Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 3 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: Tangmo
Fan-freaking-tastic. Tight phrasing punching inventive lines setting the scene and telling the story, preaching through the characters in the song. Loved the dual vocals at the end...I reckon that's you and Bobby encouraging each other (and us). Chair dancing achieved. Hugely enjoyed.


Thanks for that, Tangmo...

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 783
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 783
Top notch song here again Floyd, lyrics, vocals, instruments all so welllllll done!!! Love this tune also, tunes tend to be difficult to come up with at times. Cliff

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: Leon1
Hi Floyd.
I totally agree with Peter's comments. Also loved the hand-claps. Top quality work, as usual.
Regards,
Leon


Leon - always pleased to see you drop in. Thanks...

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,934
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,934
floyd, this is a fun upbeat song. The claps at the end were a nice touch and gave the outro some umph. Brent shines throughout and you know just where to place the fills. I’m sure this is second nature for you because you truly are a master of the genre. I have always liked this tempo with the one/five bass propelling it along. Your production skills are always way up there and your songwriting never disappoints. I’ll bet you wake up in the middle of the night with hook ideas and instead of turning over and going back to sleep you probably start to develop them right then and there. I imagine you to be in songwriting mode all day long. You must be because no mortal human could possibly have your amount of highly crafted well thought out songs and go about their normal daily routine without the antenna constantly up. Your talent is a thing to behold and I am in awe of your skill set. You have made a lifelong fan outta me, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,897
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,897
Floyd, I have run out of adjectives to describe how great a song writer, vocalist, and producer you are so all I can say about this is "wow, this is some of the best country that I have heard in a long time".


Dear Mother in Law
Don't tell me how to bring up my children.
I'm living with one of yours.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software and hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: Deej56
Floyd,

Yeah, this is a fun, uptempo, uplifting listen . . . well put together and executed as always. Love how you spin the lyrics from it being about Bobby to being about the singer . . . clever writing. Well done. Good luck with this one.

All the best,

Deej


Deej - thanks for stopping by a listen - and for the nice comments...






Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Nice work - really catchy and your vocals work perfectly here. I really thought the lyrics stood out too - they tell a story perfectly, and the dual vocals at the end knock it out of the park.

Great job and thanks for sharing smile


Deryk - Thanks...glad you liked it...

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,342
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,342
Hi floyd,

Yet another very engaging and very enjoyable listen from you. I heard this a while back and the song has been rumbling around in my mind ever since... that's a good thing!

The ensemble, well more the size of an orchestra in fact, that you've created for this production really does deliver the goods. Your always-outstanding singing is backed by a fantastic sound and a sterling arrangement.

As I listened today, I found myself wondering about what to write and then the chorus started...

This is a great chorus and serves as an excellent example of how to use rhymes to accelerate lyrics. Before that though, you show us all how to use lyric movement to set-up the acceleration.

I'll try and explain my thinking...

In the opening line of the chorus, you sustain the word "do" - it's an open vowel sound and sustains well. By holding this syllable, though, you (a) change lyric tempo and tell the listener that the chorus has arrived, and (b) you also decelerate the flow of words.

The second line of the chorus is then delivered in syllables that fit on and between a marching left-right-left-right feel. Then, on "Go to her", the rhythmic movement of the words slows even further so that each syllable sits on one full beat. This leads into a fourth phrase that rhymes with the second phrase and whose pace parallels the second phrase. The net result of all this is that the rhyme movement of rhyming lines 2 and 4 is established and sets the tone. That is, by this stage, we hear a XAXA rhyme scheme and a variable lyric pace based on 3-feet and 4-feet poetic meter.

Then comes the surprise...

In lines 5, 6, 7 and 8, there are shorter phrases (2-feet in poet's terms) and the rhymes become a quick alternating CDCD pattern. The feeling of these shorter phrases and consequent closer rhymes is a sense of 'urgency' that parallels the lyrics so very well. The phrase "excellent prosody" just sprang to mind as I'm quoting the below...

Quote:
"your heart keeps racing
"you can't think straight
"time is wasting
"love won't wait"

And then, for me at least, the pièce de résistance was the final chorus line that (a) decelerates, (b) doesn't rhyme and (c) is the hook. By this stage, that line has a ton of lyric spotlights shining brightly on it and these all serve to identify it as the most important line in the song.

What wonderful writing!

Thanks for giving me another fine work to ponder, to process and, hopefully, to be able to imitate at some later point in time.

All the best,
Noel


LINKS TO MY BIAB/RB SONGS

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: Steve Young
Wow! This is good. Great write.

Love the vocals.
All of them!

Great arrangement, great feel!

My new favorite of yours!

Steve


Thanks, Steve... that means a lot...


Originally Posted By: mkg50 (Mike G)
Great stuff Floyd.
Clever story line, backed up by original lyrics. It's a nice feelgood song, with a top "band" and a party vibe. It almost feels "live". I reckon if you'd put some applause at the end you would have fooled us all.
Cheers,
Mike


Thanks, Mike. I appreciate that...


Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hi Floyd ...

Just have a few minutes, so no long thoughtful review - an initial gut reaction. Loved everything about this. Nice little story with great b/g trax and a super vocal. The phrasing of the chorus vs the verses accent the difference between the two parts - nicely done!

Alan


Alan - glad to have you stop by when you can...



Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
For 10CC it was The Things We Do For Love. For Floyd, the things you do for fun. This was a really fun song and top level across the board. Enjoyed it from start to finish.


Thanks, Charlie!!

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,543
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,543
You're on a roll, Buddy.


Link: www.soundcloud.com/ed_shaw (Feel Free to Use)
https://www.webdirectory21.com/hymn/index.htm
Biab for WIN 2020 -- Win 10 64bit -- Reaper/Audacity
Zoom R-16 -- Tascam DP-03-SD -- SoundTap -- Crescendo --
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Hi Floyd,

very beautiful composition with a very catchy chorus. It seems you can write whatever lyrics you want: I always think they're great!

Do I really have to say anything about your singing? Okay: Awesome as usual. smile

Another great work, sounding marvellous.

Take care,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: dcuny
As usual, solidly crafted from start to end. Excellent mix - I especially liked how you dropped the instruments out at the end and built up one last time. Handclaps, call and response, and that slinky guitar.

And your vocals are a joy to listen to - not just the obvious skill in phrasing and emoting, but an energy and enthusiasm that shines through when you sing.

And there's only two verses in this song? You pack a lot into a few words, and then blam! into the verse.

One thing that surprised me was the fade - I expected it to repeat the chorus to the fade, but it faded and ended. I can't really recall any songs doing that!

Not really a complaint, more an observation of a personal quirk: ending the chorus with "something about it" is obviously unbalanced. From a technical side, I appreciate what you did. But my lazy inner listener doesn't like that much lumpiness. I guess it's just a touch too sophisticated for me. wink

A real pleasure to listen to.


David - Thanks for another thoughtful review. The many compliments are appreciated!

The fade is "a bit funky", I know... That was laziness on my part. I did not add enough extra at the end to do a proper fade. If I had cut the ending out and faded what was left it would feel too short, too fast...

It is an interesting point that you bring up about the last line of the chorus. I don't find it lumpy (or unbalanced), but that might be becasue I wrote it and have sung it so many times... but the fact that it was a "bump" to your ear, is certainly valid...

Thanks, again, for listening!!



Originally Posted By: Scott C
Loved this song Floyd. That tele was very cool. Awesome country tune. Super vocal and lyric. Cool picture on soundcloud as well..


Thanks, Scott! (the picture is from the video at the end of the "Birth Of A Song" posted at the top of the Showcase...)




Originally Posted By: animarorecords
floyd,

I entirely agree with you.
A "life's lesson" song.
A bar, friends-in-low-places song.
A 90's Country song.
A "feel good" song.

Your vocals and harmonies are shining as usual.
Drums gives this tune a great country feel.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi


Shigeki Adachi - thanks for having a listen. (It is about time for a new one from you!)

User Showcase
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,060
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,060
First love the picture - great shot - kudos to the photographer.

Fun song! Great flow, big sound, big ending. A sonic treat for the 90's era country lovers soul. Yum.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: gruverider
So well put together! I really like the bridge in this song. And the clap refrain too. It elevates the whole listening experience.


Well done!


Thanks, Lawrence....


Originally Posted By: bluage
"This is radio station WOFJ ('World of Floyd Jane'), and we're back after a short commercial break to drop the needle on the ol' turntable as we set to spinnin' Floyd's latest and greatest, Do Something About It..."

Mr. Jane, I wish I'd heard this song about thirty-five years ago as I was trying to work up the nerve to propose to a real nice lady who ultimately became, 'The One That Got Away' -- no, no, that's a BIG ol' lie! Correction: 'The One That I Stupidly Allowed To Slip From My Grasp Because I Was A Spine-less, Nail-Biting, 'Fraid Of His Own Shadow, Chicken-Hearted Dummy With No Sense Of What Was Good For Me', ha, ha !!! laugh laugh laugh

"A "life's lesson" song.
A bar, friends-in-low-places song.
A 90's Country song.
A "feel good" song.
Hopefully you will be chair dancing by the end.
And ready to..."


You could have recorded that monologue as part of the intro, so folks could'a grabbed their chair ahead of time! I swear, when those handclaps started in, I was ready to turn-up the volume and wake my neighbors up.

A whole mess'a a fun, this song was. Thanks for letting us hear it!

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


LOREN - thanks for a delightful review. What the heck....wake up the neighbors!! smile


Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Hi Floyd,

This is a very happy song you made and very well performed!
When reading the comments above I can only agree with them.
And I think it time to do something about it!

Thanks for your inspiration...
Hans



Hans - thanks for stopping by for a listen!!...

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: cliftond
Top notch song here again Floyd, lyrics, vocals, instruments all so welllllll done!!! Love this tune also, tunes tend to be difficult to come up with at times. Cliff


Appreciate that, cliff...



Originally Posted By: tommyad
floyd, this is a fun upbeat song. The claps at the end were a nice touch and gave the outro some umph. Brent shines throughout and you know just where to place the fills. I’m sure this is second nature for you because you truly are a master of the genre. I have always liked this tempo with the one/five bass propelling it along. Your production skills are always way up there and your songwriting never disappoints. I’ll bet you wake up in the middle of the night with hook ideas and instead of turning over and going back to sleep you probably start to develop them right then and there. I imagine you to be in songwriting mode all day long. You must be because no mortal human could possibly have your amount of highly crafted well thought out songs and go about their normal daily routine without the antenna constantly up. Your talent is a thing to behold and I am in awe of your skill set. You have made a lifelong fan outta me, Tom


Tom - ...and I "fan ya" right back. You are no slouch in any of those areas yourself. I will admit, I am in "songwriting mode" much of the time. It's my "happy place". If I am not writing, my life is a little less that it could be. So, for the time being... I'll just keep at it... (and hopefully you will as well!!)

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Floyd, I have run out of adjectives to describe how great a song writer, vocalist, and producer you are so all I can say about this is "wow, this is some of the best country that I have heard in a long time".


I appreciate that Mario...


Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi floyd,

Yet another very engaging and very enjoyable listen from you. I heard this a while back and the song has been rumbling around in my mind ever since... that's a good thing!

The ensemble, well more the size of an orchestra in fact, that you've created for this production really does deliver the goods. Your always-outstanding singing is backed by a fantastic sound and a sterling arrangement.

As I listened today, I found myself wondering about what to write and then the chorus started...

This is a great chorus and serves as an excellent example of how to use rhymes to accelerate lyrics. Before that though, you show us all how to use lyric movement to set-up the acceleration.

I'll try and explain my thinking...

In the opening line of the chorus, you sustain the word "do" - it's an open vowel sound and sustains well. By holding this syllable, though, you (a) change lyric tempo and tell the listener that the chorus has arrived, and (b) you also decelerate the flow of words.

The second line of the chorus is then delivered in syllables that fit on and between a marching left-right-left-right feel. Then, on "Go to her", the rhythmic movement of the words slows even further so that each syllable sits on one full beat. This leads into a fourth phrase that rhymes with the second phrase and whose pace parallels the second phrase. The net result of all this is that the rhyme movement of rhyming lines 2 and 4 is established and sets the tone. That is, by this stage, we hear a XAXA rhyme scheme and a variable lyric pace based on 3-feet and 4-feet poetic meter.

Then comes the surprise...

In lines 5, 6, 7 and 8, there are shorter phrases (2-feet in poet's terms) and the rhymes become a quick alternating CDCD pattern. The feeling of these shorter phrases and consequent closer rhymes is a sense of 'urgency' that parallels the lyrics so very well. The phrase "excellent prosody" just sprang to mind as I'm quoting the below...

Quote:
"your hear keeps racing
"you can't think straight
"time is wasting
"love won't wait"

And then, for me at least, the pièce de résistance was the final chorus line that (a) decelerates, (b) doesn't rhyme and (c) is the hook. By this stage, that line has a ton of lyric spotlights shining brightly on it and these all serve to identify it as the most important line in the song.

What wonderful writing!

Thanks for giving me another fine work to ponder, to process and, hopefully, to be able to imitate at some later point in time.

All the best,
Noel


Noel - I know I've told you before, but "I truly enjoy reading your reviews" bears repeating...
I talk about the "cadence" of a lyric - and how important that is - often. You have broken that down with a fine description of how that occurs....which, again, demonstartes just how important that is.... so Thank You! for that (and for the very fine review...)



Originally Posted By: edshaw
You're on a roll, Buddy.


Thanks, Ed...



Originally Posted By: Crossroads
Hi Floyd,

very beautiful composition with a very catchy chorus. It seems you can write whatever lyrics you want: I always think they're great!

Do I really have to say anything about your singing? Okay: Awesome as usual. smile

Another great work, sounding marvellous.

Take care,

Stefan


Stefan - thanks for the nice comments...

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,245
Originally Posted By: Sundance
First love the picture - great shot - kudos to the photographer.

Fun song! Great flow, big sound, big ending. A sonic treat for the 90's era country lovers soul. Yum.


Josie - thanks for stopping in for a listen...the picture is a capture from an iPhone video that my wife did - so I'll let her know you liked it smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 210
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 210
What a fun song. Again, a lesson on all aspects of song writing/producing - lyrics, arrangement, balance, phrasing, instrumentation, vocal, harmonies, mixing, everything. Enjoyed the listen.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,466
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,466
Floyd,
You keep cranking out good songs. Bobby reminds me a bit of myself when I was a young man. I really enjoyed listening to this song! Thanks.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
A great upbeat country song...
Well thought & well produced...
I really enjoyed listening!


Jim
†=☮&♥
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 3 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac is macOS Sonoma Compatible!

We're over the moon to announce that the latest Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac Build 707 is compatible with macOS Sonoma!

Refresh your Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac today with this free update to resolve visibility of notation in the Notation Window, apply smoother use of notation features, update to the Drums VU meter, and add the newest version of the DAW Plugin (5.5.13).

Learn more about Build 707 and download it here.

The Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Mac German, French, and Italian language patches have also been updated with Build 707! Download your Build 707 language patch here.

Revisit: Eyes on Success featuring PG Music Inc., Band-in-a-Box®, and the Updated JAWS Script

In the past, Eyes on Success featured an episode that discussed our company history and Band-in-a-Box® program with Tobin, our chief development officer, including how Band-in-a-Box® is even more accessible with the help of their JAWS screen reader scripts!

Later on this month, Eyes on Success will be releasing an episode that features Gudrun Brunot talking about her new tutorials about how to use Band-in-a-Box® with JAWS.

It's a great idea to pair the two episodes together!

So, while waiting for their Gudrun Brunot episode, take 30 minutes and to listen to this episode from Eyes on Success. To download and listen to the podcast, use the link www.EyesOnSuccess.net/eos_2344_podcast.mp3

Eyes on Success is a weekly radio show / podcast geared to the visually impaired called "Eyes On Success" and that can be found at www.EyesOnSuccess.net.

Find out more about the show and get links to past episodes at www.EyesOnSuccess.net

Find their podcast on iTunes or use the URL: www.EyesOnSuccess.net/eos_podcast

User Tip: How to add drum fills without changing any other tracks

MarioD has shared some great advice when it comes to adding drum fills without changing any other tracks in your song:

There have been a number of questions asking how to add drum fills without changing any other tracks in a song. This is especially important if one is holding a chord for a few measures and wants to add a drum fill prior to the next chord. The following is how to accomplish that:

1-get the instruments/tracks to play like you want but don't worry about the drums for now.
2-generate the song.
3-freeze all tracks
4-unfreeze the drum track
5-add your fills where you want them
6-generated the song again - note this will only generate the drum track and not the frozen tracks
7- when you get the drums like you want them freeze the track

Have your own program tip to share? Post it on our Tips & Tricks forum!

Review - Band-in-a-Box® 2023 for Windows is Overflowing with Features!

Dennis posted his very thorough Band-in-a-Box® review recently, where he dives into some of the new features added with version 2023: Sound-Guy's Band-in-a-Box Review

Read his thoughts on the Download & Install Manager, partial track regeneration, Playable RealTracks, Audio Editing, the addition of SynthMaster, the VST DAW Plugin, and more!

"Band-in-a-Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is, without negative connotation, a monster of a program. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. No DAW can do some of the things BIAB does, while BIAB can do a lot that DAWs do."

Band-in-a-Box® Tutorials for Low-vision and Blind Program Users

Our friends at EyesFree_Tutorials have just released their Band-in-a-Box Tutorials, Bundle 2!

Created for low-vision and blind program users, this collection of Band-in-a-Box for Windows tutorials includes 31 audio instruction files and 19 music files for practice, plus help documents. Specific topics include "ABACA, let's make a song form," "Recording melody and lead-in," "Playing and editing: part markers; the handy clipboard. The play function. Search and replace," and more!

Learn more about their new tutorials, and connect with Roy & Gudrun to order the Band-in-a-Box Tutorials, Bundle 2 here.

Introducing... ChatPG!

Looking for answers to your questions about Band-in-a-Box? From "How do I ____?" to "What do I ____?" to "What is ____?" and more, you'll find your answers when you ask ChatPG!

We will be constantly updating the resources for this powerful addition to our website based on suggestions & feedback, as well as all of the questions that have been asked by program users and website visitors.

Videos! Get To Know XPro Styles PAK 5 & Xtra Styles PAK 16 for Band-in-a-Box® 2023

XPro Styles PAK 5 adds 75 new RealStyles for rock, pop, jazz, funk, and country, and 25 styles based around MIDI SuperTracks that utilize the SynthMaster plugin!

Here's just a taste of what XPro Styles PAK 5 has in store: electronic Latin funk, spacey dancehall grooves, soulful Americana ballads, heavy house beats, vibin' cool jazz, rollicking country train beats, playful pop country jams, gritty blues rock, modern disco funk, moody synthwave, subdued bossa nova, lo-fi jazz, and many more! Pick up XPro Styles PAK 5 today!

What are XPro Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2023 (or higher). Each PAK includes over 100 styles!

XPro Styles PAKs aren't exclusive to Pro users, there's a huge range of RealStyles available for everyone - even Audiophile customers! That's right, XPro Styles PAKs can be used with ANY Band-in-a-Box® 2023 package!

XPro Styles PAK 5: https://youtu.be/QdhS9tc0y_s


Xtra Styles PAK 16 includes an absolute plethora of styles... 200 to be exact! 50 new styles each for Jazz, Country, Rock & Pop, and Praise & Worship!

Take a gander at what you can expect to find: modern disco funk, exciting gospel shout, busy jazz fusion, soulful R&B ballads, various Americana styles, modern pop country, blistering heavy metal, uplifting worship rock, lo-fi hip hop, a plethora of progressive rock, old-timey autoharp, modern surf rock, and many more!

What are Xtra Styles PAKs?
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2023 (or higher). With over 2,600 styles included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-16, the possibilities are endless!

Xtra Styles PAK 16 requires the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® version 2023. They won't work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the 2023 UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition..

Xtra Styles PAK 16: https://youtu.be/KP1svm_RMfI


How do I know if I have XPro Styles PAKs or Xtra Styles PAKs?
You can find out in Band-in-a-Box® by clicking the "Add-ons" button in the StylePicker. Show me how.

Forum Statistics
Forums67
Topics79,761
Posts713,476
Members38,084
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Dimugi, Tunefultom, Tec54132, Joe Videtto, Gabrone
38,084 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
Rob Helms 273
jpettit 261
MarioD 211
DrDan 182
Al-David 124
Today's Birthdays
Alceste-le-Loup, doctormidi, St.Sound
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5