How to write a review (music)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

How would you define the word review? What is it?

Definition of review:

The review of a book, movie or song/artist often evaluates the work in question based on its strong and weak points, sometimes ending with a recommendation (or a dismissal).

What do you think is important when it comes to writing a review?

The first paragraph should be a general introduction to what you're reviewing. Include the title, artist, and an interesting fact about its success or how it was made.

1. True
2. False

The main body

The main body of the review needs detailed observations. Use specific vocabulary (e.g. lyrics, fast-paced, catchy melodies) to comment on particular songs and parts of the music.

Can you think of music-related vocabulary?

Last paragraph

Finish off with a summary of why this album/concert, artist, etc. is important.

You basically end with a short conclusion.

Other important factors

It is also important to give context. Link the music to the artist's life, or what inspired them, and the political or social context of the album.

Try to make the review interesting and relevant to the reader. You can relate the artist's work to real-life experience (yours or that of people in general).

If you want an extra challenge you can try using compound adjectives (e.g. fast-paced, foot-tapping, best-selling) to make your writing look more professional.  See 2E in your textbook for more help.

Evolution of music

• make groups of 4 that consist of people that are in class and online (2 groups of 5).
• Each group is going to look at the specific music during a decade.
• Make a mindmap of your decade
• Every group shares with the class at the end.

Who gets which era?

What is something you learned this lesson?

Name something that is important when writing a review