This is a campy, corny, and cliche Christmas song that I wrote in HookTheory. I would appreciate any type of feedback. Any critiques and suggestions for improvement are welcome. I, by no means, think it’s perfect. There’s lots of room for improvement. I could enhance it using other software (that I’m less familiar with but have access to), but for now, I am interested in optimizing it in HookTheory. I am open to collaborations and sharing the file if someone wanted to modify the sounds or alter the melody / lyrics. Anyway, at the link below, the song is a hyperballad version of my original song and kind of gives off theatrical performance show tune vibes. And one more thing, I don’t understand why more people aren’t sharing their creations? Am I posting in the wrong place? I guess it’s a personal and sometimes a private thing - not to mention that many users on here are presumably just getting started. I suppose that I’m slightly above average in terms of having prior skill and experience. I have definitely seen some HookTheory works associated with pop songs that much more advanced and sophisticated than mine. With that said, suggestions are welcome from everyone of all skill levels. Thanks!
Nice chorus, that’s solid songwriting. My biggest criticism would be the lack of contrast between the verse and chorus.
This is obviously subjective and some people would likely disagree with me here, but I personally think adjacent sections in a song shouldn’t start on the same chord, especially if it’s the tonic chord. The chorus is very catchy and works really well on its own, but in the context of this song it feels rather stale, especially since you’ve already used that exact same progression during the verse. That being said, there have been plenty of hit songs throughout the decades that managed to make repetetive chord progressions work.
Regardless of whether or not you are going to stick to the current composition, you need to create more contrast in the arrangement. Switch up some instruments, use different patterns, maybe even add some elements on top. With a song like this you not only want the chorus to feel fresh, you also want it to feel “bigger” than the verse, so either ramp up the intensity for chorus or tone the verse down a little.
Thank you so much for the feedback. I really appreciate this critique because you have given me some fundamental concepts that will help me improve my songwriting / composition in the future. I definitely understand what you what you mean about there needing more contrast between the choruses and verses.
Beforehand, I had thought about altering the tempo and/or making a key change. This is something that I have not figured out how to do in HookPad within a sing song file, but I’m sure I could figure it out if one is able to do so. When I imagine someone singing it, I do imagine much more intensity in the chorus. I also included some contrast between the first and second choruses in terms of the added syncopation in the melody, and if you enjoy it, the instrumental helps to break things up a bit too. I also thought about changing the melody of the second “I will find you” part of the chorus but maybe that’s not a good idea. As for your specific suggestions, I agree changing the chord progressions and layering in some instruments and extra vocals could freshen things up a bit.
Although I went through the HookTheory tutorials and learned about different popular chord progressions, I haven’t had to much experience composing with less common ones. Perhaps I can pick out a few that I like and sound out a similar melody from there. As far as whether or not I start on a tonic chord in the chorus like I currently use for the verses, I will definitely try out some progressions that don’t begin on a tonic chord to test out the dynamic effect it could potentially bring. I am curious to learn how the song changes when I try.
With that said, I have two questions. Do you think its better and/or easier to keep the verse chord progressions the same and change the chorus ones as you suggested or would it be equally fine to keep the chorus chord progressions the same while altering the progressions in the verses? And finally, oops, I forgot the second question, which was more important. Shoot! If it comes back to me, I will post it.
@khlaytone84_khlayPop I love this song! Very nice songwriting. I love in your verse how you start off with I - V - I - V, and then later you “expand” the chord progression with the vi - IV - V, it makes that vi chord much more effective when it comes which makes it feel very well-rounded and professional. I like it so much I think you should leave it the way it is!
If you’re looking for ways to substitute chords in your chorus, I would recommend you take a look at Hookpad’s Magic Chord. Highlight a chord you’d like to change and click on “Magic”
This can give you alternative options for certain chords in your progression. Just swapping out a couple of chords can preserve the main feel of your song but can diversify the chord progression to keep its momentum going. Here’s an example:
Yes, using the “Magic” option could facilitate the process! The starting and end progressions were made by ear, but I didn’t note the significance of their effect. I suppose it can be used as a tool before expanding to 4 chord progressions (i.e. I-vi-IV-V). By the way, I love what you did with the first chorus. I love those substitutions! They are subtle but it really helps the song, I think.
I absolutely love the I6 chord for ghosts!!! I may opt for ii7 followed by V7 instead of ii and V, but not sure - I keep going back and forth. Maybe ii and V7 is better. I also think your changes help the transition to the instrumental section. Thank you!!!