Novice writer, Springsteen album review

1867IE

Hi all,

Didn't even realise there was such an area in boards, cool.

I have always had an interest in writing, took an evening recently an composed this album review. Have tried sending it to a few publications but to no avail.

Anyone wants to use it or publish it, let me know!!

ToasterSparks

You know the very first thing I see when I open the PDF? A spelling mistake. That's game over as regards having it considered for publication. If you can't double-check your spellings to make sure they're right, then you won't ever get anything published. Music and movie reviews are very common freelance pieces and the competition would be very strong (not sure how many 70's albums get reviewed though). Spelling errors are a big no-no. Your mistake? Joe Fraizer is wrong - it should be Joe Frazier. Also, clockwise doesn't need a hyphen in it.

I'm no expert on music reviews or Springsteen, but it was an interesting piece. There were some things you should remember for next time though. Firstly, the first paragraph was a little long and meandering. Maybe if you made short, snappier lines it would be better. Or scrap the first paragraph altogether.

Secondly, a lot of your review was too personal. Do readers really want to know about your vinyl, about your concert experience? That's less a review and more of a fan's homage to The Boss. It makes me feel your review is a little more biased too. Both the third-last and second-last paragraphs should be changed IMO.

Still, I liked the vibe of the piece, so well done. Some changes would make it great for publishing.

1867IE

That's great, constructive criticism, many thanks! And that's not sarcasm!

Ya agreed, it is biased and I say that in the piece.

Still, much appreciated......anyone else care to have a go?!

Mr E

Thats a damn good read. Held my attention until the end.

I actually liked the personal side of it. Beats the hell out of a track-by-track breakdown.

Good job.

1867IE

Mr E wrote: »

Thats a damn good read. Held my attention until the end.

I actually liked the personal side of it. Beats the hell out of a track-by-track breakdown.

Good job.

Thanks Mr. E! Ya, I didn't want a track by track breakdown, very boring!

Much appreciated, keep the eyes peeled for a publication opportunity!

davyjose

Ahh, i remember driving across the midwest of America with this album in the CD player, a few years back. Bliss. Fantastic album, alright.

TBH, this comes across more as a article of fan worship than an actual review. But it's written quite well (a few clumsy lines here and there, particularly at the beginning). It held my attention, and (had I not already been a pretty big fan of the Boss) would have definitely drawn me to the album.

This would be great, as i said, in a fanzine, or a Springsteen website, but there's a bit too much passion, and opinion here to be a review. in a review, you need to bring the reader to the point where they can make up their own mind about an album, but no further.

But definitely an enjoyable read. Keep going with writing these reviews, and you'll soon learn to refine them into something a little sharper and impartial.

Have a go at tunnel of Love (my favourite Boss album)

1867IE

Thanks Davy, noted!

Much appreciated. Yeah, maybe review is the wrong word here.