Song Reviews on Song Central

A great way to develop your songs/music and/or lyrics is to have your material critiqued by someone able to offer the benefit of their experience. Our current panel of reviewers have a specialty in the following music genres:

Meet our Reviewers ...

Song Central is very proud to present it's current panel of reviewers who are all professionals with a strong appreciation for songwriting & composing. Each has an impressive track record of commercial success and is keen to help other songwriters develop their craft.

Kim Cheshire

Kevin Bennett

" Knowing the effort and intensity required to write what you think is a song worth hearing and also what it takes to present it for 'review' I would be constructive and positive while remaining openly truthful in my appraisal. Therefore, if I feel a song has potential but is let down in some area, it's my job to point this out and suggest that the writer look at this aspect of the song ... of course, it's then up to them.

Before Song Central you could usually only play a song to a friend for feedback, now you can also get a professional opinion on your work as well."
Click here to read Kev's bio....

Lawrie Minson

Wendy Morrison

"Reviewing songs? I like to get out of the way, and let the song or lyric speak to me. Hopefully it will let me know what it wants or needs to be complete."
Click here to read Wendy's bio....

Brendan Collins

" The most important aspect of any song is its personal appeal. I want to dance around the room, laugh or cry. Technique is important, but the emotional content of song determines how great it really is. "
Click here to read Brendan's bio....

Noah Shilkin

" Any song that becomes a hit has an element of truth. Whether it is my cup of tea or not I attempt in my assessment to uncover that truth. The feedback I give would be to try and help the writer find a structural, technical, sonic and artistic balance that would allow that moment of communication or truth to breathe and connect.
In reviewing a song one must offer one's humble opinion - remembering it is just one person's opinion. I ask myself 'Do I like what is coming out of the speakers?' In the end that's what matters and it is , and must be, transcendent of genre. I look for what is working and try to encourage that. I am also not afraid to say what I think isn't working and offer creative options and ideas to help correct the problems."
Click here to read Noah's bio ...

Bill Bridge

"I always listen to songs with a fresh and clean view and no pre-conceived notions as to what to expect. I never review songs as genre specific as I believe a song is a song, it does not need to be 'pigeon-holed' but needs to be heard. I love hearing where the lyric takes me and understand that the place I am taken too may be totally different to the next person who hears it, but each place is right for the listener. Lyrics are my strength but a catchy melody always can stick in your head even with the lyrics aren't so strong (do you remember de-do-do-do de-da-da-da!!) I love music and want to nurture the creativity of everyone who goes out on a limb and says ''this is me, this is my song....''
Click here to read Bill's bio...

Ken Sheppard

''Music and art must have soul''
Click here to read Ken's bio...

Roxanne Kiely and Stephen Kiely

"As many industry peers maintain, there are no rules to songwriting, but there are elements to successful songs which, if understood and employed, can't help but add to your song's overall success, not necessarily as a ''hit'', but simply as a successful creative endeavour ... and possibly both.

When it comes to reviewing a songwriter's work, there are a number of factors we endeavour to keep in mind. First and foremost, is the song's integrity. Does it remain true to itself from the opening notes to the last bar? Does it have an idea which is developed through the verses and reinforced by a hook line which encompasses the idea in melody and words? Without this integrity, a song, containing some golden lines or a great chorus melody may be let down by its overall message having been weakened via sloppy verse development or conflicting lyrical or melodic ideas. Secondly, does it fulfil the brief? If it's a ''childrens' song'', does it consistently relate to its target audience both lyrically and musically? If an instrumental, does it stand alone, able to sustain a musical idea without the added strength of lyrics?

We also bear in mind the fact that songwriters maybe at different levels of development whensubmitting songs for review, and we try to be as helpful as possible to the novice, understanding that we're all learning and growing as songwriters and, that what may be second nature to an industry verteran maybe totally new to a new writer.

The overall intention of our reviews is to provide a critical analysis, an honest and hopefully helpful review which the writer can use to either re-draft the song or be reassureed enough to take their work to the next level."
Click here to read Roxanne's bio...
Click here to read Stephen's bio...

Graham Greene

''A good rock song expresses a feeling or an attitude in such a way that touches something in the listener to elicit a personal response. Be it through lyrics or melody, it is this germ of commonality or shared experience that connects the writer to his or her audience - such is the magic of music. When reviewing a piece of music, I look for the connection with the writer via which I can help them improve their craft. One of the beautiful things about music is that you never stop learning and developing as a musician and writer, and Song Central is the perfect place to develop and share our gifts with each other and the world!""
Click here to read Graham's bio...

Rhonda Macken

''I approach the creativity of others with humility, listening to a song several times before I allow a sentence about it to form in my mind, then following that sentence to work out its reason for being. I believe that constructive but very honest critique is the only way in which to respect its creator and the useful only feedback.''
Click here to read Rhonda's bio...

How to Purchase a Song or Music or Lyrics (only) Review?

Once your song is uploaded on Song Central you are able to submit it for a review by selecting the ''Review'' option from your Song Details grid. You will be guided to the PayPal page to purchase 7 x $5 tokens required to submit your song for Review.

Once the song is submitted for review, Song Central administration will start contacting appropriate Reviewers to see who is available to do the review. Once a review is assigned to a reviewer a songwriter can expect the review to be complete within a 14 day period. Upon completion of a review the songwriter will be notified via email that the review is complete. The songwriter is then able to access and print the review from their Home page on Song Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewer Biographies

Kim Cheshire
Songplugger with Ocean Road Music has been writing and performing songs for 35 years. Has had both commercial and critical success with his songs in feature films, TV shows, singles and albums recorded with numerous bands including in the UK 'Nimbus' Polydor, 'Solo'' Imagination records. In Australia "The Danglin Bros", ABC Music, "The Wheel" Roo ARt and BMG and most recently again as a ''Solo" act with Laughing Outlaw records. Winner of two golden guitars, nominated for two Arias and nominated for three and the winner of one Mo Awards
Is regularly asked to judge competitions by TSA/Songwriters Live, ABC Newcastle music awards among others. Participated in songwriting workshops for the Tamworth Country Music College, Songwriters Live and taken classes in Music Industry Studies for Ultimo Tafe. Worked as a feature film musical director, produced successful theatre shows and has for the past 15 years been responsible for finding career defining hits for numerous Australian country artists. Back...

Kevin Bennett
Sing/songwriter with Golden Guitar winning band The Flood has been writing and performing songs for over 25 years. He has acheived commercial success and received several 'Song Of The Year Nominations' with over 50 songs and albums recorded with The Flood, Moving Pictures and solo along with many released songs co-written with artists including Troy Cassar-Daley, Felicity, Broderick Smith, Karl Broadie and others. He continues writing and collaborating while participating in various Songwriting/Industry Workshops and performing ''live'' constantly. Back...

Lawrie Minson
Lives in Tamworth NSW and has been a professional musician for 30 years. He has won four Golden Guitars and can turn his hand to production and audio engineering as easily as songwriting or playing ten different instruments. Lawrie has written songs with artists such as Ross Wilson, Lee Kernaghan, Jimmy Barnes and Adam Harvey and his most recent chart hit, written with Matt Scullion was ''Hard Earned Money''.
Lawrie hosts a monthly songwriters gig in Tamworth and he conducts songwriting workshops for various organisations and festivals. He has also produced two albums through Universal Music for India's ''Country Artists of the Year'', Bobby Cash. Lawrie has been a member of Lee Kernaghan's touring band for 15 years and is currently working on his fourth solo album, ''Loves Journey''. Back...

Wendy Morrison
Wendy Morrison has been a professional singer/songwriter since 1989. In that time she has performed with bands, and as a solo artist. She has recording contracts with Mushroom Music and Gotham Records. Publishing contracts with Mushroom Music, Rondor / Universal Music and BMG/Sony Music.
Her songs earn royalties world wide, and have featured on the charts, and in TV soaps, film and drama series. Notably, Wendy wrote the theme song for the original film version of "McLeods Daughters". Her songs and voice featured in the ABC series 'Seachange'. Currently, Wendy writes educational songs for a publishing house in France, as well as editing songs and singing in studio sessions. Back...

Brendan Collins
Brendan is currently the Composer-in-Residence at Barker College. He has previously been the Composer-in-Residence with the Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Associate Principal trombonist with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. His compositions have been performed worldwide and many have proven to be very popular amoung NSW HSC students. He has composed 2 CDs of children's songs for the ABC and many of his compositions are now published by Reed Music and Middle C Publications. He has been an examiner with the AMEB for the past 15 years and has adjudicated at many music competitions and eisteddfods. Back...

Noah Shilkin
Is a recording artist, songwriter/composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and music supervisor. After 23 years working internationally he has returned home to be with family and his new studio in Margaret River. He has composed for the likes of Nike, Chevrolet, Calvin Klein, General Motors, Disney, Nelvana, ESPN, CBC, VTV, playwright Harold Pinter and the artist Robert Rauschenberg. He has worked with international recording artists ranging from Alanis Morissette to AC/DC. His songwriting catalogue boasts more than 300 songs and includes the Voodoo Opera ''Under a mardi Gras Moon''. A love of technology has put Noah at the forefront in the field of computers and music and he has consulted to Apple, Digidesign, Emu Systems and New England Digital. Industry affiliations include WAM, SOCAN, BMI, FACTOR, Canada Arts Council where he has worked in many capacities ranging from song reviewer, panelist, guest speaker and educator. He was a keyboardist and songwriter for New Zealand band ''Mother Goose''. Logging over 3000 live performances around the world he continues to play to a loyal following just because it's fun and as he says ''thats where it all starts''. Back...

Bill Bridge
Billy Bridge, professional singer/songwriter has been writing and performing songs for over 20 years. Billy has received numerous songwriting awards including American National songwriting finalists berths and TSA Awards. He has recorded 5 studio albums of his own material with self penned songs being awarded many Independent awards and receiving national recognition through the CMAA Golden Guitars. His original songs have appeared in national country radio charts and national pay tv (CMC) music charts.
His latest album of original material has been picked up by Nashville Based publishers, Possum Point publishing and is being represented in the lucrative Amercian country music market. He is also in high demand as collaborator on many songs with many of these collaborations now appearing on various commercial recordings. Back...

Ken Sheppard
Ken is a noted producer/songwriter/engineer/musician who has been working behind the scenes in the Australian music industry since releasing three albums and seven top 40 hits - including the smash single 'Part Time Love Affair'' in 1986 and the classic ''Rainy Day'' with his band, ''Geisha''. After setting up Neptune Studios in Melbourne in 1998, Ken now calls Noosa home. He has worked with talented artists the likes of Geisha, Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men) Lindsay Phillips, SST, Mason Rack, Ben Whitecross Band, Keiran Murphy, Zia, and several Ministry of Sound artists amongst others. The philosophy behind his current production company, Sheoak Music is to produce slick product and enhance raw talent NOT transform it into a clone. Ken has secured major recording deals with EMI (Australia, UK) Capitol-Manhattan Records (USA) and published with Warner Bros. Music.
He has worked in the USA and UK as both an artist and producer alongside noted producers and engineers such as Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon, Reba McIntyre) Mike Duffy (Kylie) and David Courtney (Leo Sayer, Gary Moore). Ken is currently producing a soul album with Spanish import Mercedes Garcia. Back...

Roxanne Kiely
Roxanne was raised in a musical family and started writing songs from the age of seven. She has, and continues, to make a marked contribution to the international music industry as a songwriter, performer and vocal coach. Her songs have been featured on Australian TV, advertising jingles and childrens' shows including Home and Away and World Around Us. Roxanne has also released a collection of 12 original songs independently. She has co-written with other writers in particular her husband Stephen via the band ''Prodigal Twins''. Roxanne's contribution as a vocal coach has seen many of her students achieve success as high profile stars in the Australian entertainment industry. As Co-Founder and Director of Operations of the not-for-profit song writing organisation Songsalive! and ASONG Director, Vice Chairperson and Public Officer, Roxanne's is a passionate supporter of the local music scene and regularly contributes to the running of Song Workshops for songwriter members of the Songsalive! organisation. Back...

Stephen Kiely
Singer, songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist, Stephen has worked in the music industry all of his professional life as a musician, writer and producer of many and varied musical styles. An accomplished and exciting piano player, he has been in constant demand for studio and live work, having played with and for, many famous local and international acts. Stephen made his first mark on the Australian music industry via his band Radioactive, which was signed to EMI. The band toured Australia gaining rave reviews as a live act as well as chart success in both Australia and Europe as well as appearing on TV shows Countdown, Hey Hey It's Saturday and others. As a member of APRA since 1984, Stephen has turned his hand to film scores, co-writing the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed ''Stallion Of the Sea'' as well as having songs placed within other films, such as the cult noir film ''Early Frost''. He has also written and had placed, advertising jingles. Along with Roxanne, Stephen currently runs ScoopFX Music Tuition, teaching piano, guitar, bass and Songwriting. Combining his songwriting, instrumental and production skills many co-developed ideas are taken to completed form and turned to finished products. As a great supporter of local songwriters, Stephen regularly directs workshops and song showcasing competions and events. Throughout all his activities he maintains a healthy addiction to having creative through become a successful reality. Back...

Graham Greene
Graham grew up in WA playing guitar in many bands both during, and after, his school years. Apart from suffering a setback due to a car accident as a teenager, he has been involved in writing, performing and producing songs and music for his bands that include Flash Harry, Ice Tiger and The Happy Sinners band as well as solo albums and songs co-written and performed (with his wife, Donna) for the last 30 years.
Impressive highlights during this time include being four times nominated for the Best Guitarist Category in the WA Music Awards as well as numerous nominations for his songwriting and performance and in 2008 he was awarded the Best Rock Instrumental Artist by the US Star Music Awards.
He toured WA with NZ rock diva Kim Hart and, along with band Flash Harry, appeared in concert with US rock star Meat Loaf. Graham put together the band Ice Tiger & released the ''Love N Crime'' album showcasing his songwriting & co-producing skills that enjoyed state, national (& later) international chart successes. Ice Tiger also played with artists including Bon Jovi, Gregg Bissonette, Canned Heat & Jimmy Barnes as well as headlining their own show in Perth to 10,500 fans.
After having averaged about 300 shows per year for over a decade, Graham took a break from performing. In 1998, he released his first solo recording ''Blue Feathers'' followed by ''Voodoo Babies''. While teaching guitar & bass & performing with his wife, Donna, he released his new album ''Club Voodoo'' in 2002 followed by a new-age Music CD along with ambient rock album ''Gaia Rising'' in 2004. His current CD release is the guitar tour de force ''Leap Of Face''.
He continues to work in music and performs with Donna as their band Resonance Project. The pair have toured Vietnam headlining a concert in Hanoi to a crowd of 15,000 & a VTV1 viewing audience of approx. six million.
Graham has endorsements with Ormsby Guitars who have released three Graham Greene signature series guitars along with US amplifier giant, Mesa/Boogie. Back...

Rhonda Macken
Rhonda is a musician and a graduate in music education with many years experience. She has been the co-ordinator for the ABC Sing!Book for eighteen years, observing, transcribing & arranging songs for children aged from 5 - 12 years. This involves listening to a very large number of songs each year and deciding which of these will be appropriate for the resource.

She has also been on many panels for choosing songs for combined school festivals and has had many personal requests to review the material of songwriters.

Having taught music from K to 12 and, also in University Bachelor of Education for primary school teachers, she has had much experience in knowing what material works and what doesn't.

She is also a composer & a songwriter. A great number of her songs have been published and recorded & are still popular with teachers. These songs cover topics right across the curriculum, as well as songs for fun & also for special occasions written in a wide variety of styles. Back...