Hi everyone,
Over the last couple of years I have released many songs on many albums, as you know, but didn’t spend too much time on them as they were written in the moment and new things were happening. I am currently working on the next album, but have less spare time than in the previous decades. However. as the album is nearly complete, I am trying to make sure all the songs are sounding just how I want them to, before it is released. I am debating about the final playlist and whether I need to add any additional songs. ‘Bliss’ is a sweet piece of music, but I am finding it harder to sing than most, so I am debating whether to replace it with another new one, or keep trying to improve it. I have re-recorded one of my Christmas songs and recorded a new one, which I am not sure if to include on the album and, ‘We Won’t Stop’ has recently been updated with my co-writer. At the moment the first version is on the playlist and the duo version. As we rarely get chance to record together I’m not sure if to wait until it is perfected, or leave it off.

If you could let me know what you think that may help me to decide. Here is the playlist as it stands. Here is an explanation about the songs that are likely to be featured on the new album:

The first song was written about the never ending desire to play music, despite what people think.

1/ We Won’t Stop (just me) – Mixing amendments still required, but it is the most liked song on SoundCloud so far.

This was composed with the James Bond (007) theme in mind:

2/ The Battle Within – I’m happy with this mix and consider this to be the best instrumental I have recorded so far.

An old tune, that was used in an unreleased song, was updated when I collaborated with a lady named Jodylynn. This was going to be sung by someone else but, for now, only me:

3/ Shattering – After much amending I think this is sounding good enough to be released. I could add more, but there is a limit.

This was inspired by a brief about about a bunch of people travelling from island to island, but the brief passed and I changed it slightly:

4/ (Feel The Vibe) With My Tribe – This began as a collaborative effort, but this final result was all of my own making. Almost as good as I want it, but a slight vocal volume adjustment needed in one part.

This was written and recorded within 24 hours of the ‘If’ idea being thrown at myself and other musicians:

5/ Ifs And Buts – It could be improved, but I am happy with this mix. The vocals on the first 2 verses could be improved but I am reasonably happy with this version.

A song based on a few silly errors that affected my trust in people and made me a bit paranoid. You cannot help the way you are, or prevent the way you have become sometimes.

6/ I Am Just Me – I think this could be released as a single as sounding pretty good all round.

A physicology that is worth understanding:

7/ The Fastest Man In The World – Another one that I think is ready for release.

This was written when I was not where I wanted to be, but alcohol and cigarettes were needed to get me through it, but I was still unsure as to what I needed. The answer was: a long break and a new job. This happened and so much more. I gave up smoking after meeting my (now) fiancée and we now live together, sold my house and bought a smaller new home, cleared my mortgage, released 10 albums and a single and life is now great.

8/ I Don’t Like What I Do – I’ve amended the lyrics since it was first written in 2018. It is not perfect yet, but almost there.

Based on a winning mentality and having a goal in life, as opposed to not wanting any success:

9/ The Best – A song written very quickly while thinking ‘sync’, but just a jigsaw piece in the concept of this playlist.

Here are 3 songs about different relationship/interaction scenarios:

A sad 50 years of marriage:

10/ Golden Anniversary – A song written in 1990 which was recorded very quickly and, despite room for improvements, I’ll probably make do with this version.

A guy encouraging a female friend into his car to get things moving, so-to-speak:

11/ Beep! Beep! – Another song written while in ‘sync’ mode, but became just a very unusual song. I have included it for it’s unique time signature and for a more variety.

A food advert inspired song, but could also be regarded as a song about a twisted lusting to please, even if it leads to death:

12/ Onion Man – Death By Quest For An Onion Lover – The lyrics are so whacky I had to record it (although 30 years later). Some synth brass parts could be slightly amended, but it’s getting better. Tricky one to sing as there are 2 different characters (male and female) within the song.

And then a bit of a deviation… This song questions our actions:

13/ What Is Justice? – I am debating about removing a small middle section in this song before the album is released. This is the most riskiest/controversial song on the album, and in my history so far, almost!

After a weird period of change, all came good and this is about the woman that made my life better.

14/ Bliss – I need a love song to balance out the different scenarios, but this sounds a bit gloomy, although sweet (musically) and very sentimental. I can’t sing love songs very well so the vocals aren’t very good.

And this is a love song that doesn’t sound like one, but is nonetheless:

15/ You – This was recorded from scratch on 24-03-22. I need to improve on this initial idea, but at least I’ve started it.

Other songs for consideration are:

1/ My Christmas Wish (A waltz song from last year)
2/ ‘We Won’t Stop (The L & F Version)
3/ A Very Merry Christmas (a new version of an old song, released in 2020)
4/ What My Father Said (This contains a lot of bad language and doesn’t fit as comfortably in this playlist, but was recorded to tie in with ‘We Won’t Stop’.
5/ This Gift (a song from 2015 and recorded a few years later).
6/ Cheap New Book (A song from 1990/91 which was re-recorded with my late mate, Steve Emm, in 2016.
7/ Squeeky – This contains lots of puns and innuendos.
8/ A Lost Love (A good song but not sure if it will be placed on any album now).
9/ Crazy In Love (A good song, but recorded a few years ago and most have been tecorded 2021 and 2022 so far.

Hopefully the current playlist will be released as album in the coming weeks or months.