You know Jarod, I really like your question! I am an NSAI member, and one of the services I use is their critique service. I got an eval back the other day that said my song "sounded a little dated", and he/she suggested I listen to current country to get a better idea of what the rhythm and melody should be. My response (to myself)? "I dont want to sound like today's country". I guess in my attempt to sound new I actually sounded like yesterdays country. BUT, I did listen to all of the current top 10 billboard, and picked a rhythm and melody I though I could best come close to with my guitar playing and vocal abilty. Resubmitted, and still got the same comment. Oh well. I sure don't know how to make a song sound. LOL
Even though when I write, I write lyrics and melody and rhythm at the same time, I try to focus on the lyric most of all. My feeling is, if the lyrics holds up, I can get it to "sound current country" in the studio Am I wrong in that thinking?
phil g.