Mod of the Day

98 Degrees | I Do

Kicking off the week with a 90s boy band throwback, 98 Degrees singing “I Do (Cherish You). Key change at 3:00. Enjoy!

Reba McEntire | Is There Life Out There

This 1991 release, “Is There Life Out There” by Reba McEntire, is accompanied by a full story of a music video, complete with dialogue. The key (and the mindset of our protagonist) officially changes at 3:05, but the vocal doesn’t come in again until later.

Queen | The Show Must Go On

Released only six weeks before Freddy Mercury‘s passing at the end of a brief battle with HIV/AIDS, “The Show Must Go On” (1991) reminded Queen fans worldwide of this global supergroup’s originality and vision. Mercury’s vocal timbre was changed by the disease, but he still pulled off a beautiful performance. Modulations at 1:32, 2:13 and 2:55.

Memory (from “Cats”)

A classic Broadway modulation: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Memory” from his musical Cats (1981). Key changes at 2:19 and 3:03.

Cheap Trick | Surrender

Rolling Stone magazine called it “the ultimate 70s teen anthem” and ranked it #471 of its “500 Best Songs of All Time.” One of the most well-known bands on the 1970s global rock circuit, Cheap Trick released “Surrender” in 1978 and then re-released it on their live album Live at Budokan. The intro’s key is raised a half-step at the start of the first verse (0:14), then another half-step upward modulation at 2:16.

Jenny’s Blues (from “It Shoulda Been You”)

Here’s “Jenny’s Blues” from the Broadway musical It Shoulda Been You (2015) featuring the incredible Lisa Howard. The show’s music is by Barbara Anselmi and the book/lyrics by Brian Hargrove. The key change is at 1:34.

Key change at 1:34.

Mylene Farmer | Les Mots

From MOTD member Paul Steckler:

“This is French pop megastar Mylène Farmer singing “Les Mots” (2001), which she originally recorded with Seal. This is a live version with Abe Laboriel, Jr. (Paul McCartney’s longtime drummer).” Starting in Db minor, the tune alternates between Db major and Db minor (1:02, 1:37, 2:39, 3:13, 3:33), then modulates to Eb major at 4:08.

Marin Mazzie | And the World Goes Round

Marin Mazzie, an incredible actress who starred in Ragtime and Passion (and more recently Bullets Over Broadway and The King and I) on Broadway, performed Kander & Ebb’s “And the World Goes Round” in 1991. Mazzie passed away at age 57 after battling ovarian cancer for three years. Key change at 2:53.

Joe Jackson | Wasted Time

Joe Jackson, the UK singer/songwriter/bandleader perhaps best known for his early 80s hit “Steppin’ Out,” released the album Rain in 2008. The ballad “Wasted Time,” featuring the same trio he led in the late 70s, modulates during the bridge (3:13 – 4:01), then returns back to the original key.

Prince | Diamonds and Pearls

Prince released “Diamonds and Pearls” with his band The New Power Generation in 1991. The tune starts in G major, modulates downward to Eb major for the bridge (2:36), and then reverts to the original key. Powerhouse vocalist Rosie Gaines is featured in more of a co-lead role than that of a background singer.