I use normalize only when I need it. I don't normalize everything, just tracks that are too low for the mix.

I do believe I have the "normalize" button checked but that doesn't always seem to give me full looking waves.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.