Via guest poster and longtime MotD booster Carlo Migliaccio comes a this track from Knower, a funk/electronica band. It centers around synthesist Louis Cole and vocalist Genevieve Artadi, both of whom studied jazz as undergraduates. The band released the hyper-kinetic track “Hanging On” in 2016. There are multiple key changes starting around 3:10.
Author: Mod of the Day
Al Jarreau | Mornin’
Al Jarreau, the only vocalist in history to win Grammy Awards in three different categories (jazz, pop, and R&B), released his top-10 album Breakin’ Away in 1981, at perhaps the peak of his career. A standout track from the album was the feel-good tune “Mornin’,” featuring plenty of modulations in the bridge (1:55 – 2:49). Then we land back in the orignal key with an instrumental verse at the bridge’s conclusion. 3:32 features a classic direct modulation into the final verse.
Todd Rundgren | Hawking
Here’s a 1989 tune by musician, composer, and producer/engineer Todd Rundgren written in honor of Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist and cosmologist. It’s a gospel meditation on the challenges of grasping the unknown and maintaining one’s love for humanity.
The modulation arrives with the bridge at 2:57, reverting to the original key at 4:07.
The Tubes | Amnesia
San Francisco-based The Tubes started with unhinged neo-Burlesque performances in the 1970s. They morphed into a unique pop/glam/funk fusion in the 80s, never abandoning their careful balance between keyboard and guitar. In keeping with the band’s bizarre streak, its frontman/lead vocalist/co-writer, Fee Waybill, was once on the band’s roadie team!
There are several brief key-of-the-moment spots in 1981’s “Amnesia.” The bridge (2:27) starts off with a modulation, transitions to a new key at 2:46, then settles back into the original key at 3:05.
Whitney Houston + Mariah Carey | When You Believe (from “The Prince of Egypt”)
Here’s the Whitney Houston/Mariah Carey duet “When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt (1998). The whole song is definitely worth a listen, but pay particular attention around 3:43.
Gal Costa | Nada Mais (Lately)
Here’s modulation from our newest member, Rio native Livingstone Ferreira: “Nada Mais,” a 1984 cover by Brazilian vocalist Gal Costa of Stevie Wonder‘s classic ballad “Lately.” Key change at 3:20.
Sergio Mendes | Pipoca
Like much contemporary Brazilian jazz, Sergio Mendes‘s “Pipoca,” composed by Hermeto Pascoal, is loaded with modulations. This 1992 track starts off with a tumbling, mischievous feel, throwing us its first modulation at only 0:16 (!) after a playful ascending chromatic run.
The intro sets the scene for key changes which continue to to turn on a dime as they arrive frequently throughout the track.
AJ Rafael (feat. Deedee Lynn Magno Hall) | Only Us (from “Dear Evan Hansen”)
Singer/songwriter AJ Rafael covers “Only Us” (2017) from the musical Dear Evan Hansen, featuring Deedee Lynn Magno Hall. The first modulation (1:43) somehow sneaks up on the listener gradually, while the second (2:55) clearly announces itself.
Peabo Bryson | If Ever You’re In My Arms Again
Peabo Bryson is featured today with his hit “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” (1984). A true 80s jam, with a muscular key change at 2:57.
Madness | Our House
Madness occupied a very specific corner of 1980s New Wave — a UK-based ska/pop hybrid band that that was more about the music than the era’s flashy fashions. “Our House,” released in 1982, reached top-5 status in the US, Canada, the UK, and much of Europe.
The tune cycles through piles of modulations: 0:46, 0:54, 1:10, 1:18, 1:26, 1:41, 1:49, 2:05, 2:13, 2:44, and then every four bars all the way to the end.
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