I Know It's True- Judges Critique

Contest:	Winter 2005
Title:	I KNOW IT'S TRUE
Author's):	Edward M. Williams
Result:	3rd Place

Judge’s Score Sheet
Category	Score	Notes
Emotional Impact	1 2 3 4 5	The potential for a strong impact is there when you address the other issues
Hook	1 2 3 4 5	Hook is really, "if I just believe it"
Originality	1 2 3 4 5	Very clichéd
Appeal	1 2 3 4 5	Potential for wide appeal if the emotional impact is made stronger
Focus	1 2 3 4 5	See notes in judge's comments
Phrasing/Cadence	1 2 3 4 5	Very good, I can 'hear' the song and feel the emotion of the artist
Form	1 2 3 4 5	Form is great. Everything flows
TOTAL SCORE	18

Judges Comments

"I Know It's True" has a strong rhythm and blues feel to it. I can tell there is already a melody from the way the words flow. A good artist and great melody will do a lot to cover up the weakness of the lyrics, but I would encourage the writer to take this lyric to the next level. While a few cliché's are okay, there is nearly one in every line and it takes away from the song. The verses lack strong focus (changes from heaven, to love, to fighting the current, to 'make the most of time') and my recommendation is to narrow down the ideas you are trying to convey. At this stage, it's time to really look deep within yourself to find the words to make this original and fresh and I know it's there within you.

You have a great structure...nothing much to improve on song form - I love the changes in line lengths in the verses - they flow like water and the two-line R&B hook fits the type of song I think you are going for...it just doesn't quite tie in the verses because you jumped around too much. With a great melody, great phrasing/cadence and great form, you're halfway there to making this lyric a real heart-grabber.

Judge’s Critique

Judge’s Score Sheet