Author: Mod of the Day

Annie Lennox | Why

A long-overdue MotD debut for Scottish native Annie Lennox: The lead single from her debut non-Eurythmics solo album Diva (1992), “Why,” was a global hit. The striking video featuring the uncommonly versatile Lennox was comprised of footage which served double duty as a photo shoot for the album cover. From AllMusic‘s review of the album: “The enigmatic vocalist who made a career toying with different notions of gender plays on the concept of fame here — Lennox dresses up in the persona of a solitary Diva trapped by counterfeit glory.”

Starting in C major, the tune shifts to D major at the pre-chorus (1:25), then falls back to C major for the chorus at 1:46; the cycle then repeats.

Once More I Can See (from “Wonderland”)

“Once More I Can See” is from Frank Wildhorn‘s 2011 Broadway musical Wonderland, a contemporary setting of Lewis Carroll‘s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” Performed here by Janet Dacal, the song features a key change at 2:05.

Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 | The Fool on the Hill

1968 saw a distinctive cover of The Beatles‘ “The Fool on the Hill” by Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66. Like the original, the tune modulates from major to minor as the verse shifts to the chorus (here at 0:47) and back again (1:03).

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Mendes was enamored of the tune and thought “‘Wow, I think I can do a totally different arrangement.’ He said Paul McCartney later wrote him a letter to thank him for his version of the song.”

Jay Som | Tenderness

From our follower Alex Gold comes the 2019 track “Tenderness” by Jay Som. Known as a DIY/”bedroom pop” singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, the LA-based Som released her first tracks via the Bandcamp platform. The New York Times calls Som “a nimble, honest songwriter (who) never sacrifices grooves or hooks for some forced idea of lo-fi intimacy.”

The fast 12/8 groove, which initially takes its sweet time falling into place during the intro, drops out at 1:14. Then the groove returns with much more force a few seconds later before a big modulation, jumping up a perfect fourth, hits at 3:15.

Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (from “All Shook Up”)

“Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” is featured in the 2005 Elvis jukebox musical All Shook Up. Most every cover of this song (and the original, released in 1961) includes a key change or two, but this one at 1:42 is particularly dramatic.

The Maccabeats + Naturally 7 | Shed a Little Light

This tune features more of a key-of-the-moment shift than a true modulation, but we hope we’ll be forgiven. ❤ Here are two top-drawer a capella ensembles, The Maccabeats and Naturally 7, collaborating on a gorgeous 2016 cover of James Taylor‘s “Shed a Little Light” (1991), honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. amid Washington, DC’s monuments.

Set overall in Bb major, the tune shifts to a v minor / bVII major / I major vamp as the bridge starts at 1:53, returning to a straightforward Bb major at 2:17.

Frank McComb | Somebody Like You

Our follower Christopher Fox submitted keyboardist/vocalist Frank McComb‘s 2013 track “Somebody Like You.” This relaxed video follows McComb on a tour of the Netherlands. According to AllMusic, McComb has collaborated with a laundry list of artists: Rude Boys, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Chaka Khan, Prince, Will Smith, Najee, George Duke, Gamble and Huff, Patrice Rushen, and many more. In 1994, McComb collaborated extensively with saxophonist Branford Marsalis on the jazz-rap fusion project Buckshot Lefonque.

After the short but punchy bridge at 2:54, the modulation hits at 3:13.