Sophisticated blend of vocal / instrumental work here, the sax is a good choice to mirror the emotion of the lyric and melody of this song. Arrangement, textures and background vocal ideas add to the overall shape here. Good rhythm section and track blend of styles. The two tunes that I listened to both share a personal, revealing and honest connection between your vocals and your material. Above all, that's an important element for any singer songwriter. Your vocal delivery seems to use a good portion of your range, and while the focus of the chorus, 'Loved You So' is undeniable, the chord changes, melody of that section is not as definitive or as compelling a resolution as it might be. Build each song around the melody and lyric idea that you want your song to be recognized for. Radio defines most songs by their chorus / title melody and the vocal performance it inspires. From Willie Nelson to Keith Urban to the Dixie Chicks , that's a fact of life for radio. You might consider writing the chorus / melody first some time. You don't have to open the song with it, but create it before the rest of the song as an experiment.
STYLE
Pop..rock /traditional country elements
MELODY
Tight phrasing in the verse melody and cohesive chord progression gets this off on the right foot, Richard. Although, the title melody could do more to give this an indelible 'hook'.
STRUCTURE
Good pop / verse and the bridge takes this to another level. Vocal range, piano and strings work.
LYRIC
Good energy, spirit to the phrasing. The nostalgic feel to the 'story' sets the tone right away. 2nd verse adds a bit of drama. Word crafting is tight to the melody with lead and background vocals. Good resolution. Not many songs have this happy ending.
