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#654674 05/06/21 12:49 PM
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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.




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



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RT 362: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085
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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.


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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.


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


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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

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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. smile

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. laugh



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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

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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


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Noel,
"I don't often write in minor keys." I think you should write more in minor (->major) smile 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.

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


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Hi Noel,

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

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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

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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.

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Originally Posted By: MarioD
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.

Hi Mario!

It's brilliant to see you smile

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


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Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
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.

Hi Trev!

I always smile when I read that you've visited smile 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


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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.

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

moto

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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

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Love this Noel!

Outstanding mix and vocals.

Great, great, great sound man!

Love the little cymbal hit at the end.

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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 smile but we liked what we heard.

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

J&B


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