Ballad: Hold On (work in progress, opinions needed)

[stoman]

This song was originally meant to be equipped with an orchestral arrangement, but when I started mixing it I realized that it seems to work pretty well with just piano and lead vocals and nothing else.

But I am biased, so I need opinions. Do you think the song needs more instruments?

As for the mix: The vocal track had a couple of issues (crackle, plops, clicks, ...). I've already fixed a lot of them, but some are still there. I will fix those later.

Edit 25th Nov 2010:

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Vocals: Kristen Ashton
Lyrics: Darlene C. McCoy
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann

Hold On
by Darlene C. McCoy©2009

I won't give you my opinion
Cause we don't see eye to eye
I can only try to be there for you
And hold your hand when you cry

I can't feel what you are feeling
Though I have been there before
You have to go through your hurts alone
Sometimes with advice less is more

So Hold on
Though your heart is breaking
Hold on
When you feel your last breath taken
Hold on
It's always darkest before the dawn
Hold on
Soon enough the pain will be gone
Just Hold On

I want to sooth your sorrow
I want to ease your pain
But I can only be a shoulder
When you're crying in the rain

Please know that I'll be here for you
And I'll never turn my back
I'll try to be your little beacon
When your light has turned to black

So Hold on
Though your heart is breaking
Hold on
When you feel your last breath taken
Hold on
It's always darkest before the dawn
Hold on
Soon enough the pain will be gone
Just Hold On

Just when you thought life was over
A little light will appear
Only a small glimmer
As your pain seems to disappear

So Hold on
Though your heart is breaking
Hold on
When you feel your last breath taken
Hold on
It's always darkest before the dawn
Hold on
Soon enough the pain will be gone
Just Hold On

[Geir]

Song won't play Steffen. You should check out the link !!

[stoman]

Thanks for telling me, Geir - the symbolic link name on the server was wrong. Fixed!

Regards,
  Steffen

[Geir]

What a lovely song !!! Just beautiful. I think I'd leave it with just the piano

[Redler]

I agree with, Geir! Less is more... The vocals fits well in this beautiful song! All your tunes have been in high quality, so is this too. Great collab!

Kari

[Gary F]

 One word "BEAUTIFUL"!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gary

[The Reverend 48]

I listened to this late last night
It is so sweet and needs nothing else
Fantasic vox and keys
It has the hallmark of a classic

[stoman]

Thank you very much, guys! I'm glad you like the song. I know it is a bit cheesy - but I like cheesy songs. Sometimes.

I'll probably post one or two alternative versions when I'm done with them.

Regards,
  Steffen

[Ferryman]

This sounds like it could have come straight from a West End musical. Personally, I would be very tempted to kitchen sink this a bit, especially in the choruses. It's a ballad and I am a sucker for a big production job. That "Hold On" line is just crying out for more for me. Also, it goes down a bit dynamically after the key change when you have just piano, and all of a sudden jumps back up for the final chorus. For me, I would want that section to be building to a big crescendo at the end.

It's a lovely piece of work though.

Cheers,

Nigel

[stoman]

Thanks, Nigel. I totally agree, and a "big" version will come ... I just have to get in the mood.

Does anybody notice any parts that sound out of tune? That's what somebody told me, but to me the vocals sound quite ok. If there are any flat parts though, I'd like to fix them.

Regards,
  Steffen