|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Using loops for inspiration seems to be very productive for me. I haven't written so many songs in a long time! Here's another... I started writing "Can You Imagine" just before John Lennon's birthday. As the song title indicates, that event provided a bit of inspiration, too. In addition to creating a video using BIAB, I have also included a lead sheet that was generated by BIAB. I've provided this so that anyone interested can get an insight into what bar settings I used in the software. (This lead sheet can be found on Soundcloud via the audio link below.) BIAB-made Video:Can You ImagineAudio (Soundcloud):Can You ImagineRecently I bought Miroslav Philharmonik and I used this and Roland VSC/DXi to create the midi sounds heard in the arrangement. Comments and criticisms welcome. Regards, Noel BIAB DetailsStyle: _PNO16BR.STY (16ths Piano Pop-Rock [85 RS]) RealTrack 1759: Bass, Electric, Pop16ths Ev 085 RealTrack 1767: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Pop16 Ev16 085 RealTrack 1764: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Pop16thsA-B Ev16 085 RealTrack 1761: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths Ev16 085 RealTracks 1856: Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085 RealDrums: RockBritDrivingEv16^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride LyricsCan you imagine a scene like this? We're standing with one another, side by side And singing together in harmony With confidence, heart and a mountain of pride Can you imagine a sound like this? An ocean of people who sway and sing In chorus together, friend with friend Making the heavens reverberate and ring It all begins with a single voice One voice to lead the way Sooner or later another joins in Then it starts to grow And hundreds join the show Can you imagine the power and strength If a world full of people were singing strong Flooding the planet in the sounds of peace And everyone singing the same song [Instrumental] It all begins with a single voice One voice to lead the way Sooner or later, another joins in Then it starts to grow And millions join the show Can you imagine the power and strength If a world full of nations were singing strong Flooding the planet in the sounds of peace And everyone singing the same song Everyone singing the same song
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,848
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,848 |
Wow Noel, not only have you stepped up production but you are also maintaining your normal well thought out lyrics, melody and production.
IMO, your lyrics match well with John Lennon's Imagine and it's easy to imagine this doing quite well commercially recorded by a major artist.
Because of the arrangement and your slight accent, I also could hear this with Barry Gibb doing the honors. That would be a nice birthday tribute to the late Mr. Lennon.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Very nice Noel. It's refreshing to hear a song about peace. There used to be a lot of them.
Enjoyed it.
Regards,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071 |
Nice Noel
I really like the use of non-even bar numbers. It introduces an interesting level of anticipation.
Yes the Miroslav Philharmonik really provides a fantastic dynamic, rich and full.
Did I notice a choir sound in the background too? It worked perfectly.
Top job.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Noel,
very uplifting song! Like your lyrics and
delivery. I especially like the part where the
choir comes in.
I enjoyed my listens a lot.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Noel, If everyone had your attitude the world would be a much better place. I am beginning to think that you never get depressed. I like the unusual chord progression and the unusual rhyme scheme. (at least to me anyway) The dropping of the drums except the snare during the cello solo was inspired arranging. And what a big big overall sound! The choir sounded great-money well spent. You keep moving forward in your singing, writing, arranging and production. I can hardly wait to hear what comes next. Excellence lives here. Bravo! Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hello Noel,
This is the perfect Christmas song!
Appropriate lyrics, beautiful music and vocals (yes, nice chorus!).
We could imagine John Lennon singing it.
Very well done!
Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360 |
Love the chord changes and the melody of this, so nice, not to mention the lyrics. enjoyed.
Kenny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361 |
Hi Noel.
A beautiful song with admirable sentiments.
The cello solo was perfect.
Great production and mix.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,679 |
nice song and great voice as usual.
I like the real tracks you choose.
Sergio
Sergio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Wow Noel, not only have you stepped up production but you are also maintaining your normal well thought out lyrics, melody and production.
IMO, your lyrics match well with John Lennon's Imagine and it's easy to imagine this doing quite well commercially recorded by a major artist.
Because of the arrangement and your slight accent, I also could hear this with Barry Gibb doing the honors. That would be a nice birthday tribute to the late Mr. Lennon. Hi Charlie, Thanks for taking time to have a listen. I enjoyed putting this one together. What BIAB makes possible these days is just brilliant! It's such an amazing tool. Thanks for the visit, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Very nice Noel. It's refreshing to hear a song about peace. There used to be a lot of them.
Enjoyed it.
Regards,
Bob Hey Bob, Good to see you. There have been some fantastic songs written about peace. Some of them have really made a difference, too. As a theme, I sure it will be recycled again one of these days - most things seem to come and go like a merry-go-round. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 532 |
I agree with all the comments that everyone else have submitted. To me, your harmony at bars 56 and 57 sounds very much like the Beatles harmony on "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". I had noticed that in another song that you did. You do a superb job on everything that you write.
Sonny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,865
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,865 |
A very nice write, Noel. It has the feel of a classic "group sing" type song..."We Are The World"..."I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing"... the melody goes to all the right places for that...
The background voices are a nice touch. The drums are especially nice, too.
By my third listen, I could hear the world singing along...
floyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Nice Noel
I really like the use of non-even bar numbers. It introduces an interesting level of anticipation.
Yes the Miroslav Philharmonik really provides a fantastic dynamic, rich and full.
Did I notice a choir sound in the background too? It worked perfectly.
Top job.
Thanks, Trevor. I've always been impressed with David Cuny and his arrangements using Miroslav. So when the software was $49 recently, I purchased it. Talk about a bargain! The sounds are amazing. The choir comes from this software. I used the 'Female Ah' sound and wrote a couple of small sections of 2-part harmony. I wasn't sure how it would work but it seems to have done the job. Also, part of the "anticipation" you feel with the 9th bar in some sections is certainly due to the odd number of bars (although 9-bars per section was not unusual in Bach's day), it's probably also enhanced by the fact that the 9th bar is 2/4. I've heard the song so many times now that I can no longer feel this sort of movement. Your comment gave me an insight and I appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to listen. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Hi Noel,
very uplifting song! Like your lyrics and
delivery. I especially like the part where the
choir comes in.
I enjoyed my listens a lot.
Guenter Hi Guenter, Thank you for visiting, listening and commenting. The choir and church bell were late additions to the arrangement. My main reason for adding the Miroslav Philharmonik vocal sound was because I couldn't get my own vocal harmony to work effectively and I really wanted to use voices to lift the last section of the arrangement. When I wrote a couple of simple midi counter-melodies and channeled them through the Miroslav plugin, it sounded good so I left it. Thanks again for taking the time... Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079 |
Noel, I can think of nothing much to add to the other comments except to say having watched the video a few times that the presence of Bar 13 initially threw me and I thought that as this song would fit as "the last dance" type of song this would not make dancing easy, but then I am no Astaire. The 2/4 bar seemed to work better before the chorus. I also thought the song would sound great with just a solo acoustic guitar, no other instruments, in verses 1 and 2. Then a build up. Up to your normal standards  Alyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Noel, If everyone had your attitude the world would be a much better place. I am beginning to think that you never get depressed. I like the unusual chord progression and the unusual rhyme scheme. (at least to me anyway) The dropping of the drums except the snare during the cello solo was inspired arranging. And what a big big overall sound! The choir sounded great-money well spent. You keep moving forward in your singing, writing, arranging and production. I can hardly wait to hear what comes next. Excellence lives here. Bravo! Tom Hey Tom, hmm.... I suspect that 'me' in real-life and 'me' in my songs might be two different people! ... LOL ... I'll keep that just between you and me, though. Thanks for passing through. I always look forward to reading how you hear my work and I appreciate the insight you give me. In relation to the chord progression, I wanted to use the flat seven chord.... I, bVII, V7.... (in this song that's G F D7). It's a chord that I picked up from Jai Josef's book "Writing Music for Hit Songs". Once I became aware of it, I realised that I'd heard it a number of times over the years but never appreciated what it was. I'm glad the choir worked for you because I was in two minds about using it! Onto the next song now.... (I've already got the loop happening!) All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Hello Noel,
This is the perfect Christmas song!
Appropriate lyrics, beautiful music and vocals (yes, nice chorus!).
We could imagine John Lennon singing it.
Very well done!
Rob and Anne-Marie Hi Rob and Anne-Marie, Thank you for your uplifting thoughts. Thanks for the idea about Christmas, too. That wasn't something that occurred to me as I wrote it. I appreciate the visit. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,340
Members40,015
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean