Rating: 
Summary: An Eye Opener
Review: Jason Blume is honest and funny, as well. The book wastes no time; it gets right into what to and what not to include in your song. Do not look for magic chord progressions in this book; it's not really written for musicians, just songwriters. It emphasizes word selection, phrasing, and structure. It gives extremely specific formulas (verses, choruses) in order to be successful on hit radio. My only problem is that one might feel somewhat restricted in structuring his/her song after reading this book. Remember, the book is telling you how to have a hit song, and in order to be played on the radio, you must subscribe to the formula that the radio will play and that listeners have historically gravitated to. Somewhat restrictive, but extremely helpful nevertheless. The principles, once read, will stay with you and improve your songwriting.
Rating: 
Summary: this is an excellent songwriting book
Review: Jason Blume's "6 Steps to Songwriting Success: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs" is an excellent songwriting book. I've read just about all the songwriting books that exist and Jason's is one of the best. If I could only read one songwriting book, this one is it.
Ande Rasmussen
Editor and Publisher of "Inspirations for Songwriters"
past president of the Austin Songwriters Group
www.AndeRasmussen.com
Rating:
Summary: The BEST Guide to Writing HITS
Review: This book is exactly what you need if you want to write and market the kind of songs that are on the radio. I read the first edition and it was excellent -- but this one is even better. It's very easy to read and explains things in nontechnical ways. Writers who hate the kind of songs the author uses as examples (Britney, Madonna, Lonestar, Avril LaVigne, Sheryl Crow, Shaggy, etc.) shouldn't be reading this. It's about writing commercial radio HITS -- not self-indulgent "artsy" songs (not that there's anything wrong with them). So, if you want to write songs that could be hits on Top 40, Pop, AC, Urban, or Country radio -- for yourself or for other artists -- read this book. It's also the best book (and I've read them all) in terms of explaining the business side in plain English.
Rating: 
Summary: good.... maybe
Review: This book is good if you are really interested in making popular light rock songs but if you are in the business to make other kinds of music then you are pretty much [on your own]. The book should be called, 6 steps to pop-songwriting success.
Rating:
Summary: A complete A to Z guide!
Review: This book is THE most comprehensive book for anyone who writes or wants to understand how the music industry works. Blume fills the book with personal insights and strong examples from industry greats. A successful writer himself, this book is full of proven step by step approaches for you to follow concerning any aspect of a writer's career in the music industry. Highly reccommended!
Rating: 
Summary: A Beginner's Manual
Review: This book provides a rather simplistic and basic overview of how to become a successful songwriter. Some of the self-proclaimed valuable "insights" are rather self-explanatory, and the more technical aspects (e.g., how to write a song or great lyrics) only scratch the surface of what other books cover in much greater detail. For example, the book doesn't cover even the most basic music theory, e.g., modulation, harmonies, scales, etc. The book isn't as "comprehensive" as it claims to be--the opposite in fact. As for tips on how to break into the industry, BMI, ASCAP and SESAC offer more insightful and free courses. Author Jason Blume only valuable "insight": network and collaborate with others. Save your money and buy Jai Josef's "Writing Music For Hit Songs" or Jack Perricone's "Melody In Songwriting" instead.
Rating:
Summary: Difficult but Excellent Songwriting book!
Review: This is probably the greatest resource for wanna-be songwriters like myself. That hippie "P. Ramon" from Ohio (down the page)needs to stop sitting around the house in his boxers and flip flops strumming his guitar and get with the songwriting program. Look, there are lots of talented writers out there, but talent isnt enough. You have to know how to write well crafted commercially appealing lyrics, things that most people can identify with. If listeners cant identify with it, they wont listen to it and wont buy iy. Who wants to write a song that no one is going to enjoy? Bottom line, this book is loaded with assignments and exercises that teach you how to write the kinds of songs that appeal to most people! The reason I said it was difficult, is because it made me get off my lazy butt and do some work. You have to do the songwriting assignments in order to continue on through the book. Just like Jason says throughout this book, if you dont want to compromise your artistic integrity, fine, keep writing songs for yourself and your family. But, if you want to get published and have songs cut by major recording artists, learn how to craft lyrics like the pros.
Rating:
Summary: The best songwriting book I've *EVER* read.
Review: This is the best FRIGGIN songwriting book for popular music I've ever read! What makes it good are 1) extremely clear explanations, 2)easy to use, IMMEDIATELY applicable exercises, 3) applies to all popular styles of writing (I write hard modern rock, techno, house & indie rock and still I found the song structure examples of "Strawberry Wine" and other different styles helpful!) 4)the author's positive, yet realistic attitude (which so many music success books LACK, I find). If you write 'popular music' (pop, rock, R&B, metal, indie, rap, country, easy) and you buy only one songwriting book this year, get this one.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome new edition!!
Review: This is the best songwriting book. I've got them all - and this is the only one you need. It totally covers the writing side AND the business.
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