Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
https://soundcloud.com/user-770148857/hymn-for-the-oppressed-acoustic-version


I did a quick acoustic version of this song as suggested by many forum members who did not like the strings and horns arrangement of the original. Although I still prefer the full production, I will admit that the single nylon guitar helps to put the focus on the lyrics. Which is what I'm all about. So that's a good thing.

If you want to listen to the original, here's the link:

https://soundcloud.com/user-770148857/hymn-for-the-oppressed

Lyrics:

Steel yourself
To find a way
A way to rise and
Fight for yet another day
There's a hope
In the Air
Life can still be good
And something we can share

This tribulation
will be gone for good
I'd make it so today
If I could

Chorus
Oh, I will breathe some hope
Into your shattered soul
Enough to fill your heart
And take away the cold
I'll reach out to you
Across the distant way
I'll send my strength to you
Hold on, this day

I will send some power
from my outstretched hand
It will skip the ocean
It will skim the land
It will tame the beast
That hovers at your gate
Feel all its energy
Fear not your fate

Verse 2
Don't be sad
Don't lose hope
Use your strength
To stay your grip upon the rope
Feel my force
Guide your hand
You will right your stance
And then reclaim the land
The howling beast will
Soon be put to rest
Your perseverance
Will have met the test


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
This indeed sets a better focus on the powerful lyrics. But also on the vocal performance which, particularly in the choruses is very strong (fondly reminds me of Don McLean's Till Tomorrow).

Rob


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Nice acoustic version...there's fair chunk of Josh Groban in the song.
The stripped version focussed on the lyric yes, I like a fuller arrangement too...I wasn't fussed in the horns & strings as they sounded canned and hokey.
It'd be a cool choir song with a vocal arrangement filling in.

Last edited by rayc; 08/22/22 08:04 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,948
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,948
I had a listen to both versions.

First of all, a very well written song! Great lyrics, and excellent vocal.

I like the acoustic version best personally.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,698
TuneMonger,

This is a beautiful song. Love the sparse arrangement and great vocal.

So well done...

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Oh, yes, Bob. Your lyrics are always so creative and meaningful. Yes, this version surely accents those strong lyrics, and this is a message the whole world needs, some to hear for the first time, others to say, "Yeah, that's what I mean." If only those two groups would collectively do something about it. I really like the sax solo. So moody. Both version are good in bringing out the feeling. I think I prefer the original. Everything is mixed so well that nothing muddies anything else.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,589
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,589
a great example of keeping it simple.

beautiful lyrics. and emotion.

only idea was maybe double the vocs in parts of the song eg.. 'i will send some power...' but maybe others here might disagree as its often personal preference.

a superb production imho.

every happiness.
om


my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb)
(lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Hello Bob ...,

This is lovely. I enjoyed the gentleness of the acoustic version. A stripped down song reveals the true talent of the composer and performer - there's nothing to hide behind. And you sound terrific. Kudos on a wonderful song.

It gave me a John Denver write and performance. Yes ... lovely.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
TM,

A beautiful song. Nice write. Strong melody.

Excellent vocal.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,966
“Oh, I will breathe some hope
Into your shattered soul
Enough to fill your heart
And take away the cold”

The lyric is so powerful and this particular section brought tears to Janice’s eyes.

Both versions are excellent and your singer was perfect. And that melody is so touching.

Janice said she could imagine the original version at the beginning of a wonderful movie with the acoustic version played at the end of the movie as the credits roll by.

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
TuneMonger,

Rob nailed it with the Don McClean comment! This is a great and beautiful tune! You did an excellent job with it! I didn't listen to the other production but the guitar only version sells the song for me! The chorus is really strong and effective!

Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292
I like both versions but if I had to pick a favorite it would be this one.

As previous said this one really highlights your vocal and lyrics.

two thumbs up


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,355
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,355
I think this is the type of song that would sound good no matter what instrumental backing was behind it...just outstanding!...but I prefer this rendition.


www.soundclick.com/firesong
BiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10

You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Hi Bob
No matter which version
The song has a fantastic melody
And you sing it very well
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,815
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,815
Simple and beautiful.
I like the sparse arrangement a lot. 2 thumbs up

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
I did not hear the original, but the stripped down version sounds great to me!! A truly lovely song!!! And I think the vocal is very passionate! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,058
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,058
TM,
Both versions are good and have a quite different feel. I like full arrangement with exception of horns, yet I like intimate tone of nylon guitar. Have you thought about starting simpler acoustic and progressing to full orchestration? In any case, excellent effort on both. Mixes are very clear too. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
<But also on the vocal performance which, particularly in the choruses is <very strong

Thanks,Rob, coming from a strong singer as yourself, that means a lot.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
<there's fair chunk of Josh Groban in the song.


Thanks, Ray, I absolutely was trying to write a classical crossover song, that's why the original had strings and brass in it.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,032
< I had a listen to both versions.

Thanks for doing that, Dave, I know that's asking a lot because the song is over five minutes long. Thanks for the kind assessment.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:


  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,756
Posts795,858
Members39,952
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Tigerlily, BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ, Guitarzan26
39,951 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 169
DC Ron 109
Noel96 106
rsdean 105
dcuny 100
DrDan 86
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5