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Back in the 1960s there were a number of songs that were written with verses in a minor key and choruses in a major key. To demonstrate what I mean, here's a YouTube link to Engelbert Humperdinck singing "You're My World." I love the feeling of lift that comes as the song moves from verse to chorus. I don't often write in minor keys. Inspired by the 1960s, though, I thought I'd try a minor-to-major write. The following song is the result of this journey. The verses are in D minor and the choruses are in F major. Please feel free to comment on any aspect of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production. I always welcome constructive feedback. I hope you like it. Noel BIAB BandRT 362: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085 RT 2903: Bass, Acoustic, BluesyPopByron Ev 100 RT 2904: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100 RT 2905: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BrightBluesyPopColin Ev 100 RT 3249: Guitar, Electric, Background ModernFunkSingleNotesBob Ev16 110 Handclaps: Loop from internet MIDI InstrumentsOrgan: Dimension Pro soft synth Drums: EZ Drummer 2 – set to “EZ Drummer 2 Modern >> Tape Filter” Effects & ProductionRT 362: JS Channel Time Delayer (part of the Reaper suite) RT 2903: Linear Phase Multiband Compressor (Waves) RT 2904: JS Channel Time Delayer RT 2905: CLA Guitars Stereo, MautoPan RT 3249: CLA Guitars Mono/Stereo Reverb: ReaVerberate (Reaper) and TC Electronic M30 Delay: Slapback delay using ReaDelay (Reaper) Vocals: ReaFir to remove background noise, ReaTune as needed, Nectar 3 De-Ess: combination of ReaComp and ReaEQ with Nectar 3 Overall production output: Ozone 9
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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I will comment on all of the aspects of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production, I thought that they were all top shelf.
Excellent vocal, lyrics, backing tracks and mix. I really liked the major minor changes, great work on that.
This may be your best to date.
My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Lyrically, this is absolutely extraordinary.
I don't think you have 'copied' any one else's style, but moreover delivered your own version of a very acceptable way to change minor-to-major, or major to major 3rd etc.
Clearly, you put in a great effort with the lyrics. They are outstanding, and it shows through with the clever phrasing.
Great job Noel. Congratulations.
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.
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Excellent peace of music very engaging in all areas great mix thanks Noel for sharing Eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
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Noel,
Nice!
Good production. The BAND works well. Nice vocals. A solid mix.
Good write. One of your best, I think. There is a "freedom" in the lyric...natural, comfortable. That is also reflected in your vocal...
In fact, I think it is one of your best in all regards. Very much enjoyed.
fj
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Hi, Noel. Melodically, this is different than other things what you've done, in that it's a bit more rhythmically driven. The minor/major works seamlessly. As you said, it gives a nice lift to the song. I didn't hear a change in feel at the transition at 3:35. There's a shift in rhythm at "So" that feels a bit like a lurch like might be handled better - a drum fill or something. Good and interesting lyrics, although the some language felt a bit dated, sort of of early 70's. (I say this with some irony, as I'm certainly not hip to the language them youngsters use these days). I know what you were going for at the end, but it didn't work for me - it felt like it was running out of steam, especially the last cymbal hit. I'm sure that others will - rightfully - disagree.  So that we're clear - I liked the song! It's always good to hear what you're up to, and I appreciate hearing the thought process behind the song. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal 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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Noel,
I think every aspect of this song works so well. It's great lyrically, but the arrangement is really something special - it has it all!
Outstanding vocal - I also think this is one of your best songs. Love the lift in the chorus.
Excellent!
Bob
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Really touching lyrics, confusion in the first verse and optimism in the second verse described very beautifully. The minor key in the verses works very well, gives sort of a dreamy feeling (what just happened...what should happen next).
Nice chord to rise to the catchy chorus.
Great vocals also this time. The band and the mix are top quality, the acoustic bass is especially nice and I like how the organ is introduced.
Nice slowdown ending ("slow me down").
Janne
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Noel, "I don't often write in minor keys." I think you should write more in minor (->major) Probably one of the best tunes I have heard by you to my taste. Excellent lyrics, super vocal twists. Overall a tasteful composition and mix. Good listen. Thank you for sharing. Misha.
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Nice story to the song sung over a comfortable melody. All the elements were there for me. Great work!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Hi Noel,
Nice intro, pleasant lyrics. The whole is well done.
Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
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Noel
A nice big ballad that works on all levels.
The minor major change suited the song perfectly and enhanced the lyric.
Strong dynamic vocals and a clear clean mix.
Enjoyed the well written and performed song.
Peter
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The changes from minor to major to minor, etc. were seamless and worked well. As Mario said, good aon all levels. Vocal sounds clear and crisp, very pleasant.
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I will comment on all of the aspects of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production, I thought that they were all top shelf.
Excellent vocal, lyrics, backing tracks and mix. I really liked the major minor changes, great work on that.
This may be your best to date. Hi Mario! It's brilliant to see you Thanks for jumping into the thread and having a listen. I really appreciate it. Just the other day I was thinking that I'll have to revisit those couple of song we put together ages ago. It would be interesting to see what BIAB 2021 along with Nectar 3, Ozone 9 and a more musically competent Noel96 can turn out! I hope all is travelling well for you and yours! All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Lyrically, this is absolutely extraordinary.
I don't think you have 'copied' any one else's style, but moreover delivered your own version of a very acceptable way to change minor-to-major, or major to major 3rd etc.
Clearly, you put in a great effort with the lyrics. They are outstanding, and it shows through with the clever phrasing.
Great job Noel. Congratulations. Hi Trev! I always smile when I read that you've visited Thanks for the uplifting comments. In case you're interested, here's the chord progression I used. As I see it, the chords in my chorus strongly "hint" at F major rather than clearly establish the key. VERSE: Dm| Am| Gm7| Am| Dm| Am| Gm7| Am| Dm| Am| Gm7| Am| Dm| Am| Gm7| C9sus| CHORUS: Bb| F/A| Gm7| C7sus| Bb| F/A| Gm7| C7sus| TURNAROUND: F| Gm7| A9sus| A7| The last two chords of the verse are what got me to the chorus. As you'll have already worked out, no doubt, the Gm7 is the pivot chord because it's a IV chord in D minor and a II in F major. Similarly, the Gm7 in the turnaround pivots between the major and minor modes. The A chords are chord V in D minor and so they shoot me back to that key. It was a fun exercise! All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Beautiful! There's plenty to analyse if I wanted to, but some of the best songs are those that make you just sit back, listen and just enjoy - and this one's one of those for me. Loved it - the modulations are seamless and natural. Bravo.
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That minor - major twist does and some interest.
Nice write.
moto
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Noel,
An interesting structure which brings a very different feel to the song from your other work; the verses have a nice late 60`s feel with uplifting, philosophizing lyrics I enjoy;
And if we meet life’s oceans
We should sail them with all we’re worth
And together, let’s reach for the stars
No matter how high or how hard or how far
The chorus is more recognizably pop ( and Noel) in style .
You`ve done excellent work arranging and producing here.
I like the shift in your creativity and enjoyed the message!
Robert
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Love this Noel!
Outstanding mix and vocals.
Great, great, great sound man!
Love the little cymbal hit at the end.
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Your productions have been outstanding from the get go. On this one you nudged that high bar up a bit with your very nuanced vocal. You seem to be exploring new territory in a very good way. "And if we meet life’s oceans We should sail them with all we’re worth And together, let’s reach for the stars No matter how high or how hard or how far" YES! The band is a great choice for the lyric and vocal...very supportive. Your knowledge of chords and progressions is way above our pay grade but we liked what we heard. No need for further parsing. It's a fine production. Kudos! 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! Our Videos
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