I'm enjoying these artists and looking forward to more episodes. Not everything has to be fast and furious. #musicLover
28 Reviews
Amazing premise
JupiHornet2 June 2019
Honestly, I don't think Songland will do very well at all, but it's a great concept for a show! Shows like American Idol, The Voice, America's Got Talent, etc. always get flak for being too overproduced, exploiting some of their acts, and even accusations of fixed results. However, this show is extremely laid back and just shows the process of aspiring songwriters trying to make the next big hit. Nothing more to it than that. I'm not one of those people whose whole life revolves around music (and I DEFINITELY don't write songs), but even I was interested in seeing the process of how hit songs are written and edited until they're just right. If you want to be a songwriter or are just a fan of music in general, this is absolutely the show for you. That said, I think people that aren't super musical should also give this a watch. It's a lot more intriguing than you'd expect.
Instructive, Informative And Entertaining
atlasmb20 June 2019
This show is ostensibly a competition between songwriters. Four of them come on the show and perform their original songs for a panel consisting of an established recording artist and three "producers". The end result will be that one song will be chosen by the recording artist for inclusion on its next album.
But first, the four-person panel offers feedback, constructive criticism, and notes about how each song might be improved or made more in the style of that week's recording artist. Three of the four songs are chosen to be workshopped by individual producers who shepherd the songs through further analysis and fine-tuning.
In the end, one song is chosen and a "final version" is presented at the end of the episode.
This process requires that the songwriters check their egos at the door, and most seem grateful for the attention their creations are given, despite the fact that the final versions might not sound much like the originals. Because the panels are comprised of respected and proven industry talents, the show seems instructive and inspirational for songwriters.
I think the show would be more enjoyable if the actual "prizes"---that is, the monetary rewards given to the winners---were detailed. And I am not sure everyone wants to watch "the sausage being made"; some might prefer just to hear the final results without knowing about the work process.
Still, good songs are about inspiration and this show illustrates that inspiration can take place at many points in the creative and production processes.
But first, the four-person panel offers feedback, constructive criticism, and notes about how each song might be improved or made more in the style of that week's recording artist. Three of the four songs are chosen to be workshopped by individual producers who shepherd the songs through further analysis and fine-tuning.
In the end, one song is chosen and a "final version" is presented at the end of the episode.
This process requires that the songwriters check their egos at the door, and most seem grateful for the attention their creations are given, despite the fact that the final versions might not sound much like the originals. Because the panels are comprised of respected and proven industry talents, the show seems instructive and inspirational for songwriters.
I think the show would be more enjoyable if the actual "prizes"---that is, the monetary rewards given to the winners---were detailed. And I am not sure everyone wants to watch "the sausage being made"; some might prefer just to hear the final results without knowing about the work process.
Still, good songs are about inspiration and this show illustrates that inspiration can take place at many points in the creative and production processes.
A peek behind the hit-making curtain!
kristinagplunkett13 June 2019
As someone who has always loved music, singing, and wordsmithing, this show is a breath of fresh air! I love the creative breakdowns of each song and how the producers give feedback on the strengths and weaknesses. Other reviews have criticized the producers changing too much, but most people don't understand that every song sung by their favorite artist isn't written by them. The three producers on this show are there because they've already proved they know how to make hits. I also appreciate the songwriters understanding when they go in that changes will be made to fit the particular artist they're "selling" their song to. Anyone who enjoys watching creative people coming together to elevate their art should check out this show!
Best artistic contest show on TV
acmuller19 June 2019
Love it
taniamoleli14 June 2019
Brilliant!
dkeener-3794221 June 2019
I can honestly say that I have never left a review for a tv show in my life but I am compelled to say that this show is brilliant! I have never teared up and gotten so many emotional goosebumps in any musical talent show as I have with Songland! Watching the judges and guest vocal artists collaborating immediately after an unknown songwriter sings their song is such a delight! What an incredible gift this shoe is to these unknown songwriters! I'm a fan of several of the vocal and talent type shows that are out there and have been for years but this one is hands down the best! LOVE! Thank you producers for this true breath of fresh air!!!
TV Producers Should take the same advice dished out on the Song writers
worldofdragons29 May 2019
To much story this TV show .....not enough chorus and definitely no "wow" moment. Lots of conversations, however the conversations seemed vary vague. I thought the show was supposed to be about "new" song writers but we saw more singing than song writing/creation from the newbies. Some of the producers/coaches seem like they were doing most of the work and the new song writers where just smiling and giving a thumbs up.
Then after all that time watching everyone do their thing we don't even get to hear the whole song we have to go download it....
This seems like a documentary trying to pass itself off as a song writing competition a very weak one.
Also part of the appeal is building a relationship with the contestants over a period of time where on Songland its over before you can blink and we have a winner...
Still there is potential just needs a rewrite
Then after all that time watching everyone do their thing we don't even get to hear the whole song we have to go download it....
This seems like a documentary trying to pass itself off as a song writing competition a very weak one.
Also part of the appeal is building a relationship with the contestants over a period of time where on Songland its over before you can blink and we have a winner...
Still there is potential just needs a rewrite
love, love, LOVE this show!
cfoamgrn8 October 2019
Breath of fresh air from the Idol/AGT/Voice popularity contests. To watch a baby song grow into the hit potential it has with each artist is just awesome. I love the will-i-am and Meghan Trainor episodes, the songs were immediately stuck in my head (in a good way!) and those are the first episodes I always tell people to watch!
PS the podcasts are my new fave!
FUN AND INTERESTING, THEN BORING
gginokc3 July 2019
TOO MUCH FILLER
mmaakk-251686 June 2019
Honestly I feel like each episode could have two different artists choosing a song. There is SOOOO much backstory that it's very unbearable. I wait for the episodes to come out on Hulu so I can skip all of those parts. I just want to hear the tips for the before and hear the afterwards. A little backstory is fine, buy it is just way too much. If most backstory was cut, then maybe there would be enough time to have an artist in the first half of the show and an artist in the second half.
Amazing work sessions
marygreen2527 May 2020
We NEED Season 3 NOW !!!!!
southernmagnoliacompany15 May 2021
I love Songland and am SO frustrated because season 3 is not available yet!! Come on people. We LOVE Songland!!!!!
What Songland needs to be a mega hit:
-Much better marketing. I didn't even hear about this show until near the end of the first season and I follow music on many platforms. Your marketing for the show sucked. If you would actually get your marketing people excited and up their marketing budget, Songland would beat all the other singing/talent shows on TV. Also why are Ester and the other producers not on every morning show, talk show, and late night shows on TV. Not only do they ALL know their stuff, but they ALL have GREAT personalities!!! And they are ALL great story tellers.
-Expand the show to 90 minutes. Give Ester and the other experts more time to give their expert advice and work with the songwriters. Occasionally add funny stuff fillers like outtakes or the Artist and producers at home and interesting fillers like how the songwriters are found for the show. Have the producers bring their dogs to work day. Do a bio on each Artist and the producers.
-Maybe add a short Viewer Input or even have the Audience Vote on their favorite then give the Artist 2 votes, each producer/expert 1 vote, and give the Audience vote winner 1 vote. It might provide some interesting results and make the Audience feel more connected.
-I actually love the show just as it is, but I would love for it to be longer: more time with the Artist, Writers, and especially the part where the producers work with the songwriters, and add more interactions with the Artists. Having the Artist call in on their phone works just fine. Also I would love to see a finale where all the songs for the season are played and the Audience Vote is used to pick the top song or the top three for the season. Maybe get input from other artists about the songs. Maybe give 5 - 10 votes for each song bought on iTunes.
What Songland needs to be a mega hit:
-Much better marketing. I didn't even hear about this show until near the end of the first season and I follow music on many platforms. Your marketing for the show sucked. If you would actually get your marketing people excited and up their marketing budget, Songland would beat all the other singing/talent shows on TV. Also why are Ester and the other producers not on every morning show, talk show, and late night shows on TV. Not only do they ALL know their stuff, but they ALL have GREAT personalities!!! And they are ALL great story tellers.
-Expand the show to 90 minutes. Give Ester and the other experts more time to give their expert advice and work with the songwriters. Occasionally add funny stuff fillers like outtakes or the Artist and producers at home and interesting fillers like how the songwriters are found for the show. Have the producers bring their dogs to work day. Do a bio on each Artist and the producers.
-Maybe add a short Viewer Input or even have the Audience Vote on their favorite then give the Artist 2 votes, each producer/expert 1 vote, and give the Audience vote winner 1 vote. It might provide some interesting results and make the Audience feel more connected.
-I actually love the show just as it is, but I would love for it to be longer: more time with the Artist, Writers, and especially the part where the producers work with the songwriters, and add more interactions with the Artists. Having the Artist call in on their phone works just fine. Also I would love to see a finale where all the songs for the season are played and the Audience Vote is used to pick the top song or the top three for the season. Maybe get input from other artists about the songs. Maybe give 5 - 10 votes for each song bought on iTunes.
Almost perfect, but not, but still really fun
mrvino1520 June 2019
It's a great sure, a first of its kind and I love all the little chatter throughout. I do agree with a lot of the others in how much they change the original songs. I do get it, the producers have to change it specifically for that artist, but most of the songs I wish they'd just do some minor tweaks to make it perfect, not tear it apart and use pieces of it.
The producers are great though, I always love the minor tweaks they make right after the first time performing it and they're really coming in with some really decent songs.
The producers are great though, I always love the minor tweaks they make right after the first time performing it and they're really coming in with some really decent songs.
A refreshing twist on music competition TV.
robertnlouisville21 April 2020
Finally a show to accredit songwriters! I cannot carry a tune in a bucket. I cannot play an instrument. I am a poet. I am a house music DJ. I have cowrote a three song EP that was sold in a local Hot Topic store. Songland is a show that I can finally fully relate with. The people on this show are so much more then songwriters or singers, they are acoustic engineers. Mind blowing watching as the next hit song is born from start to finish.
This Is What Reality Television Should Be
thebiz32615 April 2020
I used to watch all the singing competitions on TV (American Idol, The Voice, even the short lived US X-Factor) but after a while those shows started getting stale because it was always the same songs sung by similar sounding voices resulting in generic sounding critiques. There's also not much variety in the types of songs that are performed as the voters tend to gravitate toward contestants who sing ballads, because it's a better showcase for their vocal abilities. I love a good ballad but it quickly gets redundant and doesn't really reflect the contemporary music industry; which is probably why so few of the winners actually ever achieve any post-show fame.
The great thing about Songland is that it celebrates original music written by (supposedly*) up-and-coming song writers that are trying to make a name for themselves. But it also retains that competitive aspect of other "singing competitions" as the featured Artist-of-the-Week must choose 1 of the 4 songs to cut. Thankfully, it doesn't drag out the results for weeks, rather a winner is, satisfyingly, crowned each episode and the winning song is ready to be enjoyed on your favorite music streaming platform the next day. In our instant-gratification culture, this is just another part of the show's appeal.
Finally, I've read a lot of critiques on here about the quality of the music and I just want to say that art is subjective, just because you don't like a particular genre of music or the way music has evolved doesn't invalidate it for the people who do enjoy that music. With that said, this is a pop music show. The artists who feature are all mainstream artists who sing pop music (pop-R&B, pop-country, etc). I'm not expecting Bob Dylan to show up any time soon and if you're offended by pop music than this isn't the show for you. But if you can come in with an open mind, I think you'll find some real originality in this karaoke world.
*Supposedly because some of these songs are so polished and all of the song-writers are good to great singers.
The great thing about Songland is that it celebrates original music written by (supposedly*) up-and-coming song writers that are trying to make a name for themselves. But it also retains that competitive aspect of other "singing competitions" as the featured Artist-of-the-Week must choose 1 of the 4 songs to cut. Thankfully, it doesn't drag out the results for weeks, rather a winner is, satisfyingly, crowned each episode and the winning song is ready to be enjoyed on your favorite music streaming platform the next day. In our instant-gratification culture, this is just another part of the show's appeal.
Finally, I've read a lot of critiques on here about the quality of the music and I just want to say that art is subjective, just because you don't like a particular genre of music or the way music has evolved doesn't invalidate it for the people who do enjoy that music. With that said, this is a pop music show. The artists who feature are all mainstream artists who sing pop music (pop-R&B, pop-country, etc). I'm not expecting Bob Dylan to show up any time soon and if you're offended by pop music than this isn't the show for you. But if you can come in with an open mind, I think you'll find some real originality in this karaoke world.
*Supposedly because some of these songs are so polished and all of the song-writers are good to great singers.
The original songs are better
puppylovermely19 June 2019
I love the writers songs! Their amazing, but i don't like how much the producers change the songs when working either the writer to finish the song, leading to something so different than it was. Sometimes the song sounds pretty good or sometimes it kinda sucks, even if it's still a good song, it doesn't keep what was so good about it.
I WANT to like this show, but....
educated_krys11 June 2019
The concept is great, so I'm trying so hard to like, and maybe even love this show. But I just can't!! It kills me so much that they rip and tear apart the original songs. I get that these songs need to be "fixed" and altered fit the artist's core style, but the songs sound nothing like the original version. It's just crazy how much the songs are stripped down. I feel bad for the songwriters.... all their work taken off their original song and a new song made with the same title. Sad.
Major difference between song writing now and not so long ago
lovettstough13 June 2019
These producers change these writers songs to much. Not so long ago writers did not let producers or an artist change their song. Their was even a documentary on it. Most artist, singers, who sing their own songs that they've written themselves do not let producers change the song(s) they've written. When producers and artist change the songs to where it's different than the way it was originally written then the song writer does not get full credit or pay for the song. That's why these days and in recent years you watch a video or look up the song it has multiple writers listed when it was originally written by only one individual. Shania Twain for example likes to sing her own songs she has written. As do many other artist. At least from the very early 2000s on back and especially from the 90s on back. Country artist Sara Evans says as well as some other country artist will tell you there is no such thing as pop country, it's either pop or it's country, George Strait even says that and they are right. When you're looking on YOUTUBE for George Strait it has him listed as pop country and even he says he has a problem with that. George Strait is the furthest thing from pop. He is the true king of country music. Sara Evans says the country we hear on the radio today and the last 15 years or so is not country music and I agree with her and other country artist like George Strait whom have said that.
Shows you why commercial pop music is boring and souless
franknewton-4034429 August 2019
I appreciate the song writers and i understand the judges and performers on the show are successful in the pop music world but it doesn't mean the end product isn't boring and over produced. This show just shows the process of how and why there are so many bland generic songs clogging the airwaves. So in that respect it's good but i don't think the creators of the show had that in mind.
Yaaaawwn
littledreamer775 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
****Possible spoilers***** Total borefest! Only watching paint dry could be more painful. I don't know, maybe I'm jaded after having been married to a guy in a band, and still feeling the long hours spent waiting while they collab and put together a song. Over and over and over and ove.... again. Maybe this show is lacking excitement for anyone but those personally tied up in the outcomes. It just starts to grate when they keep singing the same tune again and again, but this time with a (WOW!) different pace or with a (EXCITING!) word change. Or maybe it's just very very boring because the pace is slo____w. There's no real emotional reward because we never feel much for the contestants, some are already pretty well off with their own recording studios no less. I guess I like it when it's some poor kid tryin to catch a break at all. And we know the pop stars gonna choose someone at the end, so we never feel like anything can go sideways, like the stars going to up and storm out in disgust. It's not that kind of show yet it's still Hollywood'ed up with a phoney veneer. Where you know everythings been edited out of portraying anything real and all done up to perfection level fakery. This could be more entertaining considering I've witnessed inked and pierced up hardcore rockers throw diva tantrums during the creative process that would put to utter shame all of the "explosive scene" outtakes from any given Rich Bored Cosmetically Deformed Housewives and Only Here So I Can Be On 1 Good Morning America & 1 Cover Of People Magazine fake marriage shows that I've been subjected to over the years. But as of now it's on later in the evening and I started to fall asleep both times I gave it a chance. Atleast the trash shows like American Idol and The Voice were partly entertaining because of dramatics, and funny thanks to the those who came on and made a fool of themselves. Plus they both had the whole Simon Cowell type judges with the "you're horrible" type nonsense. The only time I used to watch either of those shows was for the auditions, and only for all the above mentioned. This has none of that, and in fact is the total opposite with politeness and decorum. Save for laughing at people for their singing/songs, which I personally don't enjoy unlike my ex, this is not fun or entertaining. Can I add this is an Adam Levine project and from what I can gather "explains everything".
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