Jim,

Now THAT is more like it. I definitely respect and relate to that explanation you gave. With that said, I think it is VERY important to emulate the greats from the past, rather than the ones who think they are great now.

I don't emulate Justin Bieber or One Direction. They don't really write most of their stuff, if any of it at all. I do recognize and appreciate the ones who are writing and producing that stuff.

Also, track writing is NOT my preferred method. I know a lot of people in the pop world swear by it, but a melody and lyric are limited by the pre-made track. There is not much room for creative freedom with the music.

When a song is written the Nashville way (lyrics and melody first), then there is more room for crafting music arrangements and vocal arrangements to create a song that stands out against the rest of the songs out there.

I like to tell a story. I like my songs to make sense. I like my songs to move people and make people walk away saying, "I need to listen to that song again."

When I want to be moved and inspired, I listen to the greats. When I want to listen to something purely for the popcorn value, well, I think you get the picture.

This is simply what my argument is about. I like eating popcorn as much as I like stuff with more substance. McDonalds sucks most the time, but once in a while, I don't mind a quarter pounder with cheese.

I too like to say things to rile you up sometimes. Not gonna lie. I like seeing how you'll respond to something. I hope your christmas was pretty awesome and I definitely hope you bring in the new year with a bang. :-)

So there you have it.

G