Good stuff, Jacob!  
 
Don't worry about being a "learner" because I think we're all in that boat.  
 
What I liked:
great playing, great voice, liked the melody and the structure of the song.
 
What I liked less
Personally, I'm not fond of the doubled vocals.  I know others have said they like it, but it's just my opinion.  And I'm not saying I don't do it, because I do, but yours sound "phasey" which is what I don't care for.
 
there's not much in the way of dynamics.  It's pretty much the same volumes throughout.
 
I'm not fond of that section starting at 2:28.  It just doesn't seem to fit the song, IMO.
 
I think the horn sounds could be better - what did you use for horns?  are they sampled or a keyboard or what?
 
I don't like the white noise at 4:26, either, it drowns out everything else.  I would at least bring it down some.
 
All of this is just opinion and honestly I think overall this is very creative!  Thanks for sharing!
 
overall this 

Sounds good.. Like the layers.

Sorry for the delayed response, Ive been on the mend.  I really appreciate the thorough review and I especially appreciate the honest feedback!  I only have a few friends that are willing to skip the false praise and offer their honest opinion.  For better or worse, I prefer this over being told a song is perfect when its not. 
 
Im with you on the doubled vocals, yet I do this in almost every song I sing in.  In all reality, it is a confidence thing that I need to get past. 
 
The volume observation is right on.  However, I didn't really notice until you pointed it out.  Just another reason I need to improve my automation skills. 
 
Its funny that you mention the horns at 2:28 because my wife has been lobbying against them from day one.  I will let her know that she's not alone.  For reasons unexplained, I really liked the "chaos" it created so I kept it in.  One of the perks of having a solo project because none of my band mates would have let me keep the horns.  Btw, the horns are from the Wizard of Oz.  My grandma was a huge fan of the movie so I sort of plastered the song with as many Oz sounds as I could.
 
Thanks for the compliment on the vocals!  I don't think we musicians ever get tired of those!
 
Take care,
Jake
 
 
     

sounds a bit like Kid Rock....:)
 
All joking apart, I really like this - great recording, great song, great performance..............and nothing like Kid Rock
My only technical issue would be there seems to be too much compression on the overall mix/drums (?).
There is an audible pumping when the drums kick in.
 
 
 

daryl1968
sounds a bit like Kid Rock....:)
 
All joking apart, I really like this - great recording, great song, great performance..............and nothing like Kid Rock
My only technical issue would be there seems to be too much compression on the overall mix/drums (?).
There is an audible pumping when the drums kick in.
 
 
 

I had that coming!  20 years later and Kid Rock is still in my head!
 
Thanks for the feedback Daryl!  I'm going to check the compression settings on the kick.

Sounds great here! Love the vocals and it's such a cool song. Good job and welcome home!

Just had a listen...   nice job!    Everything sounds pretty good here.   The acoustic is a bit loud in spots, and the drums could use a little more clarity, but those are minor mixing suggestions - the song itself is pretty cool.   It's got a vibe.   Love all the FX running underneath throughout. 
 
 

Jake, to be truthful I didn't think I'd like the song as I don't like most modern sounds.  Memories kinda grew on me.  I like the choices you made.  Though doubled, your vocal is very clear.  Very little low end in the song to my ears but what came through (mostly during the percussion) was very dramatic.

Nice tune! I like it. It does need bass.
 
The mixing is pretty good. Especially the second song. Great vocal!

I enjoyed it. I agree with most of the prev thoughts here n there...on what you may adjust. My favs would be adding bass..and a solo (guitar..) snuck in....somehow..? .maybe make it a tad longer. If I get the time (doubtful...lol)....I would love to add both of those to your track ...for my experience/ears only... to improve my recording/mixing skills...but no worries....of course I would only let you hear those results.....if I even felt it worthy . I too am a fan of the Wiz n those samples....deff let them stand out a little more as possible... cool indeed.... Thanks for sharing.