Sounds really good to me Herb.

Newer version is a vast improvement Herb. The new singer has a much better grasp of how to phrase tricky words to make them scan without putting an odd emphasis on them. The difference between 'secrets' and 'directions' in the two versions for example.

Aside from that I think the whole thing sits better in the lower key, and the production is very smooth. Good work.

Hey Herb
Excellent piece!  The new mix has a nice clean edge and I'm another vote for liking the lower key.  Your new singer has good control over her voice but could use a little more dynamics.  Some added harmonies would be nice.
I know your not really asking for help on the mix but the arrangement IMO gets a little busy at times.  It sounds like most of those crowded tracks are the selection/style of Band In A Box.  Herb, I'm not sure what direction your shooting for on this piece.  To my ears the playing/style and instrument selection really gives this a true older country feel.  If so then BRAVO!  If your shooting for the modern country vibe I'm not getting that from this arrangement.  All in all this is a very well written piece of music/mix.  KUDOS!

Kev

Kev & Mike.... yup... we're working on it slowly but surely.

the mix is a rough mix.... things will be changed and edited...levels up, others down, some instruments will be edited or replaced...... but it is probably close to where it will end up.

Shad: We are planning some layering and harmonies on the choruses at the very least.  

M-Glenn, I had considered a male vocal track to trade off lines with the female, however, the singer I asked has not replied to me yet..... As far as the tonal difference goes.... it all depends on a few things...

One is how it is mixed, and another is if the song is in the vocal range of the singer in question. Another factor is chemistry.... but without the 2 singers in the studio at the same time the chemistry part is a bit harder to get on tape..... 

so with a "no reply" from the guy I asked....( a local guy with the goal of Nashville) I will probably just stick with the female and use layering and harmony to complete the project.....

This is much better, but I want to see pictures.

Without reading other opinions:

I feel she and the song are both top notch pop: A+++++++ and it would be difficult to make this more spectacular for pop audiences who'd like to relax at work or play. 


I wish all country music were at least this sweet and fun.

The vox is pop but not my cup.

She is stereotypical country pop (lyrics and message, too), blending into the status quo ... so to speak ... There seems no profound hook, no quirkiness, no originality, no loud noise, no dire conviction, no urgent message.  "Life is crazy" while pro and pop, doesn't win my broken heart.

Philip... good observations and I too wish country was more like this .... but alas..  I do ahve to disagree with the no hook statement. 


Wildman nailed it... the hook is in the chorus...... every time we come and go baby.... every time, every time we come and go.   It's repeated.  This was reviewed and commented on by some writers of the hits you hear on radio (Nashville songwriters assn staff) and one of them commented "what a great hook... it really hits home and draws me in"..... 


And yes, this was a preliminary version, there will be a final with harmony and vocal layering. Pop is where it's at these days... while I don't particularly like it, I'm not against it much either. 


I'm just happy that this song chose me to be it's writer.