Mod of the Day

Sarah Brightman | In the Bleak Midwinter

Happy Monday! Kicking off this first full holiday week with Sarah Brightman’s “In The Bleak Midwinter” (2015). Key change at 1:55.

Simon + Garfunkel | America

Released in 1968, Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” doesn’t modulate outright, but features a sense of restless change (befitting its road trip theme) as well as several key-of-the moment sections. AllMusic‘s review deemed it a song whose “sophisticated harmonic invention is toppled by its message,” while Classic Rock History described it as “wistful and optimistic, personal and universal, and most of all, uniquely American.”

James Taylor + Ray Charles | Sweet Potato Pie

Today we feature James Taylor’s “Sweet Potato Pie,” performed here with Ray Charles (2004). Key changes at 1:59 and 2:14.

Rufus Wainwright | The Sword of Damocles

Singer/songwriter/pianist Rufus Wainwright, a dual American/Canadian national (the son of American folk artist Loudon Wainwright III and Canadian folk artist Kate McGarrigle), is known for his cutting societal commentary. His 2018 release “The Sword of Damocles” is no exception. At 3:14, a bridge of sorts sends the tune into a series of keys-of-the-moment; at 3:26, there’s a full-blown modulation.

Tom Lehrer | Who’s Next

Here’s something a little different: this is the genius Tom Lehrer’s “Who’s Next” (1965), featuring FIVE modulations: 1:06, 1:21, 1:35, 2:02, and 2:17.

Carrie Underwood | Whenever You Remember

Here’s Carrie Underwood’s track “Whenever You Remember,” released in 2005. Key change at 2:46.

Fountains of Wayne | Stacy’s Mom

“Stacy’s Mom,” a 2003 power pop classic by Fountains Of Wayne, written by Adam Schlesinger, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance. The New Yorker magazine’s Ben Greenman called it the “second-catchiest song ever written about a girlfriend’s parent” (after Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson.”) The initial key of E Major shifts to G major at the bridge (2:25).

Heather Headley | All the Man That I Need

Broadway star Heather Headley dropped a new album today entitled Broadway My Way, so today we feature her rendition of “All The Man That I Need” (2018), performed by Whitney Houston in 1991. This song was included in the 2012 West End musical The Bodyguard. The key change is at 3:09.

The Guess Who | These Eyes

From MotD regular Rob P.: Canadian band The Guess Who released their breakthrough US hit, “These Eyes,” in 1969. It peaked at #6 on the US Billboard chart.

After a few verses, a string of direct modulations builds during the chorus (starting at 1:42); the tune reverts to the original key for the next verse at 2:40. 3:00 marks the start of chorus/outro, stacking yet more modulations until the fadeout, augmented by boffo amounts of strings and brass.

Shania Twain | From This Moment On

Here’s a double modulation (1:45 and 3:02) from Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On” (1997). The tune was written by Twain and producer Mutt Lange, Twain’s then-husband.