someone new to this business, I might not be encouraged to be told: "The lyrics are pretty trite" or "The theme is "It'll get better." That's not what someone who's depressed wants to hear." Firstly, what do they want to hear, that it's all going to get worse? And secondly, check out the cliches in That Was Your Last Second Chance by Bob Juch before you go wading in to other people's hard work and inspiration - I picked that at random by the way, there may be others?. Reviews come with responsibility and consequences Bob. If you are only able to criticise without also providing support and encouragement to fellow Broadjam members, you are going to have a rough ride on here. It's not a question of saying everything is rosy when it isn't, it's question of being constructive, not destructive, whilst respecting the fact that none of us, including you, are hit song writers but can learn much from each other. As for my British singing voice, that doesn't decide the genre of a song, that's in the writing, instrumentation, arrangement and production. I've managed to do very nicely in the Broadjam Country charts over the years, often being the only Brit amongst some damned good US songwriters. I suggest we start again Bob. Regards, Bob
Who the hell are you Bob? Are you a paying member or a plant, Robert? Bob Bentley is a quality writer. Period. Listening to your work leads me to believe you aren't. Warren (look me up, I look forward to a review!
Bob, two things come to mind. First, the reason Bob Bentley, Warren Hein, Shelly Lee, and others are great songwriters is because they write from the grit and stuff of life's experiences, things that you may not be comfortable with, things that matter, perhaps the joys you forgot about. Their songs are not surface, they have richness and meaning. The second thing is that they can write great melodies that are unique and memorable. They know how to write a hit. I heard some of your songs. The melodies carry through well but are somewhat monochromatic meanderings that would be okay as album cuts, but nothing I would consider a single. Perhaps you're jealous?
I have a problem with people giving platitudes to others who are in a bad way. "True Friend" hit my trigger. The music was great; I don't like the lyrics. Since I can't comment on the song itself, here's my review of "I'm Taking Care of Me": Since I can't add it to your song, here's my review of "I'm Taking Care of Me" The song clearly conveys its message--taking care of oneself after a heartbreak. It's a powerful narrative of moving on and learning from the past. The verses and the outro reinforce the central theme well. The bridge is a turning point in the story, indicating a shift in perspective. The rhyme scheme is straightforward but could be more engaging. A slightly more complex rhyme scheme could add another layer of sophistication to the song. Verse 1: The lines "That smile you hid behind / I thought I knew from other guys" could be more specific to evoke stronger emotions or images. For example: "That crooked smile you always wore / I've seen it on some hearts I tore." Verse 2: The line "I cried but those tears washed me clean" is strong but could be more poetic. For example: "I cried, but tears became my stream." Bridge: The imagery in the bridge is good but could be improved by being more vivid. For example: "What a joke, you leaned for a kiss / I dodged away, you swung and missed." Verse 3: The line "But no expensive sessions" could clarify what "sessions" means, such as therapy sessions or something else. For example: "But no pricey therapy." The song could benefit from a compelling instrumental or melodic bridge to accompany the lyrical bridge. This could serve as a musical metaphor for the transformation the singer is undergoing. Use dynamic variations to emphasize emotional points. For example, a softer instrumental section during the bridge could heighten the drama. Varying the vocal delivery between verses could add interest. Maybe the first verse is soft and reflective, the second is angrier, and the third is confident and optimistic. The outro repetition of "I'm taking care of me" is empowering but could become even more impactful with a background chorus or vocal harmony to underline the sentiment.
John Walradt, if you read my bio, you will see I'm a poet turned songwriter. The lyrics are the most important thing to me. I tell stories. I was a decent musician, but my hands are too crippled now. I tell the musicians what chords I want and give them performance notes, but the rest is up to them. Some of the songs I uploaded are the first ones I created. Three of the subsequent ones are currently in multiple Top Ten lists here. There's no jealousy going on. You say, "They write from the grit and stuff of life's experiences, things that you may not be comfortable with, things that matter." If you listened to my songs, you would have seen that's exactly what I do, even though I use a female singer.
Hi Bob, I've been writing poetry literally since 4th grade. My songs are a total picture, similar to each of our lives. Your lyrical suggestions are frankly awkward and do nothing to improve the song, which again is a painting of an entire story. One either likes the "pictures" painted or not. But like a well crafted song or "painting", one can't rewrite or paint over a well crafted work. But I appreciate you listening, I have many more. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts. Warren
I invest in fine art that I wouldn't ever hang on the walls of my house. De gustibus non est disputandum.
Well that's all sorted then. You haven't read my comment Bob. I don't expect platitudes and I don't really care whether you like my song, or not. What I do care about is people who are seemingly unable to be encouraging and constructive. BTW, if you liked the music you might just have found something more positive to say than "The mix is good"? I'm grateful to my friends for rallying around but I fear we're all wasting our time. Good luck.
Being a melody person, not a poet but a storyteller, I'd have to say that words and music work together to create and express the emotional content of a song that gives it a deeper human meaning. Aside from all else, I'm honestly sorry of the condition of your hands. I wish that age didn't come with maladies and deteriorations. But the creative spirit in us won't be stopped! I do agree with Bob Bentley on what we are here for at Broadjam. With that I'll stop here. Best to you.
I just uploaded three new songs. Please check them out.
Thanks for another great review Steve. Rolling On is one of the few songs of my own that I feel I got about right, so your very positive review is more than welcome. Cheers, Bob
Thanks also for the stars. Bob
Hi, Many thanks for your review of Kingdom, much appreciated. Good luck with your projects, Bob
Hi Phil, Many thanks for the stars for Remember Last Summer, I'm very grateful. Cheers, Bob
Hi Michael, Many thanks for the stars on Remember Last Summer, always appreciated. Had a listen to some more of your songs and really enjoyed them. Wherever you get your demos recorded, they do a great job. Good luck, Bob
Many thanks Bob, much appreciated.
Hi Barry, Many thanks for the stars for Remember Last Summer, greatly appreciated. Bob
Hi Chet, Many thanks for the stars for Remember Last Summer, much appreciated. Bob
Hi Randal, many thanks for the stars on Remember Last Summer, very much appreciated. Bob
Your welcome Bob, great professional sounding song!
Hi Warren Many thanks for the stars and comments for Remember Last Summer. Keep well, Bob
Hi John, Many thanks for a great review and stars for Remember Last Summer, much appreciated. Good idea about the orchestra coming in, might just give that a go!? Cheers, Bob
Nothing seems to be working for me on this PC now. All mail in my mailbox goes blank when I try to hear song. When I went back to review your new song Bob, the mail edition was blank, would not play, nor does you photo appear!!!? Plus, the comment that I sent to you before this one, has disappeared. I give up...................
I'm going back to my Mac.....It's just that the PC is in one of computers in studio...
Hi Bob, I love your "Remember Last Summer"! Beautiful sentiment and brings memories to so many of us, "the way we were". Hope you and family are all well. I have had a lot of trouble with this site vs Google Chrome. No music files would work, (all of a sudden!), so I've uninstalled it several times, and now on Bing, and was able to bring everything back up. I've been wresting with this for over a week! Hard to believe that we are so close to September, once again, and looking forward to autumn! "Talk" to you later! Cyndi
HI Cyn, Thanks for the comments, and your perseverance! Glad you liked the song. Lots of people have had problems with the BJ site recently. It's very poor and has had major glitches since they modernized it. Keep well Bob
Thanks for the update Bob. I miss the last version of BJ; so much easier to navigate and, less issues!
👍👍
Hey Cyndi, Try moving over to BRAVE browser...it is all I use now....plus, Safari, too... Brave is very good..... Chet Nichols
cyn who? Corkran?
I will try Brave Chet Thanks So Much!!! catnip=+=
Hi Patrick, Yes, Corkran:) Hope all is well with you!
I've been using the Brave browser for a long time now, is far better than most, and less invasive. This Bjam site is still full of problems nonetheless, some I've reported. By far the worst aspect is the mail system. Try following a mail message conversation - the sent folder doesn't even tell you who each message was sent to! Not good.
Hi Bob, You send comments out with a song and an evaluation page included. How do you attach those to the comment? Thanks ~Phil
I might have to go through the motions to remind myself. I think it's when you message people, attach a song link the system then asks you if you want to attach an evaluation sheet. Give that a test. Meanwhile I'll give it a trial. Bob
I have not shared any of my songs in over as year. Here is my newest one, a short instrumental called "Acryllic". https://www.broadjam.com/artists/so ngs.php?artistID=126883&mediaID=797 116
Hi Phil, Attaching songs and review sheets does not work in this "comments" section. However, if you message people using the Bjam mail app, you have the option to add a link to music, pic, etc. at the bottom. If you attach music, you get the review sheet option. Hope that helps, Bob
And thanks for the stars for We Have Been Young, very much appreciated. I hope you're managing to get your songs and review sheets out and about? Bob
Hi Jeana, Thank you for the stars for Thomas's Theme, always much appreciated. Bob
Bob-You are quite welcome. It's a beautiful tune.
You seem to be making that #1 spot on BJ Earth your very own John. Well done and thanks you for the stars for Thomas's Theme, much appreciated. Stay out of that sun and keep cool sir. Bob
You've done a beautiful job with "Thomas's Theme," Bob. It has an epic striving feel and rendered in the way Mark Knopfler does his instrumentals.
Glad you like it John, thanks for the feedback. Bob