Please check out my first song attempt. I do not play an instrument. Just like to sing and write. Would appreciate some honest feedback. Thanks. http://youtu.be/wCN_8rI_7Nw

I think that's an excellent start Janine! You have a good voice, reminiscent of Alison Moyet, you could back off the reverb a bit and let it come through.

Heck of a fine start. This is a nice song. From the heart. Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the feedback.

We go easy on you for your first song. Next one, you will be beaten around the head and neck with a dead fish. There are some mix issues, but as James said, the biggest one right now is the reverb on the vox. It is a common mistake by first timers and has a lot to do with confidence. Most often we do not like the sound of our recorded voice, so we add a lot of reverb. Problem is, that can make it sound like you are singing in the shower.

I like this song very much, as it has an Annie Lennox vibe for me.  I had to turn the volume up quite a bit, so there's room for  improvement in the mastering stage.  I don't mind the reverb so much on vocals, but if it was turned down a little, it might feel more natural.  You have a really good voice, and I hope you won't be a stranger here.

Thanks Lynn, I like the reverb as well but will try to tone it down some on my next attempt. What would you suggest I do to fix the volume problem?

Nice work first time out.

My suggestions. 

Cut back on the reverb as has already been mentioned. Even though you may like it personally, it's about the song.... as  a guitarist I like to hear guitars, but as a producer on my projects I can't do that.... 

Second.... your voice is good, turn it up a bit..... I wanted to hear it better.

to squeeze a bit of volume out of the mix..... insert a plug in to the master bus FX bin.  Right click it (the bin) and select audio FX... look for cakewalk and find the compressor/gate. click to add it, and then select the MIX COMPRESSION preset. It's a good place to start. You will hear an immediate boost to the levels. 

there's a bunch to learn but learn one thing at a time.  for now.... it's a good start. 

Thanks Guitarhacker, I will try that. :)