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https://soundcloud.com/user-770148857/hymn-for-the-oppressed-acoustic-versionI 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-oppressedLyrics: 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
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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
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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 09:04 PM.
Cheers
rayc
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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.
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TuneMonger,
This is a beautiful song. Love the sparse arrangement and great vocal.
So well done...
Bob
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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.
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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.)
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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
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TM,
A beautiful song. Nice write. Strong melody.
Excellent vocal.
fj
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“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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
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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
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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
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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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.
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Hi Bob
No matter which version
The song has a fantastic melody
And you sing it very well
Many greetings
Andi ;-)
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Simple and beautiful. I like the sparse arrangement a lot. 2 thumbs up 
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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
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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.
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<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.
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<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.
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< 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.
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