Home-new-updated - Nashville Song Critique

How good is your song?

We can answer that.

“Until it's anonymous,
you'll never know it's the truth.”

Anonymity is Truth

What is success?

You define it.  Share your goal.  We’ll do our part to help.

A song or your talent might be great for one goal, but might be terrible for another.  We get it.

We are passionate and laser focused. When your song is 
reviewed, our Mentors give actionable feedback to assist in:

Your goal becomes ours. You set the standard. This is important!

Who are our Mentors?

We’re picky about our Mentors.

Our screening process is multi-layered.  We are songwriters and industry professionals that have established relationships with top-tier writers, producers and artists.

We look for specific traits including:

“It’s a journey, not a destination.”

Mentor Qualifications

Let’s be honest!  We are only able to offer you these top tier Mentors by keeping the review process anonymous.  Our Mentors are working professionals.  Some are touring, most are under contract and are handled by management firms.  Master Mentors aren’t doing this for the money.  They want to make a difference by sharing the lessons and experiences of their success.  They were where you are at one point!  

We do permit the Mentor to disclose their identity if they so choose. Mentors are aware that their voices might be recognized from time to time; however, our Mentors are bound by confidentiality agreements and may not reveal or discuss any critiques given on this site.

“Access chart – toppers
and award – winning
mentors now.”

Peer

Pro

Master

“Transcend as an artist by sharing and learning to ‘hear’ feedback.”

Resumes

Mentors have Grammy, ACM, ASCAP, Hall of Fame, and other recognitions.
 

Here are some of the artists they have worked with professionally!

Check back soon as we are adding additional genres to the menu!

Our reviewers have diverse experience in Country
Our reviewers have diverse experience in Country
Our reviewers have diverse experience in Country
Our reviewers have diverse experience in R&B

Awards

You want
street cred?

We are located in the heart of the songwriting capitol of the world on historic Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee.
Now there’s a way.
Get started today!
Award-winning chart-topping musicians and industry leaders are waiting to provide you with voice overdubbed reviews of your song now.

“Work with the best in the world. Now you can.”

Nashville is more than just Country – and we’re on FIRE!

So first, let’s get past the fact that Nashville is not just country. Do we specialize in it? Yes. Are we the best at it? Yes. Are we famous for it, yes! But… …did you know that most of your top artists from every genre have made a song or record in Nashville.

First, let’s get past the fact that Nashville is not just country music. 

Do we specialize in it? Yes

Are we famous for it? Yes! But…

…did you know that many of your top artists from every genre have made a song or record in Nashville?

Here’s just a few. Put your seatbelt on!

Jay-Z – He recorded his album “Magna Carta Holy Grail” in Nashville in 2013.

Drake – The rapper recorded parts of his album “Nothing Was the Same” in Nashville in 2013.

Childish Gambino – The rapper and actor recorded parts of his album “Because the Internet” in Nashville in 2013.

Lizzo – The singer and rapper recorded her album “Cuz I Love You” in Nashville in 2018.

Usher – The R&B singer recorded his album “Here I Stand” in Nashville in 2008.

Pharrell Williams – The singer and producer recorded parts of his album “G I R L” in Nashville in 2013.

Eminem – The rapper recorded parts of his album “Recovery” in Nashville in 2010.

Nelly – The rapper recorded his album “M.O.” in Nashville in 2013.

Justin Timberlake – The pop singer recorded his album “The 20/20 Experience” in Nashville in 2012.

Kesha – She recorded her third album, “Rainbow,” in Nashville in 2016.

Sheryl Crow – She has recorded several albums in Nashville, including “Feels Like Home” and “Threads.”

Cyndi Lauper – The pop singer recorded her album “Detour” in Nashville in 2016.

Bruno Mars – The pop singer recorded his album “Unorthodox Jukebox” in Nashville in 2012.

Elton John – The legendary singer-songwriter recorded his album “The Diving Board” in Nashville in 2012.

The Chainsmokers – The DJ duo recorded their hit song “Closer” in Nashville in 2016.

Diplo – The DJ and producer recorded parts of his album “Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley Chapter 1: Snake Oil” in Nashville in 2020.

Kaskade – The DJ and producer recorded his album “Atmosphere” in Nashville in 2013.

Zeds Dead – The Canadian electronic music duo recorded parts of their album “Northern Lights” in Nashville in 2016.

Kill the Noise – The DJ and producer recorded his album “Occult Classic” in Nashville in 2015.

Steve Aoki – The DJ and producer recorded his album “Neon Future II” in Nashville in 2015.

Big Gigantic – The electronic music duo recorded their album “Brighter Future” in Nashville in 2016.

Beyoncé – She recorded parts of her album “Lemonade” in Nashville in 2015.

Bruno Mars – The singer recorded his album “Unorthodox Jukebox” in Nashville in 2012.

Alicia Keys – The R&B singer recorded parts of her album “Here” in Nashville in 2016.

Justin Timberlake – The singer recorded his album “The 20/20 Experience” in Nashville in 2012.

Bob Dylan – He recorded several albums in Nashville in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including “Blonde on Blonde” and “Nashville Skyline.”

Paul McCartney – He recorded his album “Flaming Pie” in Nashville in 1997.

Steven Tyler – The lead singer of Aerosmith recorded his first solo album, “We’re All Somebody from Somewhere,” in Nashville in 2016.

Jack White – He is a rock musician who has recorded several albums in Nashville, including “Blunderbuss” and “Lazaretto.”

Alice Cooper – The shock rock icon recorded his album “Welcome 2 My Nightmare” in Nashville in 2011.

Megadeth – The heavy metal band recorded their album “Countdown to Extinction” in Nashville in 1992.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – The rock band recorded parts of their album “I’m With You” in Nashville in 2011.

The Black Keys – This rock band has recorded several albums in Nashville, including “El Camino” and “Turn Blue.”

Foo Fighters – The rock band has recorded several albums in Nashville, including “Sonic Highways” and “Medicine at Midnight.”

Kings of Leon – The alternative rock band, originally from Nashville, recorded their breakthrough album “Only by the Night” in the city.

The Black Crowes – The rock band recorded their album “Warpaint” in Nashville in 2007.

John Mellencamp – He recorded his album “No Better Than This” in Nashville in 2009.

Robert Plant – The former lead singer of Led Zeppelin recorded his album “Band of Joy” in Nashville in 2010.

Steven Curtis Chapman – He is a contemporary Christian music singer who has recorded many of his albums in Nashville.

Michael W. Smith – A renowned figure in contemporary Christian music, Michael W. Smith has recorded numerous albums in Nashville, integrating pop and rock elements with his spiritual messages.

Amy Grant – Known as the “Queen of Christian Pop,” Amy Grant has recorded many of her groundbreaking albums in Nashville, blending Christian gospel with a contemporary sound that has reached a wide audience.

CeCe Winans – A celebrated gospel artist, CeCe Winans has recorded several of her soulful and inspiring albums in Nashville, contributing to the city’s reputation as a center for gospel music.

Tony Bennett – The jazz singer recorded his album “Cheek to Cheek” with Lady Gaga in Nashville in 2014.

Diana Krall – This acclaimed jazz pianist and vocalist has recorded part of her music in Nashville, known for her smooth contralto vocals and strikingly emotive piano playing.

Norah Jones – Known for blending jazz with folk and pop, Norah Jones has also taken advantage of Nashville’s vibrant music scene for recording sessions, contributing to her soulful and eclectic sound.

Pat Metheny – The jazz guitarist and composer, recognized for his innovative approach to jazz guitar, has recorded projects in Nashville, tapping into the city’s rich pool of musical talent.

What do you get?

The NSC platform is easy to use and gives you options for every budget, experience level, and musical goal.

Have your song rated at an affordable price

Get feedback on the aspects of your song that you need from the right people

Your specific questions answered by the best of the best

Get actionable tips on how to improve your song

Go all the way with our 5 perspective comprehensive review package from best in class voice, lyric, song-craft, production, and marketing experts

Get the feedback the labels will give you with our commercial viability perspective.

Re-submit after improving your song in order to reach your rating goal

Get the feedback the labels will give you, without talking to the label

Submit, get feedback and improve your song until it reaches your rating goal

Go all the way and receive a 5 perspective comprehensive review from best in class voice, lyric, song-craft, production and marketing experts

Who uses us?

Read More

Beginning Songwriters

  • Assess your natural songwriting abilities and skills
  • Continuously review material as you better your craft
  • Apply music theory to your song
  • Build confidence in your material and writing ability
  • Learn if you have what it takes for a music career
  • Receive ideas on how to improve your song
  • Assess the marketability of your song
  • Get specific questions answered about your song or talent
  • Define realistic expectations for your material or talent
Read More

Pro Songwriters

  • Shape songs for target audiences
  • Obtain realistic direction for your career path
  • Access the high-point of song elements
  • Strengthen confidence in your material
  • Understand and enhance the marketability of a song
  • Obtain direction for your career path
  • Determine if a song is streaming, radio, award ready
  • Get an outside perspective and ideas for improvement
  • Green or red light songs for publishing or labels
Read More

Vocalists

  • Determine if the vocal a match for the song
  • Synopsis of performance and vocal quality
  • Suggestions to improve vocal technique and relatability
  • Feedback/Demonstrations for ad libs and harmonies
  • Suggestions on vocal style / approach to the song
  • Set expectations regarding a professional vocal career
  • Identify vocal opportunities
  • Answer specific questions about the vocal on the song or in general
  • Learn which audiences are suited for your vocal
Read More

Producers

  • Deep analysis of production style, elements, technique
  • Identify target audience and cross-over potential
  • Suggestions of commercial elements
  • Feedback on layers and possible additions/subtractions
  • Feedback on vocal production and song elements
  • Green or red light songs for publishing or labels
Read More

Publishers

  • Overall grade of song potential
  • Possible alternative production possibilities
  • Assessment of fit for current commercial trends
  • Feedback on quality, song arrangement, vocal production
  • Assessment of vocal styles that match the song
  • Define target audience and genre possibilities
Read More

Established Artists

  • Define realistic expectations for song potential
  • Green/Red light song for publisher or label
  • Determine if the song matches your established audience
  • Suggestions on modern trends to incorporate and expand audience
  • Advice on effective use of current marketing techniques
  • Access crossover potential
Read More

Labels

  • Obtain a general assessment of the song
  • Audience identification and appeal
  • Feedback on current musical trend opportunities
  • Analysis of artist performance and opportunities
  • Identify opportunities in the commercial marketing mix
  • Audience relatability assessment and suggestions
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Sample Reviews

So what’s a review like?

1 to 10 ratings from each Mentor’s perspective:

Your feedback will be each Mentor’s voice dubbed over your song, including pauses for deep dives.

Anonymous reviews are property of the artist and require several permissions to release.  Thank you for your patience as we release more.

Hear are some clips of our reviews. Press > to listen:

Displaying All

End of Your Watch

Reviewed By: #SpeaksInSong (Master)

Song-Craft
Country
00:00
Pretty

Reviewed By: #Handel (Pro)

Production
Country
00:00
End of Your Watch

Reviewed By: #WordWeaver (Pro)

Lyrical
Country
00:00
Pretty

Reviewed By: #WordWeaver (Pro)

Lyrical
Country
00:00
Pretty

Reviewed By: #TheMuse (Pro)

Song-Craft
Country
00:00
Pretty

Reviewed By: #SpeaksInSong (Master)

Song-Craft
Country
00:00
Pretty

Reviewed By: #SongBird (Pro)

Vocal
Country
00:00
End of Your Watch

Reviewed By: #WordWeaver (Pro)

Lyrical
Country
00:00
End of Your Watch

Reviewed By: #TheMuse (Pro)

Song-Craft
Country
00:00
End of Your Watch

Reviewed By: #SoundSavant (Pro)

Production
Country
00:00

“Don’t let doubt stop you.”

Truth Rocks

The NSC platform is easy to use and gives you options for every budget, experience level, and musical goal.

What’s worse than no music? Bad music.

TOP 10's

While they rarely happen, a perfect-10 is a song which is rated a 10 on a 1 to 10 general song grading scale by either a Pro or Master Mentor. With the artist's permission, we feature the last three 10-rated songs on our homepage, as well as "tweet" the song.

If your song is rated a perfect-10, and we are aware of opportunities with labels, publishers, producers, and/or other musicians that might contribute to your success, we may request permission to contact you and/or share your information with third parties.

We waive any rights to your song - including any feedback we gave you that resulted in furthering the success of your project. It's all about the music at NSC!

End of Your Watch

00:00

Get notified of new Top 10’s

Famous last words -
"I wish I’d had someone...”

You can hear the latest top 10’s here

Get Started

It’s time to face the music.

You can send us songs at any stage: concept, word-take,
early stage acoustic, demo, semi-produced, or fully
produced.

Out of respect of the time of our high-profile Mentors, you must receive at least a 5 out of 10 overall rating for your submission from a Peer review to unlock the Pro and Expert review options.

Our mentoring process allows you to resubmit improved songs at a deep discount, in your effort to reach the 8 to 10 star optimal song rating.

New User ?

Vocalists can upload your vocal over any song

peer-review

Peer

Eligible

From
$37

Offer Expires

  • 656Hour
  • 19Min
  • 21Sec
  • 1 to 10 Overall song grade (from 1 Peer; or average of 3)
  • Choose songcraft, vocal, lyrical or production perspectives
  • Ask questions for written feedback
  • Receive up to 100 characters of written feedback (at Peer's discretion)
  • Instant access to Creator Portal
  • Possibility to unlock Pro and Master Mentor reviews with a song that is rated 5 or higher
  • Choose from 2 or 3 day turnaround
Reviewed by:
  • Must have the following:
  • 3+ Years in their craft
  • Demonstrated craft expertise
  • Recognition by Nashville music scene in craft (More...)
  • Recognition By NSC in established craft
  • Songcraft: registered with PRO and IPI #
  • Vocal: must show expertise in field (Less...)
pro-review

Pro

From
$79

  • 1-10 Song grade for each perspective
  • Choose your perspectives (multiple Mentors):
    1. Songcraft
    2. Vocal
    3. Lyrical
    4. Production
    5. Commercial Viability and Marketing
  • Ask questions to the Mentor(s) with over-dubbed audio responses
  • Receive audio feedback over-dubbed on your song from individual Mentors
  • Enhanced access and discounts in your Creator Portal
  • Choose from 1, 3, or 5 business day turnaround
Reviewed by renowned world-
class top-tier musicians with:
  • Must have at least 4 of the following:
  • 5+ Years professional experience
  • Vocal: must demonstrate success as a professional paid performer or coach to artists​
  • Production: must show 4 credits of recent projects with established artists​
  • 1+ Nomination by a major academy (ex. Grammy, CMA, AMA, Tony, etc) (More..)
  • Lyrical: must be a published poet, author or song lyricist​
  • 1+ Top 20 major chart song credit (ex. Billboard, Spotify, iTunes, Rolling Stone)
  • Songcraft: must be a published songwriter; or work for a music publishing company​
  • Commercial Viability (Mrk/Pub/Ind): proven expertise in music trends & business (Less..)
master-review

Master

From
$199

  • 1-10 Song grade for each perspective
  • Choose your perspectives (multiple Mentors):
    1. Songcraft
    2. Vocal
    3. Lyrical
    4. Production
    5. Commercial Viability and Marketing
  • Ask questions to the Mentor(s) with over-dubbed audio responses
  • Receive audio feedback over-dubbed on your song from individual Mentors
  • Option to choose a comprehensive review (5 perspectives/5 mentors - at a discount)
  • Option for written feedback from your Mentor group with a written consensus on the song
  • Choose from 1, 5, and 7 business day turnaround
Reviewed by renowned world-
class top-tier musicians with:
  • 1+ #1 Major chart song credit
  • 10+ years of professional experience
  • Meet 4 of 5 of the "Pro" Mentor requirements
  • 1+ ‘Won’ major academy award (ex. Grammy, CMA, AMA, Tony, etc); OR (More..)
  • 1+ Admission to major Hall of Fame (ex, R&R, CM, SW, GM, R&B)
  • 2+ Top 10 major chart song credits (ex. Billboard, Spotify, iTunes, Rolling Stone)
  • and Respected in Nashville as 'world-class' in specific field (Less..)

You may resubmit the song after making changes
for a follow-up review at a 25% discount.

Now you have access to the top music industry professionals on earth. What will you do with it?

We’re Nashville songwriting purists at heart.

Nashville Song Critique is the only place you can get an
“all about the music” critique, where honesty is not influenced by personality, prejudice, first impressions, or interpersonal relationships.  After all, a new listener on a Spotify station or YouTube is ONLY concerned about the music – until they get to know you.

Our service is an anonymous way for beginning, seasoned, and top tier producers, songwriters, and artists to get honest, unfiltered feedback.  Feedback is critical if you’re going to continue to invest significant time and/or money into a project.  We’re here to do everything we can to help.

Play Video

How It Works

Collab with the Pros:
Get honest reviews – voice overdubbed on your song by award winning chart topping musicians and industry leaders.
We’ve routed your message.

Thanks, we will notify you when new programs are available.

Your request for an NDA to explore a mentoring opportunity
on the NSC Platform has been sent. 

Next we will send you an “Online NDA Notary Link” where you will be able to notarize with a live third-party online notary. 

Once completed, we will contact you to setup an initial call.

Thank you for your interest!

Notify me when new Mentor programs become available.

Please choose your demonstrable success area (click all that apply): *
Please list up to two references to get you in the door. Some Pros and Masters will only need one. It can be any Nashville musician, agent, manager, or ‘friend’ of good repute. If we require contact info, we’ll reach out.
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