How to make a country-ballad sound a little different?
BiaB always has something nice to offer.

Birgith Røe wrote a ballad that she generously let me share in this great forum:

Be True To Your Heart

Tracks used in the production:

Style is _ZIPPER.STY

RealTracks in style: 1106:Bass, Acoustic, BluegrassWaltz Ev 140
RealTracks in style: 3229:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AtmosphereWaltzHeldDarin Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 3228:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AtmosphereWaltzArpDarin Ev 120
RealDrums in Style: PopRockWaltzEv,SnareHat,Ride: a: Snare, HiHat b: PopRockWaltzEv,SnareHat,Ride

Birgith Røe: Lead and backing vocals
Einar Olsen: Arranging, programming, 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, lead guitar, backing vocals and additional instruments


Be True To Your Heart

When I was young, I didn’t care about tomorrow
‘cause I thought there was enough time
But when I grew older, I became insecure
As the lane changed and clouded my mind

People said: – Try not to worry
But I felt I was in a hurry

Directions are changing, but hope will remain
And remember my friend, I believe in you

Chorus:
Whatever we build, it’s the inside that matters
Protect your dreams and hold on tight
And be true to your heart

I know you’re scared – hiding your fears
Hurting inside – silent tears
The crowd is shouting: – Do not worry!
It’s then you know you’re in a hurry

Chorus:
Whatever we build, it’s the inside that matters
Protect your dreams and hold on tight
And be true to your heart

Very pretty song. Lovely vocals. Poetic lyrics. Good band too.

Oh this is just lovely. The vocals just float over the backing, yet remain distinct and clear. The first thing that came to mind when I heard this was a soundtrack from a movie about love and loss, or a classic from some vinyl, but one of those songs that transcends its era and stays with you. Top notch songwriting and performance. Really enjoyed it!

Hi ...

This is just so pretty and well presented. You've found the perfect place for everything in the soundscape and your voice gently wafts above it in its own space with such grace.

I'll not parse it beyond what I've already said because I'd just have to keep repeating, "That's great ... perfect. Well done!" I'll simply listen again for the pure enjoyment and pleasure of doing so. Thank you for this musical treat.

Wishing you the very best. Be safe ...

Alan

Prefect tempo for this ballad, and the vocals and backings work perfectly together.

I echo all the compliments already posted. I enjoyed my listen—especially that great vocal ending!

molsenhouse, Birgith
Pleasant, airy composition. Soft and easy listening.
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

The W of when is buried in the intro swell.
This is a very nice composition and most of the lyrics work really well.
For me, however, the worry/hurry lines don't work.
The arrangement, melody, construction and performances are ace.

A good synopsis!! This is really well done! Take care. Greg

This is the perfect song for a love story movie or TV show. Maybe you should send this to the Hallmark Station here in the USA. This song is that good!

"Whatever we build, it’s the inside that matters
Protect your dreams and hold on tight
And be true to your heart"

This is a great chorus!

Loved this song!

Hello Molsenhouse and Birgith,

I was amazed by what I heard. what a nice song and beautiful vocals.
There was a split second that I thought the vocals are drowned in reverb, but as I said that lasted a split second. In your song this 'lucent' effect fitts very well.
So I can only repeat the compliments from all others here. Sung very strongly in a beautiful ballad!

Stay safe,
Hans

jpt x3: Thanks for listening and commenting!

Thanks EdZ! Thanks for listening and commenting. A classic from some vinyl, a soundtrack… Maybe to a movie not yet made – I like that idea :-)

Moisenhouse,

Well, I wasn't quite expecting that . . . but, boy, what a pleasant surprise. You've certainly taken a country ballad in a unique and wonderful direction. Beautiful vocal and compelling production--love the vocal harmonies later in the song. Really terrific tune!

My humble regards,

Deej

Alan, VideoTrack, Tano Music, Misha, rayc, Greg, MarioD, Hans, Deej:

THANKS for paying attention to this song!

Mario: Hallmark Station… Good idea! Can I reach them with an email?

A charming ballad, really well sung by Birgith. Both the lead and backing vocals are terrific.
I have to agree with rayc on the worry/hurry couplet, but that's a very minor quibble. Great work by you both.
Regards,
Leon