by Scott Ashley
Diane Warren's hits are envy of all songwriters, as she crafts hit after hit after hit.... Her hits are an art form that transcends time, and behind every timeless melody and lyric lies within the genius of a prolific songwriter. Diane has won several Grammy Awards, Emmys, and Golden Globes and has 14 Oscar nominations (at press time). 9 of her songs have hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. An interesting fact: She wrote legendary rock band Aerosmith’s most successful song “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”.
Diane Warren, a name synonymous with chart-topping hits, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her gift for crafting memorable and emotionally resonant songs. In this article, we'll delve into the songwriting secrets of the legendary Diane Warren, exploring the techniques that have made her one of the most successful songwriters of our time.
Emotional Authenticity:
Diane Warren's unparalleled ability to tap into raw human emotions is a cornerstone of her songwriting success. To unlock her songwriting secrets, aspiring songwriters should prioritize emotional authenticity. Warren often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and stories, allowing listeners to connect with the genuine emotions conveyed in her songs. Whether it's heartbreak, love, or empowerment, capturing the essence of authentic feelings is key to creating a song that resonates with a broad audience. Example: Her #1 hit “Un-Break My Heart”, recorded by Toni Braxton.
Strong Conceptual Foundation:
Warren's songs are known for their strong conceptual foundations. Before putting pen to paper, she often starts with a clear vision of the song's message and theme. Aspiring songwriters can benefit from this approach by carefully crafting a solid concept for their songs. Whether it's a narrative, a metaphor, or a unique perspective, a well-defined concept provides a roadmap for the songwriting process and helps maintain focus throughout. Example: Her insurance salesman father was right behind her song that was recorded by Celine Dion “Because You Loved Me” was a tribute to him disguised as romance.
Unforgettable Hooks:
One of Diane Warren's signature songwriting secrets is her knack for creating unforgettable hooks. A catchy melody or a powerful chorus can elevate a song to chart-topping status, Example: In her #1 hit song "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now", recorded by Starship: "And we can build this dream together, Standing strong forever, Nothing's gonna stop us now...". Warren's ability to craft hooks that linger in the minds of listeners is a skill worth emulating. Songwriters should experiment with melodies, chord progressions, and lyrical phrasing to create hooks that captivate and leave a lasting impression.
A Rare Non-Collaborative Spirit:
Almost uniquely in modern pop songwriting where you see co-writes in every hit on the charts, she prefers to work alone. Yes, while most songwriters prefer to collaborate, Diane Warren prefers to write songs alone.
However, there are rare examples: Mariah Carey worked with Diane Warren along with production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on her 2000 single “Can't Take That Away". Whitney Houston co-wrote with Diane Warren for her song "I learned from the Best" in 1999.
Songwriter Diane Warren waited 10 years for her collaboration with Taylor Swift to see the light of day. The two worked on the song “Say Don't Go,” which was originally slated to appear on Swift's 2014 album 1989, unfortunately, it didn't make the final cut.
Working with a diverse range of artists has allowed her to explore different genres and styles, contributing to her versatile catalog of hits. Songwriters can learn from Warren by being open to collaboration, seeking inspiration from unexpected sources, and embracing the synergy that comes from working with other talented individuals.
Persistence and Perseverance:
She writes seven days a week, working up to 16 hours daily. Warren's journey to success was not without its challenges. Her relentless persistence and unwavering dedication to her craft played a crucial role in her rise to prominence. Songwriters should take this lesson to heart, understanding that success often comes from a combination of talent, hard work, and the resilience to overcome obstacles. During her long music career, Warren has written for such varied artists as Trisha Yearwood, Aerosmith and Starship. Warren said she still gets turned down, but her persistence often pays off with big hits. “They don't all say yes,” Warren said on a Deadline magazine interview.
Conclusion:
Diane Warren's songwriting secrets are a roadmap for aspiring songwriters looking to make their mark in the music industry. By prioritizing emotional authenticity, building a strong conceptual foundation, crafting unforgettable hooks, embracing collaboration, and maintaining persistence, songwriters can tap into the essence of Warren's success and create music that stands the test of time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Ashley is a songwriter and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). He is currently working as the Artist Relations director with the USA Songwriting Competition and IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). His book "How to Write Better Songs" hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller Books Charts last year. Click here to purchase Scott Ashley's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5PLFGKX
For information on the 29th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net
