By the mid-80s, Hall and Oates had scored a huge number of hits — more than any other duo in history. While 1984’s “Method of Modern Love” isn’t among the band’s top layer of major hits, it features a fun, goofy video concept, a shimmery modulation at 3:50, and a document of what might have arguably been pop music’s “peak mullet” moment.
Author: Mod of the Day
Yolanda Adams | I Gotta Believe
Here’s Yolanda Adams with “I Gotta Believe” (2001). Dubbed the “Reigning Queen of Urban Gospel” by Variety and Billboard‘s #1 Gospel Artist of the 2000s, Adams has sold over 8 million albums worldwide. Modulation at 2:48.
David Archuleta | Something ‘Bout Love
Here’s David Archuleta with “Something ‘Bout Love” (2010). Key change at 3:03.
Genesis | Turn It On Again
One of the singles from Duke, Genesis‘ 1980 album, “Turn It On Again” features plenty of modulations — as well as mixed meters! This album marked the band’s biggest departure from its “prog” rock origins towards its later pop-friendly material — all the while never losing its infectious harmonies. Phil Collins serves yeoman’s duty on both vocals and drums.
0:48 transitions up a half step, then back to the original key at 1:03; back up at 1:17, then back to the original key at 1:26. We start the cycle again with verse two at 1:34. Plenty of pedal point on this track, with the bass note remaining static while chords change above.
Randy Rainbow | You Can’t Stop His Tweets
As I’ve said before, I try to stay away from politics on this page as much as possible, but Randy Rainbow came out with a new video today, and it’s too good to resist posting. The whole thing is just brilliant, but for our purposes here at MoTD the important moment is at 4:21. Enjoy!
Backstreet Boys | All I Have to Give
Here’s the Backstreet Boys 1998 hit “All I Have To Give.” Modulation at 3:17.
Fishbone | Freddie’s Dead
Soul legend Curtis Mayfield scored a 1972 hit with “Freddie’s Dead,” originally featured in the movie Superfly. Fishbone, a California-based funk/punk/ska/soul hybrid, cranked out a frenetic 1988 cover version that takes the energy up another notch. Modulation at 2:15, then a reversion back to the original key at 2:25.
Sing For Your Supper (from “The Boys From Syracuse”)
Kickin’ it back to the 1930s today, with “Sing For Your Supper” from the Rodgers & Hart show The Boys From Syracuse (1938). Modulations at 1:32 and 2:28.
10cc | The Things We Do For Love
1977 saw a bouncy, harmonically restless pop hit by British band 10cc, “The Things We Do for Love.” The instrumental intro starts in key A; verse 1 modulates at 0:19 into Key B; another key change at the intro to verse 2 reverts back to Key A (1:15); another at the bridge (which could also be heard as an instrumental verse) into key B at 1:38; back to Key A at 2:16; and finally back to key B at 2:34.
Barbra Streisand | Lover, Come Back to Me
We’re kickin’ the week off with some early Babs (1965) — this is not a performance to be missed! Key change is at 1:44, but you are short-changing yourself if you don’t watch this whole video.
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