Here's a track I started working on a couple of weeks ago.
I think there's still room for improvement in terms of adding some spot FX to the vox, maybe tightening up the synth melody playing a little. I also think the bridge still needs a little something. Lee suggested some oohs and aahs, which probably will work, but I haven't been motivated to try that out yet. The ride in the bridge probably also needs a bit more TLC.
But before I go and revisit the track, I was wondering if anyone else has any suggestions - so if you have any ideas, let me know...
In terms of structure, I see the bridge as being a window into the frivolity and carefree lifestyle back when the subject was still the life and soul of the party. I feel the arrangement more or less captures that mood. I'd originally planned vocals here too, but they really didn't fit and I didn't like the melody, so I went instrumental instead.
Overall theme is one of cutting one's losses and making the hard decisions necessary to move on in life, or run the risk of stagnation. Dunno if that comes across or not
Verse:
Am F Dm
Chorus:
F Dm Am Dsus2
F Dm Am AmMaj7
Bridge:
Am D7sus4 C7 F
There’s a cloud of smoke around you, but you haven’t got a light
There’s a darkness that surrounds you, it saps your will to fight
They want to put their arms around you, but you’re really not the type
While the people who surround you, still believe the hype
You used to be the life and soul of the party
Mixing your drinks and all that malarkey
Been around the block a few times, and lived to tell the tale
Been skating round the thin lines, but all to no avail
Seen the upsides and the downsides, and been beyond the pale
Between a cameo and role play, beneath the veil
You used to be the life and soul of the party
Mixing your drinks and all that malarkey
That sense of misdirection, is because you lost your way
To pretence without reflection, because it’s everyday
To leave it all behind you, it’s what you had to do
If there’s one thing you are left with, you’re left with you
You used to be the life and soul of the party
Mixing your drinks and all that malarkey
You used to be the life and soul of the party
Vodka and gin rounded off with Bacardi
This song features a free champagne sample by Andi Roselund (Sangwha Comm), downloaded from freesound.org and made available with an attribution license. Thanks Andi!