I was up visiting the in-laws with my wife for Christmas. On this particular morning, The news got turned on the TV in our hotel room. Not sure how that happened as Kat and I never watch the news; some divine intervention, I’m sure.
It was a report on Katrina victims. A family; mom, dad and 2 kids were held up in their home when the storm hit. The roof caved in on top of them all. The shots of the devastated home, in fact the whole block, were enough to make you cry. The good news was the whole family escaped the wreckage unscathed.
A TV news reporter is interviewing the dad. He asks, “What are you going to do now that you’ve lost everything?” The dad answered, “I’ve lost nothing, because my family is safe.” That statement inspired this song. In fact, I pulled out my guitar and started writing right then and there.
I’d like to say I knocked it out that day, but, the truth is I wrote and re-wrote and re-wrote that song for over 2 months before I got it to it’s present form. One of the last lines to fall into place was the first line of the chorus, “Times Like This humble me..” The truth of that statement left me feeling quite vulnerable, so, I’m not surprised it took so long for me to get it.
Continuing on the sound quality and style of “Feels Like A Minute”, I kept the acoustic guitar and drums up front. I’m particularly fond of the bass line throughout and how it pulls the song through it’s changes. My friend, Shamora Duffie played piano, my wife, Kat, is singing the back up harmony.
You can listen here:Times Like This (Rate This Song). Enjoy! I look forward to your comments.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Cliff // Jun 20, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Hey Gina;
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I’ll take another listen to that harmony.
Blessings;
Cliff
2 Cliff // Jun 20, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hey Art;
I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment. I’ll have to take another listen to those drums.
Blessings bro;
Cliff
3 Stillwaters Studios // Jun 20, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Times Like This:
After starting the studio a couple of years ago, I have listened more closely to mixes to see what was the proper way to mix a song. Guess what, there is no standard way. Each artist and each studio has their own idea of what sounds good. So remember that this is only an opinion and nothing more.
As a drummer, I have no problem with them being “up front.” But I agree with Art that they could be pulled back just a bit. It was the kick drum more than the brushes that was too dominate. Having said that, I played the song on my studio monitors which sound different than a home system or a car stereo. Therefore, it depends on how the song “travels.”
I disagree with Gina. I thought the balance between you and Kat was fine but would pull back the volume on the few notes where she goes into her upper range. They seem to pop out.
The bass was good but could be a tad clearer on the attack. Perhaps EQ in a little upper range.
Your voice and expression were fine. The idea of the song and lyrics were fine. This is a good song but not the title cut on an album.
Now, for the song over all. I listened to it 4 times. It is a good song but did not knock me off my chair. It is as good as 90% of the songs out there that make it big but I kept wanting it to draw me in and build. It never did. It didn’t seem to have the charisma of a great song. I kept wanting it to go somewhere that it didn’t. That is a gut level feeling and I can not give you suggestions for changes other than put it aside and listen to it again in a few months. For now it is a very good song.
Remember the grain of salt. I only have two ears like everyone else. I look forward to more of your songs.
4 Cliff // Jul 30, 2008 at 10:03 am
Hey Caren;
Thanks for letting me know about the spam! I had no idea. I guess i’ll have to check more often.
Blessings to ya;
Cliff
5 Jane Best // Aug 4, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I loved this song…holds alot of meaning. My two favorites so far are Feels Like a Minute and Right Now. Both hit home, esp. Right Now. You’re very talented and God has blessed you with a wonderful voice. Look forward to listening to the other songs. May God continue to bless you and your family.
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