Rating: 
Summary: Simply a great book about songwriting and writing in general
Review: A key part of my teaching is to know books about writing. I can't say enough good about this book. It's one of the best books about writing as a career or just as a practice that I've ever read, and it's right on the mark about what aspiring (song)writers should learn and do. It's beautifully and literately written, and Jimmy has indeed done his homework. I have a brother (Jerry) and a son (Henry) in popular music, both successful, and I think they'd agree with everything he says.
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful glimpse at the craft and the process
Review: Although it can get dense at times, and it's several kinds of books at one time, this book is fascinating and helpful in many ways. Webb has thought a lot about writing songs and about his own creative processes. He has written some great songs over the years, but it's hard to place him in the pop vs. traditional music spectrum. Of course you don't want to write Jimmy Webb songs anyway, but a lot of the stuff in here is anecdotal and rambling, how HE came to write and do various things. How does it apply to you? It may not! It's not a simple how-to but it's very stimulating. I'd balance this with more development/exercise/education oriented books, such as Pat Pattison's excellent "Writing Better Lyrics."
Rating:
Summary: Insightful glimpse at the craft and the process
Review: Although it can get dense at times, and it's several kinds of books at one time, this book is fascinating and helpful in many ways. Webb has thought a lot about writing songs and about his own creative processes. He has written some great songs over the years, but it's hard to place him in the pop vs. traditional music spectrum. Of course you don't want to write Jimmy Webb songs anyway, but a lot of the stuff in here is anecdotal and rambling, how HE came to write and do various things. How does it apply to you? It may not! It's not a simple how-to but it's very stimulating. I'd balance this with more development/exercise/education oriented books, such as Pat Pattison's excellent "Writing Better Lyrics."
Rating:
Summary: Pop music analysis with lots of thought...and more
Review: As a conservatory-trained songwriter/computer and also a mathematician and computer programmer, I put a lot of thought and analysis into my own melodies and arrangements, but I have never seen pop music analyzed to this degree in a book.And there are few who would be more qualified than Jimmy Webb. I have rejoiced, cried, laughed and shivered to his songs for years. He wrote for Richard Harris (MacArthur Park, Didn't We?, etc.) as well as for Glenn Campbell (Wichita Lineman, By the Time I Get To Phoenix) and many others you have no doubt heard. Along with all the analytical insights, you also get an intense look at the life of one songwriter. I am in awe!
Rating:
Summary: TUNESMITH WILL HELP TUNE YOUR MIND
Review: Excellent book. The title is well-chosen. Insight and enlightenment, I got a little of both. The author uses song examples, slices of life (Hmm. good song title), historical perspective, and a bunch of other tools to make his point and inform the reader. Indeed, you'll follow the author as he takes an idea through his songwriting process to a finished work. In my opinion, it's worth the price of the book alone. I started reading around page 168 and then went back and read the entire book. Some of the earlier chapters were not 100% of interest to me but others are sure to love them. I once heard John Breheny talk about how one must work at the "craft of songwriting." I think now I understand exactly what he means. If you are serious about your craft, I believe this book is a good investment of your time.
Rating:
Summary: An exquisite look at the way one major songwriter works...
Review: Fascinating, compelling, honest, humorous, poignant, and filled with information for anyone interested in any kind of writing, not just in the music world. Its unusual form tackles writing technique, the ethos of songwriting with personal anecdotes, and part-memoir; absolutely a treasure chest of valuable material. It could not possibly be recommended more highly.
Rating:
Summary: Tunesmith - for Songwriters AND the curious
Review: For those currently seeking to expand their knowledge of the skill of songwriting I couldn't go past recommending "Tunesmith - Inside the Art of Songwriting" by Jimmy Webb of Macarthur Park, Galveston, The Highwayman etc fame. Published in 1998 it's both comprehensive, and contemporary yet written in a warm, friendly style. It's comprehensive in it's explanation of . inspiration and how to cultivate it . the process of writing a song . the structure of songs in their many conventional forms (and some not) . the vexing topic of rhyme (To rhyme and how to rhyme, that is the question as even non-rhyme can be considered a deliberate rhyming act.) . the development of melody and musical literacy (This section is great for those at all levels of musical experience as it starts from the basics but goes way beyond for those who need/want it.) . the business of music (how to promote and market your songs, how to win friends and influence influential people in the music business in the age of computers and the internet) . the commercial realities for a songwriter . keeping the faith in yourself It's contemporary nature is particularly important in a dynamic and diversified industry. You feel real empathy here and a sense of being treated as an equal. Jimmy makes no bones about the fact that it's a precarious and at times disheartening business. Any illusions you may have about quick and sustained success through songwriting before reading this, are dispelled. You realise that even someone of Jimmy Webb's skill and stature has had a hard go of it - with a golden period, a long drought, a brief encore and a smattering of hits and misses since, but he admits he wouldn't change it for anything. And couldn't help it anyway. So it's a hard reality, but I believe that accepting it can help sustain you for the long haul. If you don't have commercial aspirations then treat it as a terrific book about making your songwriting more informed, flexible and, believe it or not, spontaneous. What got me the most though was Jimmy's passion for the art. You feel it on every page. He evokes the feeling I occasionally get, sharing my songs with other writers, that we're part of a unique brotherhood/sisterhood that tries to give voice to the human spirit - in a fairly succinct and melodious fashion.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT READING
Review: Found this book to be both inspiring and informational. Having known Jimmy remotely after sale of some lyrics I grew more interested in his genius. His trials and triumphs are a heartwarming piece of his complex puzzle persona. He obviously has "THE GIFT" that A higher power intended him to cultivate.
Rating:
Summary: TUNESMITH IS THE BEST ON THE SUBJECT
Review: Having finished reading several books recently on songwriting I feel somewhat qualified to comment on this subject. Jimmy Webb has done an exemplary job revealing the thought processes that transpire in the mind of a brilliant writer. His grasp of the English language, superior intellect and humble viewpoint kept me riveted from one chapter to the next. I recommend very highly this book to any aspiring songwriter or researcher interested in the serious business of songwriting. Great job, Jimmy.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you for the Magic Mirror..I needed one!
Review: I bought this book with the intention of probably starting it and getting bored, then tossing it...mainly because I don't read that much (rarely actually). I have always been impressed with Jimmy Webb's songwriting abilities, especially his tunes not known by the majority such as "Adios", as well as dozens of other tunes. I am a songwriter, and I had always thought I was strange when I would say, "that would be a great song title..." in public. People stare at me wondering what I'm thinking when in fact, I am thinking songs, much like J.W. describes in this book. With this book, I discovered that I am in fact a songwriter. I had my doubts prior to reading it, but I now label myself as a songwriter. This book has inspired me to keep doing what I've done for years and it also has provided me with inspiration. The book is anything but boring to songwriters. Those who consider themselves songwriters (who aren't), will find the book too instructional and informative. They will want a quicker fix, a tune from the first page...forget it. If you wonder about your songwriting abilities, or you are just starting to write songs....buy it and find out.
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