5 Brutally Honest Questions That Will Make Your Song Hit Harder

Ever wonder why your track doesn’t hit quite like the version in your head? Nine times out of ten, it’s not a mixing problem—it’s an arrangement problem.

I’ve seen so many artists rush through the final stretch of production, sending their tracks off to mix before locking in the key decisions that can turn a good song into something unforgettable.

Before you call your track "done," ask yourself these five questions:

1. If you stripped away the lyrics, would the emotion still be clear?

Your arrangement should tell the story before a single word is sung. Try muting the vocals—does the emotion still come through?

Think about the guitar solo in Steven Wilson’s Drive Home. You already feel the devastation before the lyrics even explain it. That’s intentional arrangement.

Try this: Pinpoint the core emotion of your song. Then make sure at least two non-vocal elements (maybe the bassline and a lead guitar texture) are reinforcing that feeling.

2. Does the chorus feel like a true payoff—or just another section?

A great chorus isn’t just a catchy melody; it feels like a resolution. If your verses and pre-chorus don’t build enough tension, even the best chorus will fall flat.

Listen to how The Pot by Tool makes you crave that chorus drop. It’s all about tension and release.

Try this: Map your song’s energy levels. If your verse is already at a 7, your chorus can’t hit a meaningful 10. Strip back certain elements earlier in the song so the chorus actually has somewhere to go.

3. Does your musical peak align with your lyrical peak?

The most powerful moment in your lyrics should be backed by the most intense moment in your arrangement. If they don’t sync up, something’s off.

Notice how Hurt by Nine Inch Nails doesn’t just happen to crescendo at its most vulnerable lyrical moment—it’s designed that way.

Try this: Find the single most important line in your song. Does the arrangement reach peak intensity at that exact moment? If not, adjust the structure so they land together.

4. If you could only keep three elements, would the song still hold up?

A great arrangement isn’t about more—it’s about making every element count. Strip your track down to vocals, one rhythmic element, and one melodic/harmonic element. Does it still hit?

Listen to The Humbling River by Puscifer. Even in its barest moments, the song feels huge—because the core arrangement is rock solid.

Try this: Mute all but three tracks in your song’s most important section. If the emotional impact disappears, you’re relying on density instead of intentionality.

5. Is every part serving the song—or just showing off?

That guitar part you love? If it’s stealing attention instead of enhancing the song, it’s actually weakening the arrangement.

Radiohead’s Weird Fishes/Arpeggi is a masterclass in restraint—every guitar line melts into the atmosphere instead of competing for the spotlight.

Try this: For every instrument, ask yourself: Is this here because the song needs it? Or because I like playing it? Pay extra attention to intros, outros, and transitions—those are common places where self-indulgence sneaks in.

Want fresh ears on your track before mixing?

It’s nearly impossible to be objective about your own song when you’ve been deep in it for months. That’s why the best rock albums have producers who step in right before mixing to make sure every decision is dialed in.

I’m offering free 30-minute Fresh Ears sessions for rock bands who want to tighten up their arrangements before mixing. This isn’t about mixing tips—it’s about making sure your song actually delivers before it even hits the mix stage.

For serious rock bands in the world of Radiohead, Steven Wilson, or QOTSA. Not for DIY engineers looking for mixing tutorials.

Limited spots. Apply here.