How to write a music review?

Learning to write a review is a matter of learning how to formulate your opinion into a readable and systematic account of your experiences with a product. This article will teach you how to write a music review.

Dont think as a fan

While it is acceptable to write about a band that you have long been a fan of, it is important to remember that your opinion will be biased, whether you mean for it to be or not. For example, if you are a fan of Belle & Sebastian's music, and decide to write a review of their latest album, you must be prepared to look beyond your own bias. If the album is weaker than their previous attempts, you are far more likely to be disappointed and write an unfairly negative review. The same can be said If the album exceeds your expectations. As a fan of the band, you will write a review which is too positive.

Back Catalogue

Comparison
Listen to any previous albums the band may have produced as a means of comparing their older work with the new production. If a band has no previous work in the form of a back catalog, research bands that the artists may have been influenced by, giving you a basis with which to compare the album.

Listen again

An album may not grab your attention the moment you first listen to it, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t a good piece of music.
Be attentive
Listen to the album more than once, over a period of one week. The album may grow on you as you begin to discover more about it, or hear things that you may have missed the first time you listened. Remember to give each album a fair chance.

Formulating your Opinions

Once you have listened to the album, it is time to form your opinions about what you have heard.
Independence The most important thing to realise is that you must not be influenced by anything other than the album or music itself.
Do not allow your prejudices or desire to conform to peers to alter your opinion of a piece of music. For example, if you are into Heavy Rock, but are asked to review a Pop music album, do not be afraid to say you enjoyed it if you actually did.

Writing the Review

A music review should be an entertaining, informative and enjoyable article which clearly describes the album's music and any strengths or weaknesses the band shows in its latest work, as well as your opinion of the album as a whole. Stick to the facts and give your honest opinion. People will respect your reviews much more if you do this.