Discussion Zone

Hi all, 
Tried my hands at this full mix. I feel it misses a hook or a heavier chorus somewhere for it to be a hit song, but nevertheless a nice arrangement. Couldn't get the kick/snare sitting just right for some reason, and it gets a bit crowded at the end there, but it was really a pleasure to mix. 

Please leave a note telling me what you think, slam it if you want or leave a rating. 

thanks! 
BC


Plugins used: 
Waves: SSL E-channel and G-Master Buss, F6, CLA-76,CLA2A, CLA3A, L2 Ultramaximizer, Silk Vocal (on strings), Sibilance
Soundtoys Decapitator, Little Plate
Slate Trigger 2
PT Stock: D3 Exp/Gate, Maxim, Pro Multiband Dynamics
Free: Youlean Loudness Meter

I gave it a quick one pass listen.
My initial thoughts:
1. It's minor but I don't love the panning acoustic at the top. As a listener I want something solid to anchor me in and I felt unsettled. If that makes sense. I'm not sure it's a big deal and some one else may love it but I feel like I needed something to ground the song so I can take everything else in.

B. I'm having trouble making out the lyrics. The 1st part they're pretty clear but even by the 2nd verse I'm not really sure what they're saying. If I'm approaching this as a non mixer and casually listening I can't say it engages me. I suspect a lot of it is just in the delivery but still. Maybe the tone of the vocal needs to adapt to the arrangement as it gets busier. Edit: I can make out more and more of the lyrics after a few passes but for a pop song like this it should be a bit more clear from the start. How? I dunno. I don't think it's a volume thing. Maybe they could come up a hair but I think the issue is mostly masking.

III. I agree that it does get crowded at the end. Maybe the lead guitar could come back and/or be panned to make room for the vocal.

Tonally it works and the mix sounds good. It's a pleasant, competent mix but I think it could showcase the vocals more.
Also, keep in mind I've not mixed this one so there may be issues in the tracks that I'm not aware of.

Cheers.