Synergy
I think that the song works when the inspiration and the craft are integrated, which depends on what's going on inside the artist/craftsman. Also, as much as it pains me to say this, there is some question about whether what popular songwriters do is "art".
Personally, I favor the broad definition. But some songwriters who are considered the most successful - that is, sell the most, make the most money - pretty much follow certain tried and true formulas. Not only that, they know how to evoke EMOTIONS on demand, using those formulas. These are highly skilled crafters, to whom inspiration is basically irrelevant. This I'm sure is an advantage, since they don't have to worry about "blocks" in their inspiration. This is no criticism of them; it sure is a nice way to make a living!
So I agree, Jeff, that having a lot of one can compensate for having less of the other. But I would look at it another way. I think the "art" part is the integration of the feelings and the technique. To kind of adjust your point, Lazyboy, I think that the art is in giving expression to what goes on internally, emotionally, spiritually. I think that stuff that we really like and continue to like for a long time both conveys some honest feeling and has a pleasing package (i.e., nice tune, I like the beat, I give it a 9). So the artist's role is to apply the craft to the inspiration in a way that speaks to people. This works best when you stay within your crafting abilities and use both sides of your brain.
So two chords? It could be right but would be unusual (most popular music visions seem to require at least 3 - I understand that you've gone to 3 as well). I strongly disagree that reworking is a bad thing; it's usually essentially to fulfilling that initial moment(s) of inspiration.
By the way, I don't accept the Lennon/McCartney myth that John was the heart and Paul was the technician. From what I can hear (and have heard), they had a lot of heart and a lot of skill. Millions of people feel deeply affected by Paul McCartney songs. John Lennon's solo stuff, when raw, was raw by design (don't forget, he and Yoko anticipated punk), sort of like Neil Young. I think those guys must have worked extremely hard to be great musicians, and absolutely fed off each other in talking about life and times.
Thanks for a fun thread.
[Edited by LI Slim on 09-27-2000 at 08:08]