Score: 10

"You've Done It Once Again"

submission: Reasoner- Living Transparent

date: September 3, 2009

Once again, you've managed to speak to me through your music. I've become so accustomed to being awed by your music that I could not imagine how else you could impress me.

Fortunately, you've proven me wrong. Again. You always do. Again and again. Every time I see a new submission from you, I eagerly listen. I think to myself, "Wow, I wonder what ideas he has this time."

You've got a talent so many people would love to have. The way you manipulate these notes, the way your hands must glide over those keys. I can tickle the ivories, sure, but my keys lack that same laugh yours have. Like I've always said, I can't play the piano. I've taught myself everything I know, and I still can't play particularly well.

It's amazing. How something you write off as a "simple idea" could sound so magical to all of us.

Once I'm finished with a current project, I'll give this piece a try at another taste of glory. To be technical, I'm decent at playing a melody by ear, but that harmony with the left hand is something I have always failed at. I have one goal with this piece. It is to provide my own interpretation of this piece without ruining it. You may have heard my music. My tracks aren't particularly good nor pleasing to listen to.

However, it's the music of numerous Newgrounds Artists that drives me. I want terribly to create music, to inspire people, just as you do. I know I probably won't get there tomorrow, or even several years. Even so, I'll do what I can. If I don't give it a try, then I will have already failed.

I hope that I can help you, Ryan. I hope that someone here will be able to help you. Your song is hauntingly beautiful. I sincerely wish that our interpretations will give you the same serenity.

Score: 10

"Brilliant!"

submission: {dj-N} Overcoming Hardship

date: July 24, 2009

Divine, Nate. Simply divine.

It felt like I knew exactly what you were saying just by listening to this piece. You can get your message across as easily with notes as you can with words.

It's really something, Nate. It's incredible how you can touch the hearts of so many without even knowing what their names are. And through music, no less.

It's this kind of music that gives us that tiny sliver of inspiration we need to make something amazing.

Score: 8

"Nice"

submission: Till Another Day

date: July 3, 2009

It's nice, but there are a few problems with this song.

First off, I really like the melody. It's actually pretty cool. Unfortunately, that synth in the beginning completely drowns it out so that it is difficult to hear the melody. I would suggest automating the volume on that synth in order to bring out the melody more because the melody is far too good to be used for the background.

Next, I noticed that you like to use the shaker and ride/hat (if that is what it is) in conjunction with each other. While I appreciate the variety, I would change up that rhythm a bit. The ride/hat seems to interrupt the shaker. That makes the whole song appear to stutter. At least, in my opinion (I am probably not making much sense). =P

You want to make your song a little more dynamic. It sounds virtually the same throughout. Use some automation.

Again, that synth is my only particularly big problem. I feel like it dominates the whole piece.

I can see some improvement, though. Just don't be afraid to experiment and try other things.

Score: 10

"You Know..."

submission: Reasoner- 2,327 Miles

date: May 30, 2009

You have that way of making me try to make music again.

I just barely have any musical talent and no idea what mastering means (which means I can't find anything wrong with this song), but listening to your music makes me open my music program and try again.

I can't play the piano very well. I mostly self-taught myself everything I know, which isn't much, so I can't play anything nearly as beautiful as this. But it inspires me to keep going. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

Keep making music, Ryan. It's the essence that fuels our creative spirit.

Score: 10

"Awesome"

submission: {dj-N} Buddy

date: May 20, 2009

I didn't enjoy some of your latest submissions, but this one really evokes memories.

I'm glad your revisiting your original style. I really enjoyed it. You have that talent that I can only dream of having.

Look, life has its ups and downs. For me, music is somehow a manifestation of everthing we feel into something tangible.

Good luck, Nate. Your music will always have something to say to me. Take your time. We'll listen to your music while we wait.

Score: 10

"Brilliant"

submission: KTR/WF1 Moments of Inspiration

date: May 17, 2009

I suppose you're tired of hearing this, but it really does sound like it could be in a Kingdom Hearts. That's saying quite a bit, since Kingdom Hearts music is among one of my favorite.

I particularly like the driving percussion. I think I read in one of your reviews that it was a little loud. I'm no music expert, but I found no problems with it. I even think it could be a bit louder.

Anyhow, this is a fantastic piece. I couldn't find anything that could really be fixed at all. Amazing job. I'd like to hear more from you.

Score: 10

"Hmm"

submission: There is Hope

date: May 11, 2009

This was incredibly uplifting.

It seems to make you forget all of the terrible things in life and accentuates the good. It makes me feel like I can do anything with not a care in the world.

Amazing song. I'd love to hear more from you. You now have a new fan.

Score: 8

"Not Bad"

submission: Transending

date: May 7, 2009

I believe the word you're looking for is Transcending. =P

Anyhow, that's not really bad for a first try at all. We just need to fix that long silence at the end. For a loop, you generally want to cut off the remainder of the song so it starts again quickly. And loops don't really have a coherent ending. That Reverb Kick at the end shouldn't be there. You want the end to flow nicely to the beginning. Think of a battle theme of any video game. You'll notice that they really don't have an ending. It just keeps going until you finish.

You should also brush up the percussion. It seems a little empty. I'm no expert, but I can only make out a snare and a kick. That's not bad at all, but I like my percussion to be fuller, so to speak. I like your snare in the beginning, but I'm not liking the snare upbeats that start at around 0:33. You should also add a hat in there.

Again, I'm not an expert when it comes to stuff like this. This is simply my opinion.

By the way, I'm sure your friend appreciates this dedication.

Like one of my (sub-par) songs, don't give up.

Score: 10

"Remarkable"

submission: When a Tear is Shed - F-777

date: April 17, 2009

I loved this song. It really spoke to me. The melody is very nice.

I'm an aspiring artist, and if I can be as half as good as you, then that would be great with me. I might learn a thing or two just by listening to your music. Thanks for making this.