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#552517 09/02/19 05:52 AM
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The Value Of ME

I composed this song in 2009. Since then I have made several versions of it, usually when new Vocaloid launched, I tried how it would sound with this song - so I have LEON, BigAl, Oliver and Ruby versions. I made the Ruby version in 2015 right after Ruby was launched, published it on YouTube and Vocaloid community found it, thus it has got quite many likes, comments and viewers (almost 1000 now, you can help me to reach that milestone smile ).

This year, I decided to do the new version with my own voice, so I made a bit more "adult" version. I have liked bands like Simply Red, and this song is similar kind of blue-eyed soul.

It's amazing how quickly it is possible to create a different but still professional sounding version with Band-in-a-box. Although this song has the strangest chords I have ever used, like B7susb5b9/A, and I couldn't use many instruments because BIAB didn't play well those chords, there were enough RTs that managed to sound good with my chording. So it's my perfect tool - really a stable and reliable companion, the cornerstone of my music-making, constant like love described in the lyrics of this song... I hope you can find that message among all those mathematical references smile

All comments welcome!

RealDrums: Cowbell, LatinFunkAlex
Loops: chillos_100a

RealTracks:
Electric bass #3111
Acoustic piano #2424
Electric piano #2526
Electric guitar #1638, #3255
Electric guitar soloist #1651
Strings #2953
Cello #1856, #3267
Vocal Mmms #3278

MIDI (style??):
Electric piano (SampleTank 3)

Vocals: Janne S

Mixed in Cakewalk by BandLab

Lyrics:

The Value Of ME

A stone is rough and old
what if I could turn it to gold
and make you see the value of ME.
It's not alchemy
an equation of the third degree
X, Y or Z
just the constant value of ME.

Calculate, evaluate,
always in range, you cannot change

A stone is...

Measure and rate, appreciate
always the same, permanent name

Not a diamond, not a prime,
just average every time,
not an approximation of pi
just easy to divide and multiply
a stone in the abacus
the basics of your calculus.

A stone is...

-----------
Janne


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Hi Janne,

I love the premise of 'The value of me' and how you've worked the concept of 'value' from a maths and measurement perspective and ended up with some very cool lyrics... nice smile And what a backing!!!! It's funky, smooth and very engaging.

Also, your singing really grabbed me. I compliment you on a fine performance! Your vocals sit perfectly and so confidently in the mix that I'm hearing in my headphones here in Melbourne at 3:20 a.m.

Great stuff!

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Love it! Clever lyrics, great sound, nice singing. Clear mix, love the arrangement.

I had a quick listen to the Vocaloid version. Your singing is much better. smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Janne,

A clever lyric. Good arrangement - nice instrumentation. And a good mix.

Nice "mellow" vocal...

A pleasant listen. Enjoyed it.

fj

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Janne

Very nice arrangement, really has a Simply Red vibe.

A very good piece of writing with a clever lyric and some excellent dynamics.

Really well done.

Peter

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Can't say I've ever heard a math-nerd easy-listening piece. Unique and very lovely.


BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground
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Very cool, Janne, clever lyrics and nice arrangement.

I had a listen to both versions, the vocaloid version is better than I thought it would be, that technology is getting pretty good.

But I like the new version better of course smile

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I didn't know the Finns used the American version of the alphabet.
The backing track is pretty funky & cool.
You've treated you vocals quite well.
I like the ideas in your lyric.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Noel96 #552835 09/04/19 04:42 AM
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Originally Posted By: Noel96
I love the premise of 'The value of me' and how you've worked the concept of 'value' from a maths and measurement perspective and ended up with some very cool lyrics... nice smile And what a backing!!!! It's funky, smooth and very engaging.
Also, your singing really grabbed me. I compliment you on a fine performance! Your vocals sit perfectly and so confidently in the mix that I'm hearing in my headphones here in Melbourne at 3:20 a.m.
Great stuff!
All the best,
Noel


Thanks Noel for your uplifting comment, especially concerning lyrics and vocals - you really give me confidence for my singing smile I'm glad the song worked also in the early hours of the morning.

Janne


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dcuny #552836 09/04/19 04:44 AM
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Originally Posted By: dcuny
Love it! Clever lyrics, great sound, nice singing. Clear mix, love the arrangement.
I had a quick listen to the Vocaloid version. Your singing is much better. smile


Thanks Dave, I really appreciate your kind feedback, means a lot to me smile I'm very glad to hear that I can sing better than a Vocaloid, I never thought that could ever be possible wink

Janne


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Originally Posted By: floyd jane
A clever lyric. Good arrangement - nice instrumentation. And a good mix.
Nice "mellow" vocal...
A pleasant listen. Enjoyed it.
fj


Thanks Floyd for your kind words smile You are such a great songwriter that a word like 'clever' from you is really rewarding laugh

Janne


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The lyrics are really fantastic, and I think people perhaps often don't value themselves enough, so it has a great message.

Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Ember
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"I love the premise of 'The value of me' and how you've worked the concept of 'value' from a maths and measurement perspective and ended up with some very cool lyrics... nice smile And what a backing!!!! It's funky, smooth and very engaging."

Quoting Noel above because it is so well stated and we agree with it!

Janice pointed out she's hearing a bit of a Steely Dan vibe.

A "B7susb5b9/A" chord? That is so far over our heads that it's somewhere in outer space smile

We like this a lot...the cool lyric, laid back vocal and the BiaB parts.

Most enjoyable.

J&B


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
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Janne,

This is an excellent set of lyrics and a great vocal. I love the harmonies and the laid back performance.

Much enjoyed!

Bob

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Nicely done! Really enjoyed the harmonies and the lyrics here. Your vocals soar, and the instrumentation works perfectly with your vocal delivery. It's nicely catchy too, and I thought the mix was concise and professional.

Thanks for sharing smile


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Deryk
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Janne,

Fun and humorous tune! I like your "strange" cords, arrangement flows very smoothly. At times, strange chord progressions sound the most interesting...well at least to me. Mix and production is very good.

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

PeterF #553248 09/06/19 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted By: PeterF
Very nice arrangement, really has a Simply Red vibe.
A very good piece of writing with a clever lyric and some excellent dynamics.
Really well done.
Peter


Thanks Peter for your kind review smile

Janne


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Tangmo #553250 09/06/19 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted By: Tangmo
Can't say I've ever heard a math-nerd easy-listening piece. Unique and very lovely.


Thanks Tangmo for your kind words, nice and funny description smile

Janne


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Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Very cool, Janne, clever lyrics and nice arrangement.
I had a listen to both versions, the vocaloid version is better than I thought it would be, that technology is getting pretty good.
But I like the new version better of course smile


Thanks Dave for your kind feedback smile Certainly technology is getting better and will replace all of us in singing and playing some day, but before that, let's enjoy the human way laugh Nowadays I use vocaloid only when I create the vocal track from the MIDI melody, it helps when trying to find a natural flow for the words or modify the melody for a better vocal range.

And thanks to all video viewers, I have now reached my first ever 1000 limit smile

Janne


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There was a lot I liked in this. The math kept rubbing me the wrong way, but that's just me. Still, a lot of skill and talent here.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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