Song Criteria
The following criteria are some observable characteristics of an effective worship song. The goal of these criteria is not
to constrain the artistry of a given song but to define what helps to make an effective worship song and to provide a
framework for thinking about and evaluating a song. Rules are often broken and not all songs will satisfy all criteria. But
songs that gain an increased platform will have at most of these, with the most important ones being the ‘worship
readiness’ criteria. The goal of this scale is to add some element of objectivity to the evaluation of worship songs, with
an eye toward improvement as a collaborative team and as individual songwriters.
Lyrics
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Meaning is clear and unambiguous
Biblically sound and theologically accurate
Paints a picture or tells a story
Supports a common theme for the song and builds upon it
Lyrical hook
Good rhyme or near rhyme structure
Originality – avoids cliches
Melody
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Interesting throughout
In a comfortable congregational range
Variety with structure
Hook
Good fit between parts – enough interest in verses/bridge but leaves room for chorus
Built-in cry
Harmony, Structure, and Rhythm
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Identifiable structure to follow
Rhythmic or instrumental hook to build around
Chordal variety to enhance mood of song
Variety in length of parts, complexity of parts
Worship Readiness
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Can be interpreted in multiple styles with various instrumental combinations
Prosody- good fit between words and music to enhance feel of song
Lyrics fit well over music and easy to sing
Easy to remember after one or two repititions, catchy
Easy to pick up on subsequent repetitions
Fits a segment within a service and fits a church need
A song the singer cares about – enables an emotional response
Rating Scale:
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Lyrics:
Melody:
Harmony, Structure, and Rhythm:
Worship Readiness:
PossibleTotal:
0-20
0-20
0-20
0-40
0-100