Not so long ago I set myself the task of writing a song that could be used equally well for an anniversary waltz, for something to sing to someone special (say a newly born baby) or even a song to sing to a favourite non-human, four-legged family member.

This is where that challenge led me. I hope it brings someone or something special to mind as you listen.

• ♫ The Day You Stepped Into My Life

Please feel free to comment on any aspect of the song or its production.

Regards,
Noel

====

The Tracks
RealTracks: 927:Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Waltz Sw 085 ('A' only)
RealTracks: 1700:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryWaltz Sw 085
RealTracks: 824:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Country Waltz Sw 085
RealTracks: 2043:Mandolin, Soloist CountryWaltzAndy Sw 085
RealDrums:CountryWaltz^3-a:Brushes, Swirl , b:Sidestick, HiHat


The Production
§ The piano Realtrack (#1700) was generated and its MIDI notation was used to create the backing track. EZ Keys Upright Piano was used as the softsynth.

§ Because the jazz bass Realtrack (#927) sounded a little too jazzy sometimes, I used the RT's notation to generate MIDI. This was the starting place for the bass line. The MIDI was modified as needed and channeled through the softsynth Garritan Jazz and Big Band 3 sold by PG Music.

§ I created a wav track for the MIDI bass in Reaper and CLA's Signature series for Bass was used to add some growl to the bass.

§ Vocals - processed through Nectar 2

§ Final Mix - processed through Ozone 8

§ In summary... the backing uses two Realtracks, Realdrums and two MIDI tracks where the MIDI tracks were created from Realtrack notation.


The Lyrics
When I see a rainbow
Bending over blue sky
And its colours of happiness, elegant and calm
I smile ‘cause I remember
That happy day I met you
When you, like a rainbow, were bursting with charm

The day you stepped into my life
You came as a vision made from heaven
The day you stepped into my life with me
I remember it, unforgettably

As though you strolled in on a sunbeam
A festival of daylight
That moment was amazing, incredible, divine
You could have been an angel
Dressed in threads of rainbow
On an almighty mission of glorious design

The day you stepped into my life
You came as a vision made from heaven
The day you stepped into my life with me
I will always treasure that memory
The day you stepped into my life with me
Oh I remember it, unforgettably
Oh so unforgettably

©2019 Noel Adams, words and music, all rights reserved

This is a beautiful song, I loved the use of the mandolin.
As always Noel you nailed the vocals , this appears to be a universal song and one that leaves the listener guessing as to who/what its about.

I was actually Thinking the only follow up to this would be a Movie to star this song in.

Thanks

Hi Noel. This is fantastic. I am most impressed with the phrasing.

The harmony in the last verse gave a sensational unexpected added dimension.

I really liked the rhyming style using on lines 3 and 6.

Moreover, how brilliant is this:
"You could have been an angel
Dressed in threads of rainbow"

Excellent, everywhere.

Trev

I don't normally quote someone else's review, but Trev pretty much said exactly what I was thinking.

Excellent!

Noel,

A very nice song. Such a nice sentiment. Well presented.

The arrangement works well. Good mix. Strong vocal.

This could work well as a song in a movie - or as the music to a slide show showing at an anniversary party as a shared life rolls on...

fj

Beautiful. You have a distinct voice and the song is simply beautifully crafted. You had my attention from beginning to end, which doesn't always happen with me and every song, haha. Good job!

Heavenly lyrics sung like an angel Beautiful melody and chording, everything works in that sunny carefree world.

I like how smoothly you managed to use a word unforgettably in the end of the chorus. It is so easy to concentrate on the story and your voice that I had to work to pay attention to the nicely flowing arrangement - highlights are the bass sound and the mandolin part.

Janne

Noel

Very nice use of both midi and RT's, along with a lovely calming vocal track,

Nice set of lyrics and Trevor review said it elegantly.

A very pretty production (agree with floyd it would be an excellent song playing along with a slideshow).

Peter

Got my positive thinking daily requirement with this gem, and that voice is always a treat as well. Nice going as usual!

Noel,

What a terrific vocal here, accentuated by near perfect production . . . pretty, pretty song. The melody keeps surprising, pulling as it goes on. Awesome!

My very humble regards,

Deej

Laid back vocal, positive message, nice mix, cheerfully sung.

The day you stepped into my life with me
I remember it, unforgettably

The lyrics says "unforgettable", but details are supplied by the listener.

Mission accomplished - generic "feel good" about unspecified someone song.

Hi Beatmaster,

Thank you! I appreciate your time and your thoughts.

All the best,
Noel

Excellent writing Noel as was the bass journey.
About 27 years ago I wrote a musical with a friend and we set ourselves the task of making the BIG love song not gender specific. It took a mind twist way back then but once started it came easily and was/is a cracker.
He'd have loved BIAB as a superb musician and secondary school music master he was no musical snob and enjoyed midi at the time. Sadly he died 20 years ago so missed all this fun.
The lyrics, melody and setting work very, very well.
Congratulations on creating a standard.

Hi Noel,

That is a very nice song. I really liked it. And I hear (almost) everytime when you sing the voice of Robin Gibb (BeeGees). I know you don't know who he is, but still you sound like him.

It's so nice doing a song with just a few instruments, like the piano and the mandoline. The last one is becomming increasingly populair. I hear it in a lot of songs, use it myself (or variations like ic the mandola. It is a very good instruments for soft songs.

So I think you have done a good job with making this song with those nice lyrics. I now use them to ease my two young cats. And they listen!!! One just fell asleep in front of my pc, not far from the keyboard (true).

Have a nice day,
Hans

Ever seen a lady waltzing with her dog? Well I just did

I don't know if you started with a style or "rolled your own" but that is a
very nice choice of RT's.

"As though you strolled in on a sunbeam
A festival of daylight'

One of the many nice lines...so visual!

As others have alluded to the entire production is very cinematic.

Janice just said she was, in her head (an interesting place ) waltzing with Fred Astaire...instead of Ginger.

Great production in all aspects, a fine vocal delivery and the harmony iced the lovely cake.

Kudos!!!

J&B

I like this. Nice and melodic.

Enjoyable listen.

Good job.

Hi Trev,

Welcome to my thread and thank you for taking time to have a listen and to comment.

I'm really glad that you quoted those lines. It took my brain quite a while to arrive at the lyrics for verse 2 and when I did, they brought imagery with them that seemed to lift the whole song in my mind - so I kept them. Every time I sing these lines now, I get images of my sons being born... those moments were the most amazing I've ever experienced in a lifetime.

Thanks again for taking the time.
Noel

• Using sounds from 100 dogs as backing, Kurt Schneider remakes “Old Town Road” -- unbelievably creative music producing!

Thanks, Dave. It's always good to see you. Appreciate the visit.

All the best,
Noel

Excellent to be Noel. Your songs have such positive messages. Another super vocal and lyric. Well done

Hey floyd,

I appreciate your dropping in. Thank you for listening and commenting.

All the best,
Noel

Hi James,

Thank you for passing through and having a listen. I really appreciate it. I really appreciate your comments, too.

All the best,
Noel

Beautiful song, so well performed!!!!, Piano and vocal such a matching pair. Lyrics are just so good. Cliff

Noel, this is a terrific sounding piece. Your vocal soars and your writing just gets better and better. An interesting melody keeps the listener engaged and is very beautiful and captivating. The production is simply outstanding. I enjoyed your description of how you put this together. Well done, Tom

Noel, this is a masterpiece. The mix, backing tracks and vocals were some of the best I have heard. But those lyrics, all I can say is WOW.

You should be very proud of this one.

I think knowing the obstacles you faced with needing to make the song applicable to all sorts of beloved or dear family members makes this song all the more impressive. I think you handled this topic quite well! Thanks for sharing.

Works excellently on every level. Upbeat lyrics, great production, and instrumentation. I love the mandolin here!


Thanks!

Hi Janne,

Good to see you! I have to say that your opening sentence really made me smile! No-one has ever called my lyrics heavenly nor my singing angelic before! What headphones were you using? I've LOVE to own a set because I really need all the help I can get

I sincerely appreciate your visit. Thanks for listening and thanks also for making my day a bit brighter.

All the best,
Noel

Just so SWEEEEEEEEEEET!! Such a pleasant, happy optimistic tune done just right in every way!! Beautiful melody, beautiful vocal and perfect arrangement! GREAT!!! Take care. Greg

Noel,
"song to sing to a favorite non-human, four-legged family member."

This is my second listen, now reading along the story behind it and lyrics. Interesting challenge and I believe you conquered it! Yes, it has a universal feel to it, especially lyrics. Smooth vocals & solid production! Very positive tune.

Since your open to comments, I feel that vocals are a bit detached from the mix. Meaning, what I hear is vocals are tight and the rest of the mix is airy. Both are recorded very well, and most likely you wanted it like this... just an observation.

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

Hi Peter,

Thank you! I appreciate that you had time to have a listen and to comment.

All the best,
Noel



Hi Tunemonger,

You made my morning, thank you!

May good things come your way!
Noel

Hey Deej,

Thank you! I'm not sure that I agree with all your comments but they brought a pretty big smile to my face so I'll take them

Thank you that!
Noel

'Noel96'...

Your song, The Day You Stepped Into My Life, is as 'elegant and calm' as those lyrics declare. It's truly heart-felt, intimate, and would provoke a smile, a blush, or a sigh of blissful pleasure, even, from anyone who, upon hearing it, would imagine that they could be the subject of the song.

There is something about 'waltz time' that makes me feel instantly happy when I hear a song composed in that meter. I don't really understand why I feel that way about it -- I just do .

It was interesting to read how you modified the bass line through manipulating the MIDI notes. That's what I call pure devotion to the goal of getting what you hear in your head (and heart!) out of your speakers. It suggests that you treat your songs with the same depth of attention that you would lavish upon the persons who inspire you to compose them .

Lovely as a sunset, this is, and just as glowing .

LOREN (a.k.a. 'bluage')

Hi David,

Thanks for taking the time to listen and to pass on your thoughts. I always enjoy reading what you think because you have a knack for pointing out things that completely slip by me.

I appreciate the visit!
Noel

• some BIAB "Food for thought" on arranging 3 x acoustic guitars, cello, vocals – incredible performance! (Song: Wake Me Up)

Hi Ray,

Thank you for giving my song a run through. You've got me thinking right now how one goes about writing a musical. That's a mighty big task! (A single song is hard enough for me!) I'd love to hear that genderless song that you and he created. Hopefully you will post it one day

You know, never a day goes by that I don't stop and think about how lucky I am to have BIAB. It's amazing software.

Thanks again for lending me your time,
Noel

• Kurt Schneider remakes and produces “Fight Song” in a single take

Hi Hans,

It's great to see you. Thanks for passing through the thread!

And thank you lots for mentioning Robin Gibb. If there is a singer I'd be proud to emulate, it is he. Seriously!

I don't know if you are aware or not but the brothers Gibb, while they were born on the Isle of Mann in the British Isles, they grew up in Queensland, Australia. As a result, their early songs were sailing around our airwaves long before the boys became an international sensation.

It's not good audio/video quality but the clip below shows the boys singing Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" in 1963 (when they were still students). The show is 'Brian Henderson's Bandstand' and it is a local program that was really popular throughout the 60s. The singing starts are around 1:00 into the clip.



DIRECT LINK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjbVNNXjOzk

Of all the Bee Gees, it was Robyn whose singing always captured my imagination. When I was a teenager, I used to look forward to hearing him sing his lead sections

Thank you for a great review and for making my day. Although I first read your post a little while ago, you still made me smile big-time all over again right now!

Thanks again,
Noel

Wow - what a gorgeous tune The harmonies on this are tremendous, and overall your voice just soars on this. It is truly beautiful and really hits hard. Thanks so much for sharing!

Hey J&B,

Thanks for dropping in. I'm glad you liked the song and now every time I listen to it, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to be imagining Janice waltzing around with your dog It's a perfect fit with the lyrics! There's got to be a song in that somewhere!

I sincerely appreciate your comments.

Thanks again,
Noel

P.S. I began with the style _SEASONS.STY - I always find that it's quickest to get things up and running by starting with something that 'works'. By the time I'd finished the song, the only track from that style that made it to the end was RT927 (the jazz waltz bass).

Hi Herb,

Thanks for having a listen. I appreciate it.

All the best,
Noel



Hi Scott,

Thanks for your kind review. Much appreciated.

Regards,
Noel

This is beautiful Noel!!

Noel,

Lord I have to get to the new songs quicker... the reading of so many justifiably generous comments on your feel-good waltz has taken me longer than swaying along to the song!
Without repeating others thoughts, this occurs to me: you have created a style over the years I`ve been listening, which occupies a kind of optimistic niche where music soothes the soul and the familiar is forever young.
Lovely!

Robert

Specifically flexible. You've done it. I think so many people would feel this was written for them. That it's what they've always wanted to say. They relate so much to it; because they fill "their story" into your song. A song that can do that is so cool in my book. This song will move people, no doubt.

Well written, well produced, well performed. Your knowledge of these crafts shine through.

REALLY well done Noel! I like this song

Hi Cliff,

I appreciate your travelling through the thread. Thanks for stopping by for a listen. Thanks too for you kind review.

May good things come your way,
Noel

Hey Tom,

It's really good to see your name pop up again! Thank you for dropping in. If my lyrics are getting better, a lot of that's to do with analysing your and floyd's (and others) works over the years. I'm not all that creative but once I can see how things fit together, I can fake creativity through extrapolated imitation.

In relation to production, most of that's to do with you. I've never looked back since you introduced me to the CLA series!

I sincerely appreciate your comments.

All the best,
Noel

Noel, If that's not your best vocal I've heard it's a top contender. Lovely arrangement and melody too for the heartfelt uplifting lyrics. I really like "the day you stepped into my life".

Hey Mario!

Thank you for the smile that you sent my way! It's good to know that I"m finally getting the hang of tweaking dials and sliders the right way. Thanks for the 'WOW'! To be honest, though, I think that that belongs to PG Music. I'd be nothing and nowhere without Band In A Box.... it's a great hobby that it's given me.

All the best,
Noel

• Using sounds found only in IKEA, Kurt Schneider remakes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” -- an excellent watch!

Hi Lawrence,

Thank you for visiting! I appreciate it. I appreciate your comments, too. I agree with you... the mandolin is excellent. I'll be using that again sometime for sure!

All the best,
Noel

• The Carpenters brought into 2019 – original tracks arranged with backing by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Thanks Greg!

You sure know how to brighten a songwriter's day! I sincerely appreciate your time and comments.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Misha,

Thank you having a listen. I appreciate it. Thank you also for the critical comment regarding my mix. To be honest, I find mixing a challenge and I am always thankful for input from others. After the song has settled in my head, I'll revisit it in light of how you've heard it and see if anything else springs to mind regarding a better mix.

All the best,
Noel

Dear Loren,

I sitting here reading your wonderful writing and thinking to myself, "If only I had the half of flair for language that Bluage has, I'd be a very happy man." The way that you craft your words always gives me pause to reflect and to marvel. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my song and thank you, too, for providing me with such a terrific reading treat.

I agree with you about waltz time. There's something about it that grabs my soul and makes me feel like dancing. I suspect that that's why the waltzes of Johann Strauss II have managed to stand the test of time.

In case you're interested, here is my favourite Strauss waltz.

When I was 7 or 8 years old, I came across the "Emperor Waltz" and, until that point in time, I had never heard a full orchestra before. Listening to this as a young child was like magic to me. I never knew such wonderful sounds existed.



DIRECT LINK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bkLMYzvMzk

As I listened to the "Emperor Waltz" again this morning, it brought back such terrific memories. I love the way that Strauss uses 4/4 to lead into the waltz at around 2:30.

I also realised for the first time that some of the orchestration Rodgers and Hammerstein used in "The Sound of Music" was borrowed from Strauss. At around 1:15'ish, I had this image in my mind of Julie Andrews running across that mountain meadow singing "The hills are alive, with the sound of music..."!

Once again, thank you so much for the visit.

May good things come your way,
Noel

Hi Deryk,

Thank you for being part of the forum. I appreciate your dropping in.

All the best,
Noel

Noel,

I always enjoy your work. This is quite a lovely song with beautiful lyrics.Your vocal conveys the emotion of the song well. Thanks for a great listen!

Noel,

Very beautiful waltz.
And it ’s very Noel.
The joy of meeting my lover is expressed very honestly and I like it very much.
And I was greatly touched by you singing.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Hey David,

It's great to see you! You are missed on the forum. Thanks for dropping in and visiting Soundcloud.

Hope to see a song from you soon!
Noel

Song is strong and well presented. Lyrics allow listener room for imagination. Enjoyed the listen.

Hi Robert!

I know what you mean about getting to the new songs quicker! It's like I blink and around 50 new songs appear on the forum! Posts zoom by at an incredible pace.

Thank you so much for your comments. I honestly don't set out to write positive and optimistic music. That just seems to be how my songs turn out most of the time. I think that the sense of 'familiar' that you mention arises from my non-ability to be creativite with words. I don't have your flair for imagery and so my words are more along the line of minimalistically doing the job.

I sincerely appreciate that you had time to have a listen.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Caaron,

Thank you!

I'm really pleased to read your perspective because I came to lyric writing just over 12 years ago after decades of only playing piano and electronic organ. These days, I thoroughly enjoy writing words but I am aware that my skills are still growing that there is a ton of stuff that I'm yet to learn. As they say, a journey starts with a single step so I'll just keep on plodding along -- hmm, that sounds like a chorus!

Maybe something like...



Thank you for inspiring me!

All the best,
Noel

P.S. If anyone reads this and wants to use those above words for inspiration or creation, please feel free to do so.

Hi Josie

It's really great to see you. Thank you for dropping in. As you know from years of listening to me, my vocals are a continuing work in progress. I still don't see myself as a singer. A couple of years ago, though, I had an "a-ha" moment and decided:

• to stopping worrying about whether I could sing or not (after all there is always electronic tuning if all else fails);
• to throw feelings of self-consciousness and caution to the wind;
• to just fearlessly 'go for it'.

What you hear today is a result of that. It's also a result of having improved my understanding of how to tweak effective dials and sliders when processing my vocals.

Last night I was listening to The Righteous Brothers performing "Unchained Melody" live and I marveled at how much vocal control is possible. (This has given me a new goal to work towards!)



DIRECT LINK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYj2hex99gY

Thank you heaps for taking the time.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Scott,

I appreciate your visit to here and Soundcloud. Thank for taking the time.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Shigeki Adachi,

It's always great to see you. Thank you for having a listen and for commenting.

May good things come your way,
Noel

Hi Mark,

Thank you for taking a detour into the thread and having a listen. I sincerely appreciate it. Thanks for commenting, too.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Noel ...

You accomplished your goal in full totality. Your lyrics always paint an indelible image for your listeners. So well written and performed. I think this is your strongest vocal sing I've been listening to you (3 or 4 years?).

That was a true listening pleasure, my friend. Taske a bow ... maybe two or three. Wishing you the very best ...

Alan

Hi Alan,

I know that time is very precious to you these days and I am sincerely grateful that you managed to jump into this thread and have a listen. Thank you for your comments, too. You've added warmth and happiness to what is a slightly cold, overcast and gloomy Melbourne morning.

Sending lots of good thoughts your way,
Noel

Nice job on everything,mix,composition,all of it. My only nitpick is the same problem I have...the piano seems a bit to upfront at times.I love piano to. Other than that, very,very nice.

Thanks for sharing

Rick

Hi Rick,

Thank you for dropping in. I appreciate the visit, listen and comment.

As you've guessed, I'm a piano fan. That said, it's an instrument that seems to challenge me a lot when I try to mix it. Sooner or later, I get to a mix that seems to work in some way and I call it quits at that point. I'll wait a couple of days and then give the song a re-listen in light of your comments. Thanks!

All the best,
Noel
Noel

Hey, there, 'Noel96'...

That's a nice thing to say! Thank you. However, you'd be surprised at how useful a good dictionary and a thesaurus can be!

LOREN

P.S. Thank you for the link to the Strauss waltz. It was a grand, majestic listening experience, and yet as romantic in tone as a couple picnicking on a summer's day...

Another great tune...
Ready for a video for TV or theatre or a movie...
Your ideas, lyrics, & music...
Seem to beg for that added dimension!

Hi again, Loren.

I couldn't write lyrics if it wasn't for my thesaurus, dictionary and rhyming dictionary! Essential toold

All the best,
Noel

Hi Jim,

Great to see you. Thanks for stopping by and thank you for commenting too.

All the best,
Noel

A beautiful song Noel! Your vocal certainly carries it right along. It has an extremely memorable melody with perfect instrumentation choices! You're a class act!! Thanks, Torrey

Hi Torry,

Thank you for visiting here and Soundcloud. I sincerely appreciate it.

Just to set the record straight, I think I'm more of a classroom act than a class act (I'm a school teacher). I'll take it anyway. You made me smile big time

All the best,
Noel

Exceptional Noel. Great voice and great song. I'm going to search out more of your music.

Hi Teletwanger!

Thank you for having a listen. I appreciate it. And thanks for the comments, too.

All the best,
Noel

Hi, Noel !


This one of your absolute
best all categories counted !
I loved it from start to
finish !

Cheers
Dani

Thanks Noel...
For taking time to listen to “There Won't Be No Christmas This Year” ...
You will find my response to your comments there...

Also I’d like to mention...
You really really add to the success of this User Showcase forum!
Thanks again...