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Faith Hill | This Kiss

Faith Hill’s 1998 crossover country/pop hit “This Kiss” went to top-10 status in the US, Canada, and Australia and was later nominated for two Grammy awards. Modulation at 1:45, after quite the killer bridge with its own key change (1:33).

Todd Rundgren | Hello, It’s Me

First released by Todd Rundgren during his stint with the band Nazz 50 years ago (October 1968), Rundgren’s subsequent solo version (1972) reached #5 on the US pop charts. The tune features a horn section including Randy Brecker and Michael Brecker, among other top-drawer players. Something/Anything, the album which featured the single, was later voted #173 on Rolling Stone‘s “500 Best Albums of All Time.”

The half-step modulation at 2:45.

Genesis | Invisible Touch

After their start in the late 1960s and 1970s as a prog rock outfit, Genesis turned to pop in the 80s, knocking hit after hit out of the park with vocalist/drummer Phil Collins at the helm. “Invisible Touch,” released in 1986, modulates at 3:07.

Love Is An Open Door (from “Frozen”)

Here is “Love Is An Open Door” from Frozen (2018). The music and lyrics are by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The show is adapted from the 2013 film of the same name. Key change at 1:00.

Atlanta Rhythm Section | Spooky

Today’s featured tune is “Spooky,” a 1979 release by the Atlanta Rhythm Section – Band, a southern rock band which enjoyed a string of hits. A cover of a 1967 original by The Classics IV, ARS’s version adds a direct modulation early on (1:29) and continues from there. The two versions went to #17 and #3, respectively.

Jason Robert Brown | One More Thing Than I Can Handle

Here’s Jason Robert Brown‘s “One More Thing Than I Can Handle” from his new album How We React and How We Recover (2018).There are many key changes throughout which I won’t list here, but I highly encourage you to check out this whole remarkable album.

Janis Ian | At Seventeen

1975’s “At Seventeen,” the most successful single from singer/songwriter Janis Ian, went to #1 in the US and Canada. A biting commentary on Western beauty standards and their effects on young women, the tune was also used in multiple movies and television shows. The tonality switches from C major on the verses and C minor on the choruses (the first transition is at 0:47).

Fascinating Aida | Cheap Flights

Fascinating Aïda have been described as “Absolutely Fabulous meets Noel Coward, as sung by the Andrew Sisters.” Here’s their rendition of “Cheap Flights.” One of the key changes is at 1:25, but you have to watch the whole thing!

Touch Me With My Clothes On (from “Love Gilda”)

Known for her utterly original comedic style and her status as the first cast member chosen for the premiere season of Saturday Night Live in 1975, Gilda Radner was the first to say that her singing voice wasn’t exactly her strongest suit. But her unfussy, warm delivery always let her huge personality shine through. “Honey (Touch Me With My Clothes On)”, featured in the current biopic film Love Gilda, was part of the comedienne’s 1980 live solo show Gilda Radner Live on Broadway.

The music doesn’t start until 0:55 — but her poignant intro is worth a listen! Key change at 2:59.