First thing I noticed was how even the soft passages were with the louder passages. Most of the time, my vocals fade away at the end of the phrase and get lost. Obviously compression, but likely also some judicious fader work.

Second thing I noticed was the EQ. Can't say I know precisely how to "get there", but for modern music, high and clear is the way to go. Third thing, they didn't completely eliminate "breathes". Made for a more natural sound in this genre.

All of that, with other effects tricks, made the vocals stand out cleanly and ride the build of the song.

I can't say for sure, but I wouldn't doubt there is some pitch correction going on here too, in spots. Might be a different effect, but there seems to be a bit of that "sound" here and there. Again, for this style of modern country, to un-blue some of those notes seems perfectly fine. There is plenty of soul remaining.

Nice to be able to have that "guide". I liked the acapella version just fine, actually.

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