New Original that needs to be critiqued

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kjam22

kjam22

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Most of you will be glad to know I'm not singing on this one. I wrote and played all of the music... then gave a cd to a lady singer I know who wrote the lyrics and sang it. It's an original contemporary Christian song. (at least it doesn't sound like Bob Dylan)

Any suggestions, comments, ideas, or complaints..... are welcome. Thanks guys.

Song is "We'll Sing Your Song In Heaven"


http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=2124&alid=-1
 
Nice, the mix sounds a bit weak in the drums department. The reverb gives it a fake feel. I guess it may fit the song, I'm not really into the style.

Something to look at: the toms really flub with the bass tone a bit. It almost seems like the tom sounds are coming out of the bass amp...that's not good. The bass sounds fine the toms need the help.

The drums in general could use the most work.
 
I only listened in lo-fi cause I'm on dial up and short on download time tonight, so I can't say much mix-wise. I found it hard to see past the vocals, which are totally not for me. I'm not against christian music by any means, but these lyrics seem very predictable and "cookie cutter" to me. It was almost like a parody of a christian song. I also thought the tom fills kind of stuck out a little funny, but then lo-fi makes every thing a bit weird. I did think the musical performances sounded solid though. I heard some pretty good playing in there. Good job on your part.
 
Disclaimer At work, on laptop, with headphones.

This song jumps out at the start. It grabbed my attention. I like how everything is "out-in-front" without stepping on each other. You've got a nice, hot mix.

I thought it loses some punch when the vocal comes in. The singer can sing in tune, but sounds a little lifeless. You might consider adding some addition bg vocals/harmonies to punch the vocal up a bit.

I have to concur with the previous posts about the drums. I like what the drummer (you?) did (a lot !!) , but they sound off in the distance. I prefer a cleaner sounding drum.

BPOCO
 
Thanks for the comments guys. The good news about the drums is that they were recorded "flat" on 5 different tracks..... so I can re-master them. I agree...the toms do need some work.

Interesting comments about the vocalist :) I won't tell her..... LOL This was written for praise and worship during church service. I think it's in the set about a month from now.

Thanks very much for the critiques. I appreciate it.
 
Not sure if you want to critique the mix or the song. The song sounds ok, I like the guitar riff. The lyrics are not my bag so I won't comment. On the mix, I think it needs some work because the reverb sounds too heavy on the drums and keys, the tom toms come in out of nowhere, and the vocal performance is a little bland. I would definitely re-record the vocal and light a fire under the singer. The fx you can play with.
 
I thought jake got it right. I think the reverb is right for this style, although the style is not my cup of tea. Pretty darn good recording and mixing job. The drums are sitting a bit far back.

I did think the acoustic guit sounded a little "tinny." Maybe give it a low-mid boost?
 
Nice song.

I don't have anything to add, I just wanted to say I'm listening.

Joe
 
Just a few things after first listen. It has a Fleetwood Mac vibe for sure, can't remember the tune, but it instantly reminded me of FM.

Bring the snare reverb way back. Did you add real cymbals and toms later? They have no reverb and they contrast the drum machine too much. Need to blend them cohesively.

The vocal is as little flat in tone (not pitch).

The bass level needs to be normalized so that the accents don't stand out so much.

How about a harmony in the chorus? Would add interest I think. Maybe a male voice fora lower part?

That's my .02
 
Thanks everybody for the comments and ideas.

The guitar is a martin d-41 that I had cut low end on. I just remixed some of the low end back in it. It did help.

Re-mastering the drums helped too.

I agree that it needs some BGV's. But not mine :) Unless you want to hear Bob Dylan doing a duet with this lady! The BGV's will be on the chorus by 5 or 6 people singing parts when we do it live. That doesn't help my recording much though.

I also brought her vocal down just a couple of db and it seemed to sit there a little better. It is a little less crisp than the rest of it. I may tweak that a little.

It's still pretty reverby.... that's kinda the sound we're looking for on this song. It sounds like elevator music to me. I told her we should name it "Elevator To Heaven". :)

Again thanks everybody for all of the advice. You guys are the best I know at identifying what is wrong with a song and a mix. When I finish the remix I'll repost it under the same name.
 
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