How Score Works

Scoring Methodology

Every song review is evaluated across six core dimensions, each scored from 0 to 10 with one decimal precision. These scores are then weighted to produce a final score that reflects the overall quality of the lyrics.

The Six Dimensions

Emotional Impact (Weight: 25%)
- The capacity of the lyrics to evoke, sustain, or manipulate emotional responses
- Measures authenticity, intensity, and resonance with human experience
- Example: A song that makes you genuinely feel joy, sorrow, or nostalgia
Thematic Depth (Weight: 20%)
- The complexity and maturity of ideas explored
- Goes beyond surface-level topics to explore universal truths or nuanced perspectives
- Example: A breakup song that explores identity and self-worth beyond just loss
Narrative Structure (Weight: 15%)
- How effectively the lyrics tell a story or develop a concept
- Includes coherence, pacing, and structural integrity
- Example: Clear progression from problem to resolution, or effective use of verse-chorus dynamics
Linguistic Technique (Weight: 20%)
- Mastery of language: wordplay, metaphor, rhythm, rhyme schemes
- Technical skill in manipulating language for effect
- Example: Internal rhymes, double meanings, or clever word choices
Imagery (Weight: 10%)
- The vividness and originality of visual, sensory, or conceptual images
- Ability to paint pictures with words
- Example: “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of” vs. “The city is big”
Originality (Weight: 10%)
- Innovation in approach, perspective, or expression
- Avoidance of clichés and tired tropes
- Example: Fresh takes on familiar themes or genuinely novel concepts

Final Score Calculation

The final score is a weighted average of all six dimensions:

Final Score = (Emotional Impact × 0.25) + (Thematic Depth × 0.20) + 
              (Narrative Structure × 0.15) + (Linguistic Technique × 0.20) + 
              (Imagery × 0.10) + (Originality × 0.10)

Classification System

Score Range	Classification	Meaning
9.5–10.0	Masterpiece	Near-perfect execution across all dimensions. Timeless quality.
9.0–9.4	Landmark	Exceptional work that sets new standards in its genre.
8.0–8.9	Excellent	Outstanding lyrics with minor imperfections.
7.0–7.9	Very Good	Strong execution with some notable weaknesses.
6.0–6.9	Good	Solid work that achieves its goals but lacks distinction.
5.0–5.9	Average	Competent but unremarkable. Generic execution.
4.0–4.9	Below Average	Significant flaws that undermine the work.
< 4.0	Poor	Fundamental failures in multiple dimensions.

Cynicism Level

Each review includes a cynicism level (0-10) that affects the analytical lens:

Low (0-3): Generous interpretation, focuses on strengths
Medium (4-6): Balanced critical approach
High (7-10): Uncompromising scrutiny, no benefit of the doubt

This doesn’t change the scoring criteria, but affects how harshly flaws are judged.

Consistency & Objectivity

Every examiner (AI model) applies these criteria consistently:

Same weights and dimensions for all reviews
No emotional bias or personal taste
Genre-aware but not genre-favoriting
Historical context considered but not determinative

The goal is critical analysis, not entertainment. We identify what works, what doesn’t, and why.