Music reviews allow users to read the opinions of professionals and other listeners before they buy a piece of music. These reviews are usually written by people familiar with the genre.

Websites offer easy access to music reviews. For instance, a consumer website like Amazon.com provides the potential purchaser with reviews from other users. People see what other users think about a certain song or artist before deciding to buy the album. Youtube videos featuring the music also frequently have comments comparing it to other artists in the same genre. The website MetaCritic.com allows the interested searcher to find reviews of any particular album or artist. Reading forums devoted to a certain genre often offers the commentary of fellow listeners.

Not all reviews of are equal value, and a reviewer may not have the same taste as the potential buyer. People considering purchasing a piece of music should see if they can find a version to which they can listen for free before they purchase it.