Category: Henry

Dolly Parton (with Willie Nelson) | Pretty Paper

Written by Willie Nelson in 1963, “Pretty Paper” was first recorded by Roy Orbison that same year, and placed on the Billboard Adult Contemporary, Top 100, and Christmas Singles charts. Dolly Parton collaborated with Nelson this year on a cover of the tune that is featured on her new Christmas album, A Holly Dolly Christmas, released this year. Key change at 2:32.

The Carpenters | (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays

Other than Perry Como’s 1984 rendition, the most well-known recording of this tune was featured on The Carpenters second holiday album, An Old Fashioned Christmas, released in 1984. Karen Carpenter, who sang lead vocals on every track, died the year before the album was released. Key change at 1:59.

Stevie Wonder | Someday at Christmas

The title track from Stevie Wonder’s first holiday album in 1968, “Someday at Christmas” is infused with Wonder’s signature Motown spirit. The track has stood the test of time, becoming something of a modern holiday classic, and has been covered by artists across the stylistic spectrum, including The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Justin Bieber, and Rascal Flatts. Most recently, Wonder recorded a duet version in 2015 with American singer Andra Day for use in an Apple TV commercial, which is featured here. Key changes at 1:22, 2:22, and 2:43.

Mariah Carey | The Star

“The Star” was the first single released from the eponymous 2017 holiday film, inspired by the Nativity story. Performed by Mariah Carey, the song was nominated for Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards. In her review at Pop Sugar, critic Victoria Messina claimed “this brand-new jam just might give “All I Want For Christmas Is You” a run for its money.” Beginning in B major, the track modulates to Db at at 2:51 and then to Eb at 3:11.

The Perrys | Lord, I’m Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving to the MotD community! We on the admin team are grateful for your continued support of the page. Today, we feature the southern gospel quartet, The Perrys, with a track from their 2014 album Into His Presence. Key change at 1:42.

Tomorrow we begin our holiday season at MotD, featuring holiday music exclusively through December 25. If you come across any key changes as you listen to your favorite holiday albums, please share them!

Idina Menzel | Brave

While she is best-known for her starring roles in the Broadway productions of Rent, Wicked, and If/Then, as well as for voicing Elsa in the Disney animated feature Frozen, Idina Menzel has released six studio albums as well. “Brave” was the second single released from I Stand (2008), and reached the #19 spot on the Adult Contemporary Billboard Chart. Key change at 3:21.

Another Day of Sun (from “La La Land”)

“Another Day of Sun” is the thrilling opening number from the Academy Award Best Picture-winning 2016 film La La Land. Featuring a 95-piece orchestra and 40 voice choir and filmed on location in Los Angeles, the song depicts drivers stuck in traffic jam on a highway ramp, singing and dancing about their aspirations to succeed in Hollywood.

“It’s an optimistic song,” said composer Justin Hurwitz, “but it’s also about unfulfilled dreams.” Co-lyricist Justin Paul added, “You pursue that dream, and you go to bed and get up the next day, and it’s a gorgeous day. It encourages you in one breath, and in another breath doesn’t acknowledge that you just failed miserably. You wake up and it doesn’t match your mood. It’s a bright and shiny day.”

Key change at 3:21.

Waving Through a Window (from “Dear Evan Hansen”)

Broadway music director and pianist Greg Anthony Rassen (Bandstand, Bullets Over Broadway, An American in Paris) has written a stunning piano quartet arrangement of “Waving Through a Window,” from the hit 2015 musical Dear Evan Hansen, as a tribute to all of the Broadway musicians and other music staff who have been out of work since their shows went dark in March. “I did this arrangement with all of you in my heart,” Greg said in a Facebook post sharing the video. “Never stop making music.” Key changes at 2:10 and 3:01.

Bobby Darin | Beyond The Sea

“Beyond The Sea,” with music adopted from the 1945 song “La Mer,” by French composer/singer Charles Trenet and lyrics adapted by Jack Lawrence, was made famous with Bobby Darin’s cover in 1959. Originally envisioned by Trenet as an homage and ode to the changing moods of the sea, Lawrence added “beyond” to the title and re-fashioned it into a love song. Darin’s version reached the #6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; other notable artists who have covered the tune include Benny Goodman, Django Reinhardt, George Benson, Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow. The tune, written in AABA form, stays in F through the A sections and passes through A (0:53, 1:57) and C (1:04, 2:08) in the B section.