This epic modulation stared me in the face for decades before being noticed. Queen’s “We Are the Champions” (1977) features verses which start in C minor, shifts into Eb major for the pre-chorus (first at 0:23), then transitions to F major for the choruses (first at 0:39). Commenting on the tune (among Queen‘s most successful singles of all time), the band’s guitarist Brian May said “We wanted to get the crowds waving and singing. It’s very unifying and positive.”
Author: Mod of the Day
Kool + The Gang | Joanna
Kool & the Gang, 70s and 80s pop/R&B mainstays, garnered a top-5 hit in the US, Canada, and the UK with their 1984 single “Joanna.” Characteristic of the band’s harmonically lush arrangements and tight horns, the tune modulates during its short bridge (3:03 – 3:22) before returning to its original key.
Macy Gray | I Try
MotD scout Rob Penttinen strikes again! 1999 saw the release of Macy Gray’s breakout hit, “I Try.” After a surprisingly contrasting bridge (2:12 – 2:49), the tune modulates for the final choruses at 2:49. The track went to #1 in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia and Top 10 in the UK and US.
Captain + Tennille | Love Will Keep Us Together
Originally co-written by hitmaker Neil Sedaka, who released the tune only in France, ”Love Will Keep Us Together“ hit #1 in the US, Canada, and Australia when covered in 1975 by American duo Captain and Tennille. Backed by members of the famed group of session musicians The Wrecking Crew, the tune features a huge upward half-step key change as the outro starts at 2:55. Daryl Dragon, half of the duo (who were married for many years), passed away this week at the age of 76.
Elvis Costello | Accidents Will Happen
Elvis Costello‘s 1979 release, “Accidents Will Happen,” modulates back and forth between D major on the verses and D minor on the choruses; the first of these shifts hits at 0:19. Starting at 2:10, the outro of this compact tune accelerates the pattern by shifting between the two keys every two measures!
Regina Belle | Make It Like It Was
Regina Belle‘s 1990 hit “Make It Like It Was” is today’s feature; written by Carvin Winans, the tune was released on Belle’s 1989 album, Stay with Me. The track went to #1 on the R&B singles chart, reached #43 on the on the Hot 100 singles chart, and #5 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The key change is at 2:59.
Light (from “Next to Normal”)
Here’s “Light” from the musical Next to Normal (2010); key changes at 1:58 and 2:34. The show’s book and lyrics are by Brian Yorkey; music by Tom Kitt. Enjoy!
Donna Summer | MacArthur Park
Donna Summer’s 1977 dance epic ”MacArthur Park” likely represented Peak Disco. Summer’s unmistakeable vocal style is accompanied by full orchestra, harp, and plenty of synths (all part of producer Giorgio Moroder’s signature sound). There are several key changes, the first appearing at 0:26 as a Baroque-inspired string intro transitions into pop ballad, preceding a shift to straight-ahead disco. If you need more, there’s also a 17-minute “suite” version. 😉
Childish Gambino | Pink Toes
Childish Gambino – Donald Glover (two names for the same artist, depending on whether he’s engaging in music or acting) released “Pink Toes” (featuring Jhené Aiko) in 2013 as a track on his sophomore album Because the Internet. The album later received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
A blend of psychedelic Neo-Soul, rap, and R&B, the track modulates at 1:51.
The Association | Time for Livin’
Today we feature The Association’s 1968 release “Time for Livin’,” suggested by one of our mod scouts, JB. Known as a “sunshine pop” band from Southern California, the band is better known for its iconic hits such as ”Cherish” and ”Never My Love.” This track, which reached only #39 on the US pop charts, modulates all over the place — starting at the 0:52 mark and continuing all the way to the end.
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