This 1968 hit from The Mamas and Papas is probably the most well-known of the many versions of “Dream a Little Dream,” which was originally recorded in 1931 by Ozzie Nelson. Modulation at 0:58, then reverting back to the original key at 1:18 (etc.!)
Author: Mod of the Day
Tower of Power | Just Another Day
The legendary horns of Tower of Power had hits with uptempo tunes and ballads alike — including plenty of modulations. Their 1973 release “Just Another Day” has key changes starting at 0:34, then returning to the original key at 0:57…continuing on from there.
Britney Spears | Lucky
Today we turn to Britney Spears with the classic “Lucky” (2000). The track earned commercial success worldwide, peaking at #1 in Austria, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland and top 5 in the UK. Textbook modulation around 3:00.
Skunk Bear | A Neuroscience Love Song
From Alex Mosher, MoTD member, submits this track from Skunk Bear, a duo which provides (sometimes musical) science-centric explainer segments on NPR. According to its YouTube channel, the duo “(explores) the secrets of the universe, the wonders of nature, and answer(s) your science questions.”
Alex: “Happy Valentine’s Day! Modulation way toward the end, around 2:54.”
The Toys | A Lover’s Concerto
A contribution from MoTD member Paul Steckler:
“Multi-modulation madness! The Toys sing ‘A Lover’s Concerto’ (1965), based on a melody usually attributed to J.S. Bach, with modulations at 0:50, 1:21, 2:09, and 2:25. Who can keep up?”
Boz Scaggs | Heart of Mine
Boz Scaggs, probably best known for his huge 1970s hits, often features modulations in his tunes. 1988’s “Heart of Mine” first changes key just before the first chorus (0:50), then returns to the original key as it returns to verse 2 (1:30). Then a few more shifts …
Connie Francis | Where the Boys Are
Here’s Connie Francis singing “Where The Boys Are” (1961), with a key change at 1:23. Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, the tune was the title track of a movie of the same name in which Francis had a starring role and reached top 5 in both the US and the UK.
Diana Ross | Soulful Strut (Am I the Same Girl)
An extra for the weekend … a guest post from member Paul Steckler. Prime US television variety show fare! The music starts around 1:30.
“Here’s some modulation action for you! Diana Ross dancing to ‘Soulful Strut,’ also known as ‘Am I the Same Girl’ (1969).” After some stage banter, the music starts at 1:31. “A modulation of dubious taste at 2:50, then a series of modulations at 3:54.”
Stephen Soundheim (feat. Marin Mazzie) | Losing My Mind (from “Follies”)
Here’s the inimitable, much-missed Marin Mazzie singing “Losing My Mind” from Sondheim’s Follies (1970). This performance is just exquisite, and the key change at about 3:00 is a highlight.
Us3 | The Day That I Died
Hiphop isn’t usually the first genre that comes to mind when considering modulations. But Us3, a group featuring UK-based musicians and best known for the 90s hit “Cantaloop/Flip Fantasia,” manages quite a few key changes — built around samples drawn from unprecedented access to the entire Blue Note Records jazz catalog.
“The Day That I Died” (2007) is characteristic of Us3’s eclectic lyrics, which put storytelling front and center. Modulations at 1:28, 1:47, 2:46, 3:07, 3:25, 3:44, 4:44, and 5:03.
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