How to Compliment a Song

Co-authored by Maureen Taylor and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 8, 2022 References

Someone just sang or played you an amazing song and you’re absolutely awe-struck—but how do you tell them that? What can you say that expresses everything you’re feeling? We’ve put together a list of examples to help you compliment a song, from thoughtful praise to funny flattery. Read on to learn what you can say to keep them singing, playing, or writing music.

1

“I really like the melody.”

Identify something praiseworthy in the song. The artist has most likely shared their song with you because they trust your opinion, so tell them what you liked!^{[1]
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- “I loved when you changed the tone!”
- “Dude! That riff was incredible.”

2

“I’m so honored you shared this with me.”

Thank the artist for sharing their song with you. It takes a lot of guts to write a song, so don’t let them feel like they did it for nothing. This is a great way to open up a conversation about the song itself.
- “You didn’t have to share that, so thank you.”
- “That was so special. I’m grateful I got to hear it.”

3

“You light up a room when you sing.”

Express your admiration for the song and them. A great way to compliment an artist is to tell them that their voice, lyrics, or musical talents are inspiring, and this does just that with a creative twist.^{[2]
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- “That melody will brighten even the darkest rooms.”
- “Want to play that at my wedding cause it could never rain with that sunshine!”

4

“Thank you for writing my feelings.”

Say how much you relate to the song. Most artists perform and share their craft to tell others they’re not alone. Let them know just how much their song touched you emotionally.
- “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
- “This will connect with so many people.”

5

“The way you convey emotion is incredible.”

Mention the deeper undertones of the song. A good compliment comes from noticing the little things. Tell the artist about a part of their song, whether it be the lyrics or pitch, that struck a cord with you.^{[3]
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- “I can feel your grief in the soft, slow pitch and repetition.”
- “You literally sound like what I imagined happiness to sound like.”

6

“So impressed by you.”

Admire the artist’s ability to write a song. Composing a song is no easy task, so don’t be afraid to express that! Tell them how incredible they are until they practically beg you to stop.
- “You continue to amaze me.”
- “Is there anything you can’t do?”

7

“That beat is out of the world.”

Compliment a specific part of the song. Giving genuine compliments is all about being thoughtful and personalized, so express a love or liking for what stood out the most to you.
- “That melody at the end hit hard.”
- “There’s something so special about that bridge!”

8

“The fast tempo has put me in the best mood!”

Describe the mood of the song. When an artist creates music, they create expression, and there’s no better way to compliment their work than by complimenting that. Mention harmonies, pitch, and rhythm while stating how the song made you feel.^{[4]
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- “Girl, that low rhythm has me feeling so zen right now.”
- “I feel like I could run a marathon to that intense beat.”

9

“Love how you told a story.”

Share what you like most about the song. Think about why you appreciate the song and form a compliment out of that. This makes the compliment personal and is sure to get them smiling.
- “I liked how you changed the chorus at the end.”
- “You really shined a light on a different perspective.”

10

“I could listen to that all day.”

Tell them you'd put their song on repeat. Wanting to add the song to your own playlist is a huge compliment. Let the musician know how much you liked their work by telling them you'd listen to it again.
- “This is so catchy!”
- “I was captivated by the first note!”

11

“Hello! New bop alert?”

Uplift an artist with an astonished gasp. If you know the singer, be a little comedic with your compliment. Clutch a hand to your chest and pretend to be happily surprised that they're holding the music industry on their shoulders.
- “Hello! Is it time to call X-Factor?”
- “So, guess we know where the next hit has been hiding!”

12

“Can you play it again?”

Ask an artist to perform the song again. The biggest compliment can be as simple as saying, “I really loved that,” and what better way to say that then by asking for a replay?
- “Please sing it again!”
- “That would totally be on repeat during my morning routine.”

13

“You have such a soulful voice.”

Flatter an artist’s voice. Good compliments are those that don’t benefit you at all but make others feel good. So, make them smile by complimenting something special in the song to boost their self-esteem.^{[5]
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- “Music must be in your blood.”
- “You have such a unique energy.”