To Chorus or Not to Chorus? That is the Question.

[K-dub]

Seriously, it is ... and I'm seeking thoughts on the matter. I didn't originally write one, but now I'm wondering if this piece requires it.

The section in question occurs following the lyrical title line of the piece: "Lock and Key" ... and currently it's just an instrumental keyboard passage. The melody (which would have multiple harmonies) would generally follow the keyboard ... but I'm unsure if the section is fine as is ... or requires "more".

Thanks in advance for offering any counsel ...

Best,

Kev-

 

[Greg_L]

For me, I'm not missing a chorus at all. The first non-chorus section in question is short enough to not need anything and the keyboard line fills in just enough to keep it from sounding sparse. Then it goes into a guitar lead and to me it all flowed together seamlessly. The second section, after the second "lock and key", could use something there though. It's a long passage to the end of the song, and I could hear something going in there. Even if it's just a simple, repeating chorus line that comes in a few measures after that last "lock and key". Something in there to build up and lead us to the end of the song would work IMO. It doesn't even have to be a vocal chorus really. It could be anything. Another guitar lead, horn solo, more keys, anything.

 

[K-dub]

For me, I'm not missing a chorus at all. The first non-chorus section in question is short enough to not need anything and the keyboard line fills in just enough to keep it from sounding sparse. Then it goes into a guitar lead and to me it all flowed together seamlessly. The second section, after the second "lock and key", could use something there though. It's a long passage to the end of the song, and I could hear something going in there. Even if it's just a simple, repeating chorus line that comes in a few measures after that last "lock and key". Something in there to build up and lead us to the end of the song would work IMO. It doesn't even have to be a vocal chorus really. It could be anything. Another guitar lead, horn solo, more keys, anything.

Perfect, G. That's exactly the kind of opinion (w/ corresponding rationale) that I was seeking ... and your suggestion makes sense.

 

[K-dub]

Also ... forgot to mention ... this is my first (and so far, only) tune playing a melodica. I heard a harmonica in the part, but I suck at playing harmonica, so I bought the melodica to get the sound in a format I can manage.

 

[TripleM]

I think the song drags right there. I don't know what "more" is here. But it needs more. Or less - you could just cut that section out. Just my opinion.

 

[K-dub]

I think the song drags right there. I don't know what "more" is here. But it needs more. Or less - you could just cut that section out. Just my opinion.

Thanks Trip! I'm not going to take it out, but your thought is exactly what made me think I might need to add a chorus ... I sort of found myself waiting for the section to pass, which cued me into thinking I needed to embellish it with a bit more interest.

 

[arcadeko]

Reminds me of that chasing the dragon guy.. steely dan. Sounds pretty good - on my monitors the vocals seemed to lack brightness, might want to check the EQ highs.

I think the melody line is fine instead of a chorus. You could just try one and see which you like better.

I also agree the last section could use something - is it a chorus - dunno could be a bongo solo for all I know

 

[K-dub]

Reminds me of that chasing the dragon guy.. steely dan. Sounds pretty good - on my monitors the vocals seemed to lack brightness, might want to check the EQ highs.

I think the melody line is fine instead of a chorus. You could just try one and see which you like better.

I also agree the last section could use something - is it a chorus - dunno could be a bongo solo for all I know

Good ears, A. I've got the highs dampened on the vocal -- and it struck me as I went too far too. I like your idea about mixing things up too ... maybe doing a vocal in the shorter section and solo overlays to vamp out. I even have bongos.

Thanks for chipping in your two!

Kev-

 

[K-dub]

Update above -- new mix w/ some of the suggestions above taken. I added a chorus in the middle section (I 'may' add harmonies to it -- not sure yet) ... and a synth solo at the end.

Do they work?