My son “released” a song from the basement-looking for feedback

Honestly, it wasn't bad.

If I had to criticize, he uses a lot of the same instrumentation, vocal tone, rhythm and lyrics. The biggest thing I didn't like is it wound up with the whole song sounding very similar. It would have grabbed me more if there had been more evolution or unpredictability. I kept waiting for it to break into more.

But he's 17. The melody was solid, and he has a unique sounding voice that can be interesting as he refines it. Heck, it's better than I could do, and I didn't dislike it. I just kept waiting for it to take off.

Overall, respect to you and your son for putting it out there. I hope he goes for it of he wants to explore music, because he has some ability to work with.

Edit: I'm also not a musician, just like music.

He's got a Leon Bridges voice and vibe.

It's a good song for sure. Only thing I'd change is maybe mixing up the piano more in the song. What I mean by that is, start off soft like he did, then play with some force (forte!) during other parts, like during the chorus or when the drums kick in. I think it'd make the song pop a little more. The same could be said with the vocals like somebody else already mentioned. I can already here a louder and more passionate "just two friends" part.

I'm sure you are proud of your son. I know I would be.

Its a great personal sounding song. Awesome he wrote, performed and sang it. I hope he keeps going and being creative.

Criticism, the song does need a change of pace/intensity within the chorus and it would benefit from an "uplifting" middle 8 - just my opinion of course. I'd love to hear some strings integrated into the chorus to make is soar a bit and carry through the middle 8 and outro or ending.

High five to your talented son - keep encouraging him. He has a unique voice he lends to his music.

I'm not a big music person so take below with a grain of salt, but some things stood out, both positive and negative.

It needs a stronger, better intro. Comes in too weak.

I like the Remember dreaming about New York line. Somehow it brought me in. Maybe because most people have dreamt about living in or visiting New York city.

You have a promising voice.

Overall the music needs a bigger sound. I wouldn't mind hearing some bass sounds. Maybe lower notes on piano with sustain. Like a warm hum sound.
This Marty Stuart song is fantastic:
Marty Stuart - Walls Of A Prison
The amount of sound they get out of their four member band is amazing. You feel the music around you. It fills the room. I think this sound is what you should go after here. These are top tier musicians, so if you get close to this you are doing very well.

It think the song could have and maybe should have ended at 2:49. Lyrics sounded complete at that point and then you threw in the 8th grade line. Didn't need it. Either get rid of it or replace it with something that expands on the going "our separate ways" line.

I would go with a different drum sound. I feel my ears flinching. Sounds too sharp and snappy. Go with something softer and warmer. And I really don't like the tapping on the high hat or the metronome sound.

All in all, it ain't bad. Pretty decent really. If I heard it come on the radio, I would have given it a chance for sure, assuming I missed the intro. But I feel I would have changed the station after the 2:49 mark.

It's good to put your work out there for others to hear. "The risk of insult is the price of clarity."

Don’t skip college. It’s was just ok for me . Admire the effort

Tell him to keep working and exploring. He’s starting with more than a lot of artists had ping for him.

He definitely should listen to varied artists and not be afraid to be influenced by and borrow what he likes.