SONG CONTEST BLOG

In his book, Future Hit.DNA, author Jay Frank establishes that:

The rock fan that likes some country is more apt to like country that tends to have a hint of rock to it.  This could be a country based artist who produces his songs with a bit more electric guitar, such as Keith Urban, or it could be a rock artist who tiptoes into country waters, like Bon Jovi.  A traditional country fan may like these artists, but he might not readily acknowledge them as bona-fide country performers.  Yet to a rock fan, they become as country as Garth Brooks.

Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie” is the perfect example of a song that really went out of its way to contain elements of multiple genres.  At its heart, it is a clear and simple pop song.  The rhythms, however, are club oriented, and lean toward Latin beats, specifically a light version of Reggaeton.  Producer Wyclef Jean’s intro and brief raps, accented with a sample from the classic hip-hop anthem “Déjà Vu” (Uptown Baby),” tie her neatly into the hip-hop world.  Put it all together, and you no longer hit just one element of Shakira’s fan base, but nearly every potential fan.  With no other songs exploiting these relationships to this degree, “Hips Don’t Lie” easily became the most-played song of 2006.

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Tags: Future Hit DNA, Jay Frank, Songwriters, Songwriting, Songwriting Tips
Posted in Song & Lyric Writing, Songwriters, Songwriting