Review by Library Journal Review
Tucker (The Soul of a Writer) here interviews 13 songwriters, all of whom have had at least one hit song. She talks with the likes of Tia Sillers (who wrote Lee Ann Womack's hit "I Hope You Dance"), Allen Shamblin (writer of "He Walked on Water" for Randy Travis), and others about where they find their inspiration, how they got started in the music industry, what advice they have for budding songwriters, and secrets for writing artistically and commercially successful pop songs. Although all of the writers are usually most associated with country music, some have penned pop hits, rhythm-and-blues hits, and even an operetta. Although Tucker uncovers much diversity among this baker's dozen, one is struck by the similar themes they touch upon, including a need to silence the inner critic, the genuine drive to write, and an emphasis on making song lyrics true to life yet filled with imagery. Tucker asks all the right questions, and her subjects provide insightful, well-considered answers. This book should be essential for all aspiring songwriters and for musicians in general; highly recommended for all public libraries and recommended for academic libraries with significant music collections.-James E. Perone, Mount Union Coll., Alliance, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
