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She Made Me Smile

Happy New Year! My resolutions for 2026 include two for Showcase posts:

1. Highlight an aspect of BiaB backing tracks, preferably for the 2026 version, and
2. Get feedback on some musical experimentation, preferably one of the human performances.

I suck at resolutions, but let's see how this goes.

Back to Power Pop... smile

The lyrics are an attempt by my lyricist to write something happy. He acknowledges that he didn't quite get there, but I made it happy sounding anyway. Such is art.

This song highlights a 2026 RealStyle. All the instruments you hear are from that RealStyle. There are six guitar RealTracks in this Style, and they trade off in each section to provide dynamic flow and a change of feel.

Am also varying from my usual with a different mix for the BGVs and some of the harmonies. For the most part, the stereo spread is wider and there are more ambient FX. Was going for a "sweeter" sound that I think I ALMOST got to, but am interested in your thoughts.

The vocal arrangement unfolds a new layer for each section as the song progresses. It's a cheap trick, but I guess I'm frugal. Well, I do like the way it sounds, too.

Also, my lead vocals kept cracking on the higher notes in the chorus, and I was going to re-record it, but then decided to embrace it. So that's a feature, not a bug. Again. And again...

THANKS again for any listens and input. I learn SO MUCH from your feedback...

Lyrics: R.W. Davis
Music, arrangement, vocals, mix, master: Me
AI: Not used

****** Song Summary *************
Title: She Made Me Smile
File:She Made Me Smile.SGU
Key=D , Tempo 131, Length (m:s)=3:05
Style is _STEELY.STY (Steely Layered Acoustic Rock)

RealTracks in style: ~683:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 698:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ElecRockDirty Ev 120 (A:muted)
RealTracks in style: 4700:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm AcRock8thsSteadySync ev 120
RealTracks in style: 4701:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm AcRock8thsSteadyLow ev 120
RealTracks in style: 4702:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm AcRock8thsHiArpPicking ev 120
RealTracks in style: 4830:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm AcRock8thsHiSteady ev 120
RealTracks in style: 4831:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm AcRock8thsHiStrum ev 120
RealDrums in style:FunkRock^01-a:Closed Hat , b:Open Hat

*******************

She Made Me Smile

Elements of laughter
Bouncing down the street
Outside the café
Where we would meet
Serendipity
Or my destiny
I just can’t afford to stop
Outside the ice cream shop
Under the midday heat

She made me smile
And I carried that with me all day
She made me so happy
In her own peculiar way
She kept me hoping
That each and every day
Would be the same
I can’t complain

Kick the can down the road
Telling jokes and rhymes
Mem’ries and feelings
Of less cheery times
When it was cloudy
And she would doubt me
We couldn’t stay together
But now it’s forever
And the light in her shines

She made me smile
And I carried that with me all day
She made me so happy
In her own peculiar way
She kept me hoping
That each and every day
Would be the same
I can’t complain

Every morning
I put on my clothes and rush outside
Can’t wait to see her
But I suppose I must confide
That my secret
My secret longing
Isn’t just prolonging
My crush


She made me smile
And I carried that with me all day
She made me so happy
In her own peculiar way
She kept me hoping
That each and every day
Would be the same
I can’t complain

Last edited by DC Ron; 01/10/26 05:03 PM.

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Hi Ron!
With reference to your signature block “Too many guitars … is that a thing?” Well not according to the STEELY style it isn’t!
Good pumping tempo lifted to 131 from 120 but that aids the upbeat sound - no pun intended. I like the jangle of the guitars, and wondered if an electric 12 string could add more, but admit I haven’t checked BB2026 to see if it has any.
The bridge was a nice key change, and no matter how many times I hear the minor IV chord - in your case over “In her own peculiar way” in the chorus - if I heard correctly - it never disappoints. I love your BVs in the last chorus. I didn’t hear any vocal cracks you mentioned, but maybe my ears are too accustomed to my own.
Well done for kicking off 2026 with no AI!
A great song!
Andrew

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Ron,

I think this song is awesome! Love the lyrics and your vocal is excellent. A lot of personality and so natural.

You do some great Power Pop! The energy just crackles in this song. Love the arrangement and big open mix. Some very cool layers in the mix as well.

I'm all in on your 2026 resolutions. smile

Bob

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This is just a great song, Ron. The vocals are great, the mix and production, too, and it does make it as happy. My personal preference is to nearly always have an instrumental break some way into a song as it adds to the dynamics and can sometimes make the following vocals more potent, but that's just my bias.


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Power pop - that's right up my alley.
The vocals are really good, I like your new approach.
And production is as good as it gets, I love the wide stereo spread.
People are often surprised when I tell them that my mixes are completely L-C-R and there's nothing in between.
And thank you for bringing this RealDrums to my attention, they play a really cool groove.
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Ron (& R.W.)

I dig your Power Pop. Always.

Cool guitars (and bass).
Nice (sweet smile ) vocals.
Quite "happy sounding".

I did not care for the drums (I see B.D.T dug 'em)... I found the fills busy and distracting.
There is plenty of rhythm/cadence/syncopation in the combination of guitars and vocals to cover that aspect.
Opinion, of course...

I look forward to your posts. Always.

fj

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New RTs and a bouncy pop song is a great start for a new year, She Made Me Smile made me smile smile A song with "serendipity" is always an unexpected surprise. Upbeat message with shining light and hope is more than needed in these dark days.

What a nice groove and excellent mix, the bass is especially strong and the drums sound really tight. Those acoustic guitars support well the positive outcome and the happy new year status.

Enjoyable vocals once again, the last high hey heys sound very clean to me. Those backing vocals work perfectly, your hard work is rewarded with a highly pleasant listening experience.

smile

Janne


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Hi Ron

Resolution challenge completed. Really nice choice of style and the key change at the bridge(?) worked really well. Good vocals, you have a smooth delivery, you never seem to have blips or rawness like I do.

Another good'un, Kind regards

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DC,
I'm listening with headphone so the hard panning seems VERY hard panned. For cans I suspect bringing the hard ones in to about 70 or 80 would sit better other than for psych.
The kick clicks a little too much for my ears - I know that tinnitus scoops my hearing in a way that accentuates the kick click.
I enjoyed the vocals - the harmonies are cool.
fabulous arrangement/dynamics and a fab song overall.


Cheers
rayc
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Happy indeed! A very good mix and production, and I really like your vocals throughout.

That last chorus builds nicely with extra impact from the BGV's.

Good job, both of you.


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Nearly happy R.W. Davis lyrics have the adverb removed when sung by such a happy vocalist. What a fun song, Ron, and I really like the vocals. Cool harmony. Good bouncey feel carrying a great band to the finish line. Excellent mix, too. I appreciate your consistencey, Ron, and have no doubt that you will resolve to do whatever needs done. Heck, you're already doing it.


Enjoy whatever happens!
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Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Hi Ron!
With reference to your signature block “Too many guitars … is that a thing?” Well not according to the STEELY style it isn’t!
Good pumping tempo lifted to 131 from 120 but that aids the upbeat sound - no pun intended. I like the jangle of the guitars, and wondered if an electric 12 string could add more, but admit I haven’t checked BB2026 to see if it has any.
The bridge was a nice key change, and no matter how many times I hear the minor IV chord - in your case over “In her own peculiar way” in the chorus - if I heard correctly - it never disappoints. I love your BVs in the last chorus. I didn’t hear any vocal cracks you mentioned, but maybe my ears are too accustomed to my own.
Well done for kicking off 2026 with no AI!
A great song!
Andrew

Thanks, Andrew!

I'll credit the Beatles for my affinity for the minor IV. Sounded cool then and can still sounds cool now.

Am a big fan of "sneaky" key changes like this one. The Ab-Bb-C turnaround switching to Ab-Bb-Eb and a key change for the bridge and then back to the key of C for the final chorus is a fun-sounding little side trip.

I use BGVs for a change of pace when they serve the song. More fun!

The vocal glitches were on the higher notes on the later choruses. Decided they added "character" to rationalize not punching in the fixes. But glad they didn't really hit your I-hear-that-and-it-stinks threshold.

Appreciate the listen and feedback!


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Your vocals will always be the star in any song of yours but there were also some nice melodic turns in this that I really liked. This was great and went by too quickly, I had to go back and listen several more times. Guess that's how pop works. Nice work!!


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Ron, resolution #1 complete and I rate it as an A++
Excellent vocal
Super groove, backing tracks, and mix.
My foot was a tappin' and my face a smile'n all the way through the song
Great job on this one.


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Originally Posted by rsdean
Ron,

I think this song is awesome! Love the lyrics and your vocal is excellent. A lot of personality and so natural.

You do some great Power Pop! The energy just crackles in this song. Love the arrangement and big open mix. Some very cool layers in the mix as well.

I'm all in on your 2026 resolutions. smile

Bob

Thank you, Bob. Resolution are always easiest in January. Let's see how I'm doing in, say, April...

Ha!


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Ron
Awsome song and lyrics. Vocals are a high point. You have style which you have made your own.
Excellent.
Izzy

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Originally Posted by WaoBand
This is just a great song, Ron. The vocals are great, the mix and production, too, and it does make it as happy. My personal preference is to nearly always have an instrumental break some way into a song as it adds to the dynamics and can sometimes make the following vocals more potent, but that's just my bias.

Thank you, Chay!

I enjoy a good instrumental break, too. Long story short, the song I heard in my head did not need a solo so I did not put one in. Have since tried to imagine where/how a solo would serve the song better, but couldn't find it. Am sure there is one. Heck, the Beatles would fit solos into tight little songs that were 2:30 or so, so why can't I? Answer: Because I'm clearly not the Beatles. Ha!

Glad you enjoyed the tune (sans solo)!


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Hi, Ron.

Power Pop, indeed. Jangly guitars chugging away, busy drums, interesting cadences and your bright voice.

It gives a breezy middle finger to expectations, but still hits your target "happy" sound.

Fun listen, as always. smile


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Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
Power pop - that's right up my alley.
The vocals are really good, I like your new approach.
And production is as good as it gets, I love the wide stereo spread.
People are often surprised when I tell them that my mixes are completely L-C-R and there's nothing in between.
And thank you for bringing this RealDrums to my attention, they play a really cool groove.
Nothing not to like [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Thanks, B.D.! I'd guess 99% of my mixes will have at least one pair of complimentary instruments, often guitars, spread to the extreme. So I share your enthusiasm for the sound/approach. I did vary some of the six guitars on this one slightly off hard L or R, but still spread way out. Like you said, if it sounds good, why not? Appreciate the listen and notes!


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Originally Posted by floyd jane
Ron (& R.W.)

I dig your Power Pop. Always.

Cool guitars (and bass).
Nice (sweet smile ) vocals.
Quite "happy sounding".

I did not care for the drums (I see B.D.T dug 'em)... I found the fills busy and distracting.
There is plenty of rhythm/cadence/syncopation in the combination of guitars and vocals to cover that aspect.
Opinion, of course...

I look forward to your posts. Always.

fj

Thank you, Floyd! I might not have chosen those drums if I was building a backing track from scratch, but I did want to demo the RealStyle as-designed, so...here it is. As a non-drummer (I've tried though) I find I'm pretty tolerant of drummers, though I do listen to the drums closely when recording the vocals.

Appreciate the listen and comments. Always!


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Hi Ron, as always, I love your voice and the way you sing your songs. Sometimes you start with one word, like here, "She," then a short pause, followed by the words "...let me smile." I like that effect. And here, it adds to the cheerfulness of the song. The song itself is truly a typical Ron song! Great singing!

The five acoustic guitars don't have the effect you expect. It sounds more like a wall of sound.
I think you'd get more space in your song if you took out two or three of those acoustic guitars. I know, that sounds intense. I also have a habit of (wanting to) use a lot of instruments in my songs because I love all their sounds. But after a few days, I listen back and think: "What a wall of sound!" I lose the details of those guitars. Just like I'm telling you now. Of course, I don't know who's right, but there's a saying: "Less is more."

Let's make it a good, musical year!
Hans


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Hi Ron,

Great song!

Love the guitars. Also really like your vocal, especially the BGVs. Not so mad about the drums, too busy for my tastes.

But yeah, great way to kick off 2026!

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Originally Posted by jannesan
New RTs and a bouncy pop song is a great start for a new year, She Made Me Smile made me smile smile A song with "serendipity" is always an unexpected surprise. Upbeat message with shining light and hope is more than needed in these dark days.

What a nice groove and excellent mix, the bass is especially strong and the drums sound really tight. Those acoustic guitars support well the positive outcome and the happy new year status.

Enjoyable vocals once again, the last high hey heys sound very clean to me. Those backing vocals work perfectly, your hard work is rewarded with a highly pleasant listening experience.

smile

Janne

THANKS, Janne! Honestly, we have so few songs that could be interpreted as "happy" I couldn't NOT post this one. smile So for me, these lyrics were...Serendipity!

Last edited by DC Ron; 01/17/26 04:32 PM.

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Originally Posted by Knee Wobbler
Hi Ron

Resolution challenge completed. Really nice choice of style and the key change at the bridge(?) worked really well. Good vocals, you have a smooth delivery, you never seem to have blips or rawness like I do.

Another good'un, Kind regards

Why, THANK YOU, Lee! Yes, OF COURSE I have blips and rawness in my vocal takes. But I edit them out, or try to. Have posted many times that *I can't sing*. But I do know how to shape a vocal performance so that it's not distracting for the listener. If I have a talent, that may be the one. Glad you enjoyed the tune!

Originally Posted by rayc
DC,
I'm listening with headphone so the hard panning seems VERY hard panned. For cans I suspect bringing the hard ones in to about 70 or 80 would sit better other than for psych.
The kick clicks a little too much for my ears - I know that tinnitus scoops my hearing in a way that accentuates the kick click.
I enjoyed the vocals - the harmonies are cool.
fabulous arrangement/dynamics and a fab song overall.

THANKS, rayc! Understand about the hard panning. FWIW, there are six guitars, and I organized them in three pairs. The first two guitars are panned 100% L&R. The second two are panned 60%, and the last two are panned 40%. The first pair are more prominent in the mix, and are active over about 2/3 of the song. I could probably pull them all in a bit. But...100% of my songs use hard panned instruments, usually guitars. It's just my thing, for better or worse, and I like it myself, which is why I keep at it. Still, there may be some rebalancing in order, and I'll listen for this again. Am not hearing the kick clicks but I'll look at those as well. I have tinnitus as well. Crickets. All the time.

Glad you enjoyed the vocals (blush) and the song overall. It's a trifle, but what's life without trifles? smile

Last edited by DC Ron; 01/17/26 04:47 PM.

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Originally Posted by Scott H. Olson
Happy indeed! A very good mix and production, and I really like your vocals throughout.

That last chorus builds nicely with extra impact from the BGV's.

Good job, both of you.

Thanks, Scott! Yeah, with the arrangement I was doing the "boil the frog" thing and cranking up the energy as the tune progressed. Glad you enjoyed the tune!


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This is my first visit to the User Showcase in a while and my first song to listen to. It's quite impressive. Overall everything is glued together in the mix, good lyrics and an admiral vocal and background production.

I like your first resolution and the fact you relied on the power of the Style unmodified. Enjoyed my listen.

Charlie


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Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Nearly happy R.W. Davis lyrics have the adverb removed when sung by such a happy vocalist. What a fun song, Ron, and I really like the vocals. Cool harmony. Good bouncey feel carrying a great band to the finish line. Excellent mix, too. I appreciate your consistencey, Ron, and have no doubt that you will resolve to do whatever needs done. Heck, you're already doing it.

Ha! Thanks, Marty.


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Originally Posted by TuneMonger
Your vocals will always be the star in any song of yours but there were also some nice melodic turns in this that I really liked. This was great and went by too quickly, I had to go back and listen several more times. Guess that's how pop works. Nice work!!

Thank you, Rob! Leaving you wanting more is the best compliment ever. smile

Originally Posted by MarioD
Ron, resolution #1 complete and I rate it as an A++
Excellent vocal
Super groove, backing tracks, and mix.
My foot was a tappin' and my face a smile'n all the way through the song
Great job on this one.

Appreciate that, Mario!


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That was fun. I really like the drum track


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I love powerpop, and no one on the forum does powerpop better than you. Catchy as hell and would have been a hit in the 80s. The way you put the guitars together sounds awesome.

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Originally Posted by Izzy
Ron
Awsome song and lyrics. Vocals are a high point. You have style which you have made your own.
Excellent.
Izzy

Thanks, Izzy. Yeah, it's not much, but it's all mine. Ha!

Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, Ron.

Power Pop, indeed. Jangly guitars chugging away, busy drums, interesting cadences and your bright voice.

It gives a breezy middle finger to expectations, but still hits your target "happy" sound.

Fun listen, as always. smile

Thank you, David. Love the concept of waving a "breezy middle finger". That should be a song!


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Hi Ron. This has a neat British Pop feel and I like your vocals. Nice harmonies. Good mix and production. Thanks for posting.


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Originally Posted by Birchwood
Hi Ron, as always, I love your voice and the way you sing your songs. Sometimes you start with one word, like here, "She," then a short pause, followed by the words "...let me smile." I like that effect. And here, it adds to the cheerfulness of the song. The song itself is truly a typical Ron song! Great singing!

The five acoustic guitars don't have the effect you expect. It sounds more like a wall of sound.
I think you'd get more space in your song if you took out two or three of those acoustic guitars. I know, that sounds intense. I also have a habit of (wanting to) use a lot of instruments in my songs because I love all their sounds. But after a few days, I listen back and think: "What a wall of sound!" I lose the details of those guitars. Just like I'm telling you now. Of course, I don't know who's right, but there's a saying: "Less is more."

Let's make it a good, musical year!
Hans

Thanks for the nice (happy!) review, Hans!

On those guitars, a "wall of sound" is exactly the effect I was going for. For this song, the guitars are more of a jangly texture than anything else. That being said, you only hear more than four guitars for about :40, and there are a couple of sections with only two guitars. The intent was to provide a shifting backdrop while demoing the breadth of sounds available in this RealStyle. May be a fail though...it's still HAPPY!

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Last edited by DC Ron; 01/21/26 03:53 AM.

DC Ron
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“Elements of laughter
Bouncing down the street
Outside the café
Where we would meet
Serendipity
Or my destiny
I just can’t afford to stop
Outside the ice cream shop
Under the midday heat”

What a great start to a great lyric!

This reminded Janice of one of her favorite quotes:
“Be so happy that when others look at you they become happy too.”
And listening to your song made us happy.

We always like your vocal arrangements and this one is excellent.
The early 60’s band feel and groove is most cool.
Stellar in mix, write, vocals and the session guys.

Enjoyed it!

J&B


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Hi Ron.

What an excellent listen! I love everything about this... music, lyrics, your singing, the arrangement and the final mix. Everything fits together so perfectly and it's a pleasure to sit back, enjoy and smile. I'm a fan of feel-good songs and this definitely had me feeling good and feeling entertained in a satisfying and pleased way.

--Noel


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Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Hi Ron,

Great song!

Love the guitars. Also really like your vocal, especially the BGVs. Not so mad about the drums, too busy for my tastes.

But yeah, great way to kick off 2026!

Thanks, Dave. Yeah, those drums seems to be divisive, though I've decided I like them in this song. Glad you enjoyed the tune!

Originally Posted by Charlie Fogle
This is my first visit to the User Showcase in a while and my first song to listen to. It's quite impressive. Overall everything is glued together in the mix, good lyrics and an admiral vocal and background production.

I like your first resolution and the fact you relied on the power of the Style unmodified. Enjoyed my listen.

Charlie

Whew! Glad I didn't wreck your Showcase forum revisit experience. smile

Welcome back!

100% of our songs start with a RealStyle (or MIDIstyle), and probably 90% will only use the instruments in that style. I know a lot of folks augment BiaB with different drums, pianos, guitars, etc, and their stuff sounds great. But I can usually get the textures I'm looking for by manipulating a single style, especially if there are more than four instruments in the style.


DC Ron
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Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
That was fun. I really like the drum track

Thanks, Dave. Well, there's that dang problematic drum track again. I like it too though. smile

Originally Posted by Ezekiel's Storm
I love powerpop, and no one on the forum does powerpop better than you. Catchy as hell and would have been a hit in the 80s. The way you put the guitars together sounds awesome.

Thank you, Scott! The 80s went by WAY too quickly. I like the guitars, too. All BiaB with a little encouragement.


DC Ron
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Originally Posted by P Glaser
Hi Ron. This has a neat British Pop feel and I like your vocals. Nice harmonies. Good mix and production. Thanks for posting.

Thanks, Paul! I do have an affinity for Brit Pop.

Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
“Elements of laughter
Bouncing down the street
Outside the café
Where we would meet
Serendipity
Or my destiny
I just can’t afford to stop
Outside the ice cream shop
Under the midday heat”

What a great start to a great lyric!

This reminded Janice of one of her favorite quotes:
“Be so happy that when others look at you they become happy too.”
And listening to your song made us happy.

We always like your vocal arrangements and this one is excellent.
The early 60’s band feel and groove is most cool.
Stellar in mix, write, vocals and the session guys.

Enjoyed it!

J&B

J&B, thanks you as always for the listen and gracious review. Love Janice's quote. We definitely need more of that. smile

Originally Posted by Noel96
Hi Ron.

What an excellent listen! I love everything about this... music, lyrics, your singing, the arrangement and the final mix. Everything fits together so perfectly and it's a pleasure to sit back, enjoy and smile. I'm a fan of feel-good songs and this definitely had me feeling good and feeling entertained in a satisfying and pleased way.

--Noel

THANKS, Noel! "Feeling good and feeling entertained in a satisfying and pleased way" is maybe the ultimate compliment in my book-of-well-loved-complements. Glad it touched you in a positive way!


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Ron, nothing wrong with resolutions! Without setting some goals, we end up being stuck where we are and wondering why! This song has such a powerful driving sound thanks primarily to that thumping bass, it really provides a lot of energy to the song!
Your vocals are always so good and blend great with those harmony bgd vocals!
Great tune and performance! Enjoyed all the way through!

TB

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Hey, Ron,

Another ace job! You are so talented.

I got a strong Gary Lewis and the Playboys vibe as I listened. And for me, that's a good thing! This is one of your best vocals - spot on. Just more proof here, that you never disappoint!

Best to you,

Alan


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Originally Posted by Torrey Bliss
Ron, nothing wrong with resolutions! Without setting some goals, we end up being stuck where we are and wondering why! This song has such a powerful driving sound thanks primarily to that thumping bass, it really provides a lot of energy to the song!
Your vocals are always so good and blend great with those harmony bgd vocals!
Great tune and performance! Enjoyed all the way through!

TB

Thank you, Torrey. Glad you enjoyed the tune!

Originally Posted by Al-David
Hey, Ron,

Another ace job! You are so talented.

I got a strong Gary Lewis and the Playboys vibe as I listened. And for me, that's a good thing! This is one of your best vocals - spot on. Just more proof here, that you never disappoint!

Best to you,

Alan

Thanks, Alan! I'll have to ask you to speak with Mrs DC Ron about that "never disappoints" thing. Ha!


DC Ron
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Hi Ron, thanks for your reply on my critics about the 'wall of sound' by the 5 guitars.
You know, your songs are great, whatsoever. And your documented reply is great. I would have done the same...
Still, it was some wall... But one to enjoy very much!

Hans


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Loved this tune Ron. Loved the kick on the drums. Made the song really pump which gave the song such a cool groove. Super vocal. Well done


Scott Collingwood
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