Melody
		Is the VERSE melody interesting and memorable?   Yes
		Is the CHORUS melody interesting and memorable?  Exceptionally
		Is there enough contrast between verse and chorus melodies?  Exceptionally
		Is the overall melody easy for the listener to follow?   Yes
		Melody Comments:
		There is so much to say about this song . . . and all good! There's a powerful melody in almost every section. The chorus, of course, with its thick, rich harmony, had us from note one! But we really liked the harmony that began with the line: "But if I'd only known" as well. This is a very well-written melody, and your choice of chords couldn't have been better - each of them emphasizing the feeling of that particular section, making each word mean something! The only advice we can give you for this melody might be to raise the volume of the word "ONCE" at the end of the line: "But the man who loves you loved me once" - because it's a little hard to hear, and we wouldn't want anyone without a lyric sheet to miss the meaning of this wonderful, moving lyric.

	Lyric
		Does the lyric begin with an interesting first line?   Yes
		Does the lyric say something in a new and interesting way?  Exceptionally
		Does the lyric make the the listener feel emotion?  Exceptionally
		Is the lyric easy to understand?  Exceptionally
		Does the lyric work well with the melody?  Yes
		Lyric Comments:
		As lyrics go, this is a rather unique one - coming from the point of view of a mans "Ex", while being sung to his current lover! What a great, original angle! And, as we realize that the singer is actually giving advice that she wished she'd taken herself - it is absolutely heart wrenching! Although, all of the lyrics here add up to the whole of a great story, there are standouts among them, such as: "But the man who loves you loved me once" (which invokes instant heartbreak in the listener, along with setting up the premise of the whole song), "From where you sit, love is absolute - Well, I've known that throne, too" (rips our hearts out!), and of course, the clever twist on a common phrase (but not so clever as to call attention to itself, and detract us from the sentiment of this song) "And I'm dying proof Of just what will become of you" along with the entire bridge lyric. The whole lyric is moving, but these within it, are no less than brilliant. To summarize: These very well-crafted lyrics, combined with this apropos music, is simply wonderful.

	Structure
		Does the intro build interest in the song?  Not Applicable
		Does the structure keep the listener's interest?  Not Applicable
		Do the different sections of the song fit together well?  Not Applicable
		Structure Comments:
		Actually, the cool, unique drum groove on the intro, caught our interest immediately. Structurally, the choice to use a verse/chorus (with bridge) format, was perfect - allowing us listeners to feel a deeper emotion with each time the chorus play again! And . . .we absolutely LOVE the way the song ends on: "And I'm dying proof - Of just what will become of you!" We fully expected it to go back to that great chorus again, but you surprised us, and put an exclamation mark on those words with that abrupt ending! And when you did . . .we all feel just how hurt you (the singer?) feels! Very powerful, emotionally. BRAVO, Nicole.

	Title
		Does the title create interest in the song?  Yes
		Is it the correct title for this song?  Exceptionally
		Title Comments:
		First of all, we believe that most people will hear this song and believe that is is named "Hold On" , because they will not hear the word "Maria" as part of the title. Following THAT logic, perhaps you could place the word "Maria" in parens AFTER the words "Hold On" IE: "Hold On (Maria)" - which will at once keep your title uniquly YOURS (as there have been numerous songs entitled "Hold On", or some variation of it), and remind anyone SEEING YOUR title, which one it is. Now, another issue: Although many songwriting gurus will advise that using a specific name in a song severely limits the usefulness of that song because "only people with THAT name will be able to relate to it" (SIC). We don't think that is always the case, however. And while there IS truth to that statement, we feel that it does NOT (necessarily) apply in THIS case. Hearing your lyrics just as they are, each of us can see this other woman, imagining what Maria looks like, and we can also visualize the singer (you?) as well, and it makes a great, personal tale we easily become involved with. But, to play devil's advocate, let us look at it from both angles: If you were to change "Maria" to "Girl", each time it is used, the song would function very well, without losing any meaning at all, and be extremely universal. But, we believe that it would lose it's personality, so we are leaning on the side of keeping Maria in the lyrics if not at the beginning of the title. You've used this title nicely, as well, placing it in a most auspicious place within the song. We feel that even the casual listener would be able to hear this once, and recognize the words "Hold On' as your title so that they can ask for it - and that's what ALL songwriters strive for! You're a powerhouse - and we can't wait to hear more of your creations!