It's best to listen to the recording until you have become accustomed to it, then evaluate it. Don't just listen to the highest graded recordings. Also listen to the lowest and middle graded tunes. Try to avoid judgments about genres: it is possible for a hit to be good regardless of whether it is rock, soul, pop, country, folk, jazz, or exotic.

Thorough study of the recordings below, and their grades, will teach you how to use the 100 point scale. You can apply it not only to music, but to theatrical films, television shows, even commercials.

True, nobody will care that you have learned how to grade. Nearly everyone believes that it is strictly a matter of opinion whether something is good or not. Many if not most people react to music strictly emotionally. Others identify with a specific genre (e.g. rock) and dislike everything else. So, nobody else will ever appreciate your grading skills. But at least you'll know what is great, what is good, what is hype, and what is junk.

The grade of a specific recording can actually vary considerably. For example, the background music track of a hit single will often grade significantly lower than the vocal. But there are exceptions such as "Everybody Wants To Rule The World", where the producer's backing track grades much higher than the vocals.

The table below specifies which portion of the recording is graded. Usually, it is the vocal, which is typically the most important portion of the tune. The remainder of the song is ignored for grading purposes. "American Idol" evaluated the singer and not the backing track.

When grading, it is best to listen via headphones at a comfortable volume with your eyes closed. It is also a good idea not to pay that much attention to the lyrics. The melody, arrangement, and delivery are more consequential. Also, avoid stereo in favor of mono. Stereo mixes can be distracting. 1960s singles were designed to be played in mono on auto dashboards and transister radios.

The first half of the song, prior to the bridge, typically has greater significance than the second half. This is why the grade for The Beatles' "Hey Jude" excludes the lengthy, ponderous "Nah nah nah" finale that would otherwise deep-six the possibility of a high grade.

Avoid confusing celebrity, personality, looks, culture, heritage, message, or values with the quality of the recording, which is what matters. You can like, and even respect and admire, Tony Bennett as a person, while understanding that his records are not good and never have been. A homely elderly woman can be an excellent singer.

Don't place excessive importance on a singer's vocal talent. Bobby Vinton was a polished professional with a fine voice, but he made lousy records. Also, don't be overly impressed by the quality of the underlying composition. Tony Hatch was an excellent songwriter for Petula Clark, but that doesn't mean Clark's recordings have particular merit.

The same performer will often have consistent grades (whether high or low) throughout a series of hit singles. For example, The Beatles have consistently high grades, and Herman's Hermits have consistently mediocre grades. But exceptions can occur. For example, Neil Diamond recordings were much better prior to his move to Columbia.

Also, whether a single was a huge hit, or not a hit at all, can have little relationship to its grade. "In The Year 2525" is an awful song even though it topped the Hot 100 chart for weeks. It is also possible for a hit to be a "guilty pleasure" that you enjoy hearing even though you know it does not grade highly.

Finally, keep in mind that you are human, and will sometimes grade incorrectly. Mistakes do not invalidate the method or philosophy.