"Think It Through" is my latest serious composition, following "Lights". I didn't consider "My Mate Jack" as a favourable representation, but more of a "fluff-piece" !!
This was intended to be a ballad, but I think it got away from me in the end, far too much electrification, instead of focusing on playing it acoustically. The subject matter also doesn't really lend well to a ballad, although having said that is "Happiness is a Warm Gun" a ballad? So lyrically, this is a very simplistic point of view about gun control. I've treated the subject with kid gloves really, as I know guns are seen as a right in some places. But the message is simple enough, in that they ruin lives, and more often than not it's the innocent who pay the ultimate price.
So, I did four vocal takes and selected the "optimum" track for the verse, doubled up vocals on the pre-chorus and four tracked the chorus. The doubling each time gave it extra weight and finally reached orgasm in the chorus. (can I say that?) The vocals are okay but I wouldn't say exceptional. Towards the end of the second chorus, you can make me out struggling for breath with some of the phrasing. The intro and outro lead guitar is myself and not BIAB, it worked okay, not Joe Satriani, but not bad for improv.
The Youtube video, I hate doing the videos too time consuming, is just illustrating that we all have options and it depends which door you decide to go through. I apologise for some of the odd subliminal images in the second half, I was just trying to visualise the darker side of the human psyche.
It's a wrap.... not a rap, hate rap!!!
BIAB Summary: Style is _DRVBRTS.STY (Modern Groove Soloist, Brit Rock) RealTracks in style: 1827:Bass, Electric, PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 RealTracks in style: 1835:Guitar, Electric, Soloist PopModernGrooveGritty Ev16 075 RealTracks in style: 677:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockBritDriving Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 680:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockBritSoulful Ev 085 RealDrums in style:RockBritDrivingEv16^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
Real Instruments: Seagull Coastline acoustic guitar Hils NEXT Headless HN5 electric guitar
Lyrics: VERSE 1 Cradling my firearm, keeping safe from harm. Holds at bay the darkness of the approaching storm. A moment of tension, just one bad word. It’s my voice of reason, waiting to be heard. PRE-CHORUS A shadow steps out in the night. What’s it take to put the wrongs right. CHORUS So think it through, oooh, whatever’s hurting you. The fog will clear by the morning. Don’t look back or down the track. There’s always someone behind you. So think it through, oooh, what you’re gonna do, oooh. Think it through, infamy is calling. SOLO VERSE 2 It’s funny how in an hour from now. Not a single word will be spoken. Wrong or right, I’m up for the fight Don’t care what rules or lives broken. PRE-CHORUS The shadow lurking out of sight. What wrongs will you settle tonight? CHORUS So think it through, oooh, whatever’s hurting you. The fog will clear by the morning. Don’t look back or down the track. There’s always someone behind you. So think it through, oooh, what you’re gonna do, oooh. Think it through, infamy is calling. Don’t look back y-yeah, don’t look back y-yeah, Don’t look back behind you. OUTRO
Nice tune! Nifty axe work and I like your vocals a lot. Nice floating backing track, and a great chorus. The vox doubling+ is very effective as a dynamic device as you've used it, though it might be driving the vocals a bit hot in the mix. Cool "serious piece".
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Hi Lee! I LOVE that falsetto (throu -ou-ough) phrasing in the chorus - that’s the hook! I was waiting for it to return after hearing it the first time. Andrew
A topic I agree with 100%, packaged in a beautiful song. Good choice of instruments, and the sparse arrangement help convey the message. In terms of production, the singer seems to be in a different room than the band. Less reverb, and probably a different type, would help here. No biggie, though
I liked this, especially the falsetto notes on the chorus. The doubling, for me, was distracting, and I suspect the vocal would sound much more "in the same room" as the instruments if you removed it. I have never had any luck using a doubling plugin. I keep hearing how great they are, but not for me. But overall, a good tune and a good message. Well done!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
I think you’re right that the Vox are a little hot, especially with the four tracks in the chorus. I was trying to make sure the vocals could be heard and even used a brightener to bring it up when I mumbled. But it’s a learning curve to find the best vocal balance in production and to get the best vocal take I can do. Thank you for your comment on the guitar playing, it’s the main aspect I’m self conscious of.
Yeah it needed that hook otherwise there may not have been enough rise and fall in the Vox. Glad you liked it. I’m looking forward to your next song once you get that finger picking sorted….it’ll be a cracker!
Forum members, Andrew’s next song is a winner. ……. No pressure Andrew!!
Yeah, I tried to brighten my vocals for clarity and I may have overcooked it. I didn’t deliberately put any extra reverb but I did push the Vox both in level and spatially.
Thank you for listening, appreciate it. Kind regards.
Yes the lunacy domestically and internationally continues. I’ll have to watch the effects I use on vocals and how they fit in the mix. It’s seems like this is a theme with the reviews. Not a problem, it’s all good feedback. That’s the only way we learn.
I’m taking on board that the doubling is a distraction, it’s a constructive critique that is coming up repeatedly. All good, I need to know these sort of issues so I can address them in future songs.
Cool, Lee. I had a chance to listen to this yesterday when I got notice from YT. Very cool video, too. I really like your Beatle-influenced sound and writing style. I especially like the sound of your acoustic guitar, although it may be a little too loud for the mix --but my ears are not the best reference. The electric seems to fit better in the mix.
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
Great theme and chorus, but I agree with B.D." In terms of production, the singer seems to be in a different room than the band.". I have zero experience with mastering, but there must be some way to make the vocals sit in comfortably with the rhythm section.
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #58: Bring consciousness to it. #63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
I think YOUR guitar playing REALLY lifts the level in this thing. I'd be inclined to gradually ramp up guitar aggression across the prechorus to a point a dB or so below the chorus so that it hits but as a slap, rather than punch, in the face. Love the vox. Love the narrative. Love the Axe work and the backing band holds its own too. COOL & phanque vay mush.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Thank you very much Marty. Yeah, I definitely think I’ve got some issues with levels and the vocal mix. But I’ll learn from this and do better on future songs.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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!
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.
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