Back in the 1960s there were a number of songs that were written with verses in a minor key and choruses in a major key. To demonstrate what I mean, here's a YouTube link to Engelbert Humperdinck singing "You're My World." I love the feeling of lift that comes as the song moves from verse to chorus.

I don't often write in minor keys. Inspired by the 1960s, though, I thought I'd try a minor-to-major write. The following song is the result of this journey. The verses are in D minor and the choruses are in F major.

• ♪ Accidental Lovers
  Lyrics on Soundcloud

Please feel free to comment on any aspect of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production. I always welcome constructive feedback.

I hope you like it.
Noel



BIAB Band
RT 362: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085
RT 2903: Bass, Acoustic, BluesyPopByron Ev 100
RT 2904: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100
RT 2905: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BrightBluesyPopColin Ev 100
RT 3249: Guitar, Electric, Background ModernFunkSingleNotesBob Ev16 110
Handclaps: Loop from internet


MIDI Instruments
Organ: Dimension Pro soft synth
Drums: EZ Drummer 2 – set to “EZ Drummer 2 Modern >> Tape Filter”


Effects & Production
RT 362: JS Channel Time Delayer (part of the Reaper suite)
RT 2903: Linear Phase Multiband Compressor (Waves)
RT 2904: JS Channel Time Delayer
RT 2905: CLA Guitars Stereo, MautoPan
RT 3249: CLA Guitars Mono/Stereo

Reverb: ReaVerberate (Reaper) and TC Electronic M30
Delay: Slapback delay using ReaDelay (Reaper)

Vocals: ReaFir to remove background noise, ReaTune as needed, Nectar 3
De-Ess: combination of ReaComp and ReaEQ with Nectar 3

Overall production output: Ozone 9

I will comment on all of the aspects of the song... music, lyrics, arrangement, performance, production, I thought that they were all top shelf.

Excellent vocal, lyrics, backing tracks and mix. I really liked the major minor changes, great work on that.

This may be your best to date.

Lyrically, this is absolutely extraordinary.

I don't think you have 'copied' any one else's style, but moreover delivered your own version of a very acceptable way to change minor-to-major, or major to major 3rd etc.

Clearly, you put in a great effort with the lyrics. They are outstanding, and it shows through with the clever phrasing.

Great job Noel. Congratulations.

Excellent peace of music very engaging in all areas great mix thanks Noel for sharing Eric

Noel,

Nice!

Good production. The BAND works well. Nice vocals. A solid mix.

Good write. One of your best, I think. There is a "freedom" in the lyric...natural, comfortable. That is also reflected in your vocal...

In fact, I think it is one of your best in all regards. Very much enjoyed.

fj

Hi, Noel.

Melodically, this is different than other things what you've done, in that it's a bit more rhythmically driven.

The minor/major works seamlessly. As you said, it gives a nice lift to the song.

I didn't hear a change in feel at the transition at 3:35. There's a shift in rhythm at "So" that feels a bit like a lurch like might be handled better - a drum fill or something.

Good and interesting lyrics, although the some language felt a bit dated, sort of of early 70's. (I say this with some irony, as I'm certainly not hip to the language them youngsters use these days).

I know what you were going for at the end, but it didn't work for me - it felt like it was running out of steam, especially the last cymbal hit. I'm sure that others will - rightfully - disagree.

So that we're clear - I liked the song! It's always good to hear what you're up to, and I appreciate hearing the thought process behind the song.

Noel,

I think every aspect of this song works so well. It's great lyrically, but the arrangement is really something special - it has it all!

Outstanding vocal - I also think this is one of your best songs. Love the lift in the chorus.

Excellent!

Bob

Really touching lyrics, confusion in the first verse and optimism in the second verse described very beautifully. The minor key in the verses works very well, gives sort of a dreamy feeling (what just happened...what should happen next).
Nice chord to rise to the catchy chorus.
Great vocals also this time. The band and the mix are top quality, the acoustic bass is especially nice and I like how the organ is introduced.
Nice slowdown ending ("slow me down").

Janne

Noel,
"I don't often write in minor keys." I think you should write more in minor (->major) Probably one of the best tunes I have heard by you to my taste. Excellent lyrics, super vocal twists. Overall a tasteful composition and mix. Good listen.
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

Nice story to the song sung over a comfortable melody. All the elements were there for me. Great work!

Hi Noel,

Nice intro, pleasant lyrics. The whole is well done.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash

Noel

A nice big ballad that works on all levels.

The minor major change suited the song perfectly and enhanced the lyric.

Strong dynamic vocals and a clear clean mix.

Enjoyed the well written and performed song.

Peter

The changes from minor to major to minor, etc. were seamless and worked well. As Mario said, good aon all levels. Vocal sounds clear and crisp, very pleasant.

Hi Mario!

It's brilliant to see you

Thanks for jumping into the thread and having a listen. I really appreciate it.

Just the other day I was thinking that I'll have to revisit those couple of song we put together ages ago. It would be interesting to see what BIAB 2021 along with Nectar 3, Ozone 9 and a more musically competent Noel96 can turn out!

I hope all is travelling well for you and yours!

All the best,
Noel

Hi Trev!

I always smile when I read that you've visited Thanks for the uplifting comments.

In case you're interested, here's the chord progression I used. As I see it, the chords in my chorus strongly "hint" at F major rather than clearly establish the key.

VERSE: Dm| Am| Gm7| Am| Dm| Am| Gm7| Am|
Dm| Am| Gm7| Am| Dm| Am| Gm7| C9sus|

CHORUS: Bb| F/A| Gm7| C7sus| Bb| F/A| Gm7| C7sus|

TURNAROUND: F| Gm7| A9sus| A7|

The last two chords of the verse are what got me to the chorus. As you'll have already worked out, no doubt, the Gm7 is the pivot chord because it's a IV chord in D minor and a II in F major.

Similarly, the Gm7 in the turnaround pivots between the major and minor modes. The A chords are chord V in D minor and so they shoot me back to that key.

It was a fun exercise!

All the best,
Noel

Beautiful! There's plenty to analyse if I wanted to, but some of the best songs are those that make you just sit back, listen and just enjoy - and this one's one of those for me. Loved it - the modulations are seamless and natural. Bravo.

That minor - major twist does and some interest.
Nice write.

moto

Noel,
An interesting structure which brings a very different feel to the song from your other work; the verses have a nice late 60`s feel with uplifting, philosophizing lyrics I enjoy;

And if we meet life’s oceans
We should sail them with all we’re worth
And together, let’s reach for the stars
No matter how high or how hard or how far

The chorus is more recognizably pop ( and Noel) in style .
You`ve done excellent work arranging and producing here.
I like the shift in your creativity and enjoyed the message!

Robert

Love this Noel!

Outstanding mix and vocals.

Great, great, great sound man!

Love the little cymbal hit at the end.

Your productions have been outstanding from the get go. On this one you nudged that high bar up a bit with your very nuanced vocal. You seem to be exploring new territory in a very good way.

"And if we meet life’s oceans
We should sail them with all we’re worth
And together, let’s reach for the stars
No matter how high or how hard or how far"

YES!

The band is a great choice for the lyric and vocal...very supportive.

Your knowledge of chords and progressions is way above our pay grade but we liked what we heard.

No need for further parsing. It's a fine production. Kudos!

J&B

Lovely work, Noel. Beautifully constructed song that works exactly as intended. The band sounds great and I'm a big fan of your vocals; always so clear in the mix. Really well done.
Regards,
Leon

Noel, you had me hooked right from that great bluesy intro, very nice!

Nice changes and melody, good write.

Good mix too, just the right amount of processing on your vocal.

I'm the opposite of you I think, for me it is very rare to write a song in a major key And having heard this I hope you explore minor keys more often!

For me this is your best song to date, very good indeed!

Cool groove on this song. Very cool vocal and lyric. Loved the chord progressions. Well done

Hi Eric,

I always smile when I see that you've visited one of my threads. Thank you so much for taking the time. I truly appreciate it.

I notice that you have a couple of new songs for me to listen to! I'm looking forward to it.

All the best,
Noel

Terrific work Noel, changing keys, changing gears work well in this song. I frequently change between verse n chorus but not so often minor n major.
Good band and a terrific treatment of the bass.
Wonderful song - wonderful.

Great sound. The relative minor/major change works a charm. Let’s disappear our fears And build us new tomorrows like pioneers is my favorite line in a long list of candidates. The band is cool and just that little extra bit quirky...really kept the ears entertained. I like this a lot.

Hi floyd,

It's always great to see you!

I really appreciate that you had some time to spare to have a listen. You've got me thinking. I wonder what that "freedom" is? It's probably a result of throwing caution to the wind. I used to worry a lot about my vocals: nowadays, not so so much. I've also got a lot more experience now in both lyrics and singing. Maybe that's it. Whatever it is, though, I'm glad it's there Thank you for saying that.

All the very best,
Noel

Hi David,

Thanks for taking so much time to pass on your thoughts. I appreciate it. If you don't mind, it's probably easiest if I address your comments one at a time...


This is probably because I created the backing before even considering melody and lyrics. In this sense, the creation of this song was like the "top line writing" that floyd has mentioned a couple of times. Normally when I write, lyrics, melody and harmony all come together at the same time (a bit of "this," then a bit of "that" and then that inspires a bit more of "this," etc.).


Thanks, I was hoping that it was smooth


I'm glad you pointed this out. At one point in time, I clearly remember thinking similar thoughts and then following that up with the thought that I need to attend to it. I never did. I guess my brain just got used to listening to the song and stopped analysing it.


I hear what you say, but there are too many generation gaps between me and modern language. I'd only embarrass myself if I tried to emulate today's pop world.

I'm never fussed about how my language sounds. I write entirely around note length and syllable length while trying to get my meaning across: that is, short notes need short syllables and long notes can have either short or long syllables. For example. If I said, "Sit on the floor," the first three syllables are short so can have quick'ish notes. "Floor," however, is a long sounding syllable so it needs a longer-timed note.


Again, I totally understand what you are saying. I'm also in two minds about the end. Because I couldn't think of anything better, I left it as it is. If something better comes to mind sometime, I'll definitely change it.

Thanks for taking so much time. I'm honestly thankful because I sincerely value thoughts on how others hear my work.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Bob!

Thanks for passing through the thread. It's always good to see you and I'm glad you had a chance to listen. Thanks for the comments. I appreciate them

All the best,
Noel

Hey Janne!

I'm glad you had a chance to visit. Thanks heaps for all your thoughts.

Your comment, "The minor key in the verses works very well, gives sort of a dreamy feeling (what just happened...what should happen next)", really made me think. It never occurred to me at all before but I wouldn't be surprised if this is why the lyrics became what they did. I spent a long time on these words and I found it difficult to get the right meanings. I know that my lyric writing is affected by the ambience of the music I put them to. On reflection, I think that you've hit the nail on its head.

Thank you for taking the time. I honestly appreciate it.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Misha,

It's good to see you. Thank you for dropping in. I'm still smiling from your comments. I'll definitely try and use minor keys more often.

For some reason, as I started replying to you, I was reminded of Ivan Rebroff. I need to listen to some Russian folk songs to get the sound of minor keys into my head, I think.

A lot of people don't know that The Seekers "Carnival Is Over" was actually based on the Russian folk song "Stenka Razin." I hope you don't mind my sharing these two clips with you. (Love the bass balalaika!)

HERE'S THE ORIGINAL RUSSIAN SONG...




HERE IS WHAT IT BECAME AFTER TOM SPRINGFIELD CHANGED IT...



Thanks again for visiting.

All the best,
Noel

Really good song, Noel. Very well developed and produced. Intriguing title, the lyrics fully delivered, and the vocal was pot on. You instrument choice and arrangement worked very well.

'Noel96'...

You carried out your minor/major experiment in a memorable way! First of all, you got some great bluesy, funky mileage out of your well-chosen Real Tracks. To my ears, it seemed to cause you to deliver your vocal performance with just a little bit of an after-the-beat swagger that made you sound rather soulful. Also, the way you slid upward in pitch on phrases such as "open your mi-i-i-nd" and "reach for the sta-a-a-rs" was a surprisingly expressive vocal effect that added a taste of R & B to the production. Finally, your lyrics tell an interesting and truthful story about the way the nature of our relationships can change. This is quite a distinctive song.

Hi Tunemonger,

Thank you for giving it a listen. I appreciate it. This song is a departure from my usual sound and it was quite a challenge for me.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Derochette,

Thank you for visiting my thread. I appreciate your having a listen.

All the best,
Noel

Hi Peter,

It's always good to see you. Thank you for taking the time to listen. I appreciate you comments, too.

All the best,
Noel