One (Acoustic Version)

I showcased the original version of this song in early 2017 (http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=60316&Number=410049#Post410049 ).

That version was rock oriented, but Miira's voice did not come to its full potential in it. Miira made a better vocal track later but it was not used because it would not have changed much. Then one day accidentally an idea hit my mind that this song should be performed with the accompaniment of an acoustic piano. I noticed how well it worked, so I added couple of simple acoustic instruments and this version was born.

Because this new version is radically different than the original, and I think also better both musically and vocalwise, I want to share it with you. The message of the song is still valid, you can think that 'one' could mean this forum.

Some of you compared Miira's voice and singing style in the original version to the Cranberries vocalist Dolores O'Riordan. Since Dolores died a while ago, this version is dedicated to her memory.

Real Drums: Brushes Pop 8ths Swirl
Real Tracks:
Acoustic piano #1006
Acoustic bass #2475
Acoustic guitar #1595, #2916
Cello: 1856
Viola #2236

Vocals: Miira (audio harmonies in some parts generated by BIAB)

Mixed in Adobe Audition 2017

Lyrics:

You don't need a crowd to praise you
when you play guitar
You only need one to tell you
how important you are
you only need one to find you
among brighter stars
to show you your worth
you are her caviar.

Often I look for more favor
but I am too blind to see my own greed
one is enough for the blessing of life
I already have what I really need.

You don't have to live from the likes
of the virtual mind
you only need one whose feedback
is thoughtful and kind
you only need one who follows
the path you've designed
who's honest and real
and won't leave you behind.

[Chorus]

I still cling to the fleeting moments
those time grains in a sandglass,
I should seek the rare things
that won't go with the first tide
dissolve when decades pass
but stay by your side.

Are you the one not afraid of
throwing herself out off the safe ground?
Are you the one who wants to dive deep
knowing there's a pearl waiting to be found?

-----
Janne

Janne, I agree 100%. This is outstanding and Mira sounds tremendously better in this version. I also like the arrangement and instrument selections a lot better.

Two thumbs up.

Wow, what a difference! Both versions were good, however I do significantly prefer this one. The style of the song just matches the lyrics and vocal style so well here. Fantastic job!

Thanks Mario, I appreciate your very positive words I'm glad you prefer this version, it is strange that it took me 6 months to realize that I could make this kind of an arrangement.

Janne

Thanks Ember for your kind feedback Yes, the difference is really striking, same song, but totally different style. I'm really happy that you find that the lyrics match the style better here.

Janne

I don't know that I would go about comparing the two versions, but I think this is gorgeous.

I love the vocal and the simple instrumentation.

It reminds me of latter day Bjork in a way (e.g. Utopia), and I mean that as a huge compliment.

That is a terrific arrangement and it well showcases the vocal.

Enjoyed it.

J&B

Hi Janne and Miira.

Beautiful song . Thumbs up from here.
I particularly like this.

"Often I look for more favor
but I am too blind to see my own greed
one is enough for the blessing of life
I already have what I really need."

Great when lyrics ring so true.
Cheers.

Thanks David for your gorgeous words Bjork reference is surely a huge compliment

Janne

Janne,

Miira sounds magical singing against the piano accompaniment. I thoroughly enjoyed listening. You've done a really good job creating this acoustic arrangement.

Yet another fine creation to add to your ever-growing songbook!

All the best,
Noel

I don't recall the first version, maybe it was so different from this version.

Anyway, this version is really well done and good.

Sometimes simple is better. We have all these tracks and want to use them, but paring back to the basics sometimes is the absolute best way to go and this proves that.

Nice work and well done.

Excellent performance and arrangement.
Super vocal as usual.

Great harmony.

Sergio.


P.S. I am still working...

Thanks Janice and Bud for your positive feedback, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed our song

Janne

Thanks RichMac, I appreciate your kind words, glad you liked the lyrics, it's good to remember those quoted lines when you feel let down because there is not enough likes etc.

Janne

This one does really showcase the vocals. Nice song and lyrics.

Hi, Janne !:))


Absolutely superb tune
and performance !
a wonderful mix of
Bacharach style sounds
as well as Wilson too !

Very good Janne and that goes
for Mira too !

Cheers
Dani

Janne, this a beautiful song and performance with great chord changes and melody! A real pleasure to listen to! Thanks, Torrey

Dear "jannesan"...

Out of a title as simple and stark as "One", you and Ms. Mira have created something that will surely appeal to many, in and out of the User's Forum.

Your sudden intuition that an acoustic piano would greatly enhance this new version was an inspirational moment of transporting musical clarity, in my opinion, at least. The piano along with Ms. Mira's voice crying out the imaginative lyrics turns "One" into a duet of sound and singing. To be emotionally moved by this composition required only a single listen, after which I wanted to just sit still and replay the performance in my head and heart so I could keep it there, close to me.

The cello and viola in concert with the RealTracks nearly obscures the fact that the piece was created using Band-in-a-Box. I think it could cause someone, anyone to argue that it couldn't have been produced with software, no matter how sophisticated or accomplished that software is. It simply sounds like it was performed and recorded in concert hall. I expected to hear applause when it ended, after a long pause held by a stunned audience.

I don't know how you did it, but you did. This is what the word "beautiful" was meant to describe.

Lost in it,

LOREN

Thanks Noel for your magical words, they are always so uplifting I totally agree that Miira and piano is a great combination

Janne

Thank you Herb for your kind words I agree that sometimes simple is better. When you start composing with BIAB you find many nice sounding realtracks and you want to use them all and finally the arrangement is too complex. Sometimes you should think outside the Box, Band-in-a-box in this case , and then you can realize what the song really needs.

Janne

Thanks Sergio for your great feedback

Janne

Janne and Miira

This is a lovely arrangement and beautiful vocal.
Really nicely done in every way.

Peter

Thanks Belladonna for your kind words

Janne

Thanks Dani for your wonderful positive feedback I feel honored to be mentioned among Bacharach & Wilson

Janne

Thanks Torrey for your really kind words, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed my song

Janne

Thanks Loren, I really appreciate your kind and beautiful words and deep analysis of my song I can hear your applause after the song Nice to hear that this didn't sound like a BIAB produced, I agree that those string RealTracks are excellent.

Janne

Thanks Peter for your kind words

Janne

Hello, Janne

Really beautiful Melody!
Earlier version is also very nice, but this version tells straight the merit of good melody, it is my favorite.
The chord progression is also very nice as usual.
Mira's vocal is very sweet.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Thank you Shigeki Adachi, I really appreciate your kind words, especially about melody and vocals

Janne

WONDERFUL!!! I can really hear the Cranberries here. Maybe my favorite vocal by Miira!! (and that's saying a LOT). Wonderful chord changes, and I love the rolling beat-you just get lost in it. GREAT stuff hear Janne!! Take care. Greg

Thanks Greg, I really appreciate your kind words also for this version

Janne

Wow - the difference between the two versions is night and day! I definitely prefer this reason, personally. The lyrics come through a lot more prominently I found. Not to mention - the vocal performance is absolutely stunning. It sounds so heartfelt and sincere.

Truly amazing job here. Thanks for sharing

Thanks Deryk for your very kind and positive words, especially about the vocals

Janne

I missed the first version, but I'm glad this one's making the rounds again.

The piano does an excellent job showcasing a lovely melody.

Thanks David for finding this One and giving your kind feedback

Janne