Review Format

For those of you who missed the update on the old version of the site, we have changed our review format. Rather than making you go back to the old site to figure out how albums are rated, I copied the post below. In addition to the post below, we will be breaking down reviews alphabetically into 4 groups (A-F, G-L, M-R, and S-Z) so that you can find your favorite bands with ease. Over time, we may expand this method, but for now, it will suffice.

In the past there has been little explanation of what our reviews are based upon and our scale was based on the traditional 90% or higher - A, 80-89% - B, 70-79% - C, 60-69% - D, 59% or less - F. Any reviews that have a % out 100% are past reviews using the old format.

The new format, described below, will give more explanation of how albums are critiqued and expose the strengths and weaknesses of each band. The new system will result in much lower scores in general, but will allow the truly special albums to set themselves apart from the average release.

As a bit of a twist, we have included a category in which we predict the band’s future. In the past 5 years we have spotlighted some bands that have had huge success and others that have flamed out. This is where you will get our personal opinion of each band’s future.

7 categories totaling 100 points:

• Musicianship - 15 points
• Lyrics - 15 points
• Vocals - 15 points
• Songwriting/Flow - 15 points
• Impact/Creativity - 15 points
• “Now” Factor - 15 points
• Future/Prediction - 10 points

Definitions and scale explanation:

• Musicianship – the band’s talent/technical ability.
  
• 15 – All members are experienced musicians and talent is unmatched.
• 12.5 – Members have above average talent.
• 10 – Members have average talent.
• 7.5 – Most members have average talent.
• 5 – Below average talent.
• 2.5 – Hobby? Garage Band?


• Lyrics – songwriter’s ability to convey the band’s message/express feelings.
  
• 15 – Unique, meaningful, and unmatched.
• 12.5 – Strong, meaningful.
• 10 – Mainstream, somewhat impersonal.
• 7.5 – Generic.
• 5 – Pointless, erratic.
• 2.5 – Jokes?


• Vocals – ability to deliver lyrics with clarity, range, and key
  
• 15 – Unique, flawless, crisp, and clear.
• 12.5 – Strong, powerful.
• 10 – Good all-around.
• 7.5 – Adequate, some flaws.
• 5 – Off-key or muffled.
• 2.5 – Incomprehensible


• Songwriting/Flow – the melody of the songs. Does everything fit together?
  
• 15 – Songs are perfect. Could not be composed better.
• 12.5 – Arrangements are strong and tight.
• 10 – Most of the album consistent.
• 7.5 – Middle of road. Some songs are good, some are bad.
• 5 – Songs could use work.
• 2.5 – Album should be re-written.


• Impact/Creativity – Where is this album compared to everything else and past releases?
  
• 15 – Genre defining, groundbreaking.
• 12.5 – Unique and strong.
• 10 – Stands out from the pack, but nothing extraordinary.
• 7.5 – Similar to other bands.
• 5 – Carbon copy. Same “equation.”
• 2.5 – Regression.


• “Now” Factor – How will this affect your music collection?
  
• 15 – Top of the list. Instant classic.
• 12.5 – Regular rotation.
• 10 – Great for road trips.
• 7.5 – It’s easy to find.
• 5 – Once in a while.
• 2.5 – Put in on the shelf and forget about it.


• Future/Prediction – Where is this band heading?
  
• 10 – Huge success. Arena tour? TRL?
• 8 – Expanding fan base. Radio play.
• 6 – Headlining tour.
• 4 – Generating buzz.
• 2 – Will continue to fly under the radar.
• 1 – Break-up imminent.