Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Both being great fans of Jim Steinman and Meatloaf, Eddie and I thought it would be a huge challenge
to try and write something in that style, so here it is!
I kicked it off with a verse and chorus and sent the SEQ to Eddie who promptly slowed the tempo from
130bpm to 110bpm, which brought it more into line with a Meatloaf power ballad. He then added the second
verse, made some subtle phrasing changes to the chorus and sent the file back with a lead vocal on.
I added some backing vocals, but it was apparent that we needed a higher harmony as well, so my wife,
June, kindly provided that. She used to sing radio jingles, but getting her to sing into a mic these days
requires all sorts of bribery!

So, The drums are RD Rock Modern Hard Even, the Sax is an RT which I can't remember and there's an RT acoustic
rhythm guitar strumming in there somewhere. The other guitars, bass and piano are down to me.
The whole thing was tracked-up in Realband, but mixed in Harrison Mixbus 32C. I moved into Mixbus so that
I could use my "posh" 64bit VSTs which don't seem to like working under J-Bridge.

NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME (To Tell You Goodbye)
There'll never be a better time for me to tell you goodbye
So let me say the words and then
Just turn around and walk away, never asking why
Before I change my mind again
It's better this way by far, before you fall into the trap
Before you find you're in too deep, and can't find your way back
Everybody knows that...

I've always been kinda restless
I'm always gonna be that way
Till the cows come home and the pigeons roost
And I'm waiting on the Judgement Day
Don't pin your hopes on me, girl
I'm never gonna be that guy
Cos some things work and some times hurt
And I don't want to see you cry

It's time for us to take a peek into our history
And try to figure what went wrong
It's one of those things that's really neither you or me
More admitting that we don't belong
We've both lived long enough - by now we should have found
A peg that's square will never fit, into a hole that's round
Everybody knows that...

As ever, we're always grateful to all those who have the time to give it a listen.
Many thanks,
ROG & Eddie

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
The big drums are good and punchy and the sax sounds great.

The stabs work well. And the stops/holds...Nice pop piano work - especially between verses...would have liked to hear the harmonies up considerably and a bit beefier bass...

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
great mix,

love the drums and everything else

sounds like a very good Ringo track to me

and Meatloaf of course

very nice collaboration by all involved

enjoyed!

Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Great job on this one... I enjoyed it.
You've also created some nicely shining lyrics like
"Cos some things work and some just hurt" and
"A peg that's square will never fit, into a hole that's round"
Congratulations to you & Eddie & June.


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,599
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,599
Great pop rock song with a killer chorus and powerful production, vocals and backing vocals really work and the drum level is just right. Yes I can hear some Meatloaf there, but for some reason certain Irish rock bands came to my mind (e.g. The Saw Doctors).

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
The chorus really comes into its own on the final run through. BIG sound for a big song.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Cool intro. Jumps right in. This sounded great. Super vocal.


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
E
eddie1261
Unregistered
eddie1261
Unregistered
E
Just bumping back to the top, because that's what we do here. Tomorrow I will add "NEW MIX" so it looks more legit.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,869
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,869
Very nice.

You nailed the Meatloaf vibe in the chorus... or.... was it a Jimmy Buffet thing going on there? I'm not exactly sure which one you channeled better...... But I liked it.

Yep....


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.
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Hi, ROG and Eddie !

Absolutely superb tune
Love everything about it
and ---oohhh that rhytmic
side of it - wonderful !!!:_))

Cheers
Dani

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
W
Expert
Offline
Expert
W
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Good chorus. I don't know more than 1 or 2 songs from Meatloaf. so I cannot really compare too much, but I think you made a nice song.
As a mix it sounds a bit over-compressed - maybe the song would be even better if there were more space for all instruments? Just saying - it is of course a matter of personal taste how dynamic you want a track to be. smile

Thanks for sharing!
Will

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
The big drums are good and punchy and the sax sounds great.

The stabs work well. And the stops/holds...Nice pop piano work - especially between verses...would have liked to hear the harmonies up considerably and a bit beefier bass...

Hi Floyd,
You have a good ear and I always value your opinion. You could be right about the bass and the harmonies, but
it's a long tale and I'll send you a PM!
Many thanks for looking in on this one.
Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
great mix,

love the drums and everything else

sounds like a very good Ringo track to me

and Meatloaf of course

very nice collaboration by all involved

enjoyed!

Kenny

Hi Kenny,
Thanks for looking in - always appreciate your opinion and pleased you enjoyed it.
Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Originally Posted By: Jim
Great job on this one... I enjoyed it.
You've also created some nicely shining lyrics like
"Cos some things work and some just hurt" and
"A peg that's square will never fit, into a hole that's round"
Congratulations to you & Eddie & June.


Many thanks, Jim.
Pleased you like the lyrics - one line is mine and the other Eddie's, so very diplomatic.
Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Originally Posted By: jannesan
Great pop rock song with a killer chorus and powerful production, vocals and backing vocals really work and the drum level is just right. Yes I can hear some Meatloaf there, but for some reason certain Irish rock bands came to my mind (e.g. The Saw Doctors).

Janne

Hi Janne,
That's very kind.
Many thanks for the listen and review.
Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
I don't think I was ever a fan of Meatloaf but I'll stand with my bic - or is it cellphone lights now? grin I also thought the bass could've been beefier. Otherwise I thought it was a very cool production and the bribery was obviously worth it.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Originally Posted By: rayc
The chorus really comes into its own on the final run through. BIG sound for a big song.

Many thanks, Ray. Much appreciated.
Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Originally Posted By: Scott C
Cool intro. Jumps right in. This sounded great. Super vocal.

Hi Scott.
Many thanks for the review. Particularly pleased about the vocals - we were all struggling with colds
when we laid down the vocals tracks, so it's good to get positive feedback.
Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
ROG Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Very nice.

You nailed the Meatloaf vibe in the chorus... or.... was it a Jimmy Buffet thing going on there? I'm not exactly sure which one you channelled better...... But I liked it.

Yep....

Hi Herb,
Always pleased to get your views and glad you liked this one. Yeah, Jimmy Buffet is OK with me!
Many thanks.
Cheers, ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Great job channeling the big man!! Both the sentiment of the song, and the music (particularly the quick chord changes at the end of some lines) really capture the Steinman thing. I've always been a big fan myself and you guys have captured his essence well! Very nice!! Take care. Greg

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,221
Posts802,044
Members40,070
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Orchestr8, dimtass, Quamido Pirendo, Allan63, isledge
40,070 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 127
zedd 110
DC Ron 94
rsdean 86
Noel96 76
Today's Birthdays
flashlarue, gary133, kirbonite
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5