As you write, you have composed Next-to-Last before Angel Song, which i haven't yet listened to.
For me Next-to-Last includes some really nice sound ideas and those make it for me finally a good start-up. You mentioned some "overdose" in sound levels - yes, but that is tech stuff which should be easy to solve ;) and it does not really turn me off.
For me especially Tex Song (old vers.) and Sweet Melody (rithm vers.) sound kinda very good, though Sweet Melody (rithm vers.) could take some additional tracks with additional instruments to get even more powerful. Also i like Sweet Melody, Black Cript, Peace and July :). Good start.