Released in 1963, Leslie Gore‘s “You Don’t Own Me” was a #2 hit in the US (also top 5 in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK). The tune has had a sustained half-life as a feminist anthem.
Produced by studio legend Quincy Jones, the tune packs multiple modulations into its two and a half minutes. The verse is in G minor, but transitions to G major for the chorus (0:31); the same pattern holds true for verse 2 and chorus 2; multiple direct half-step modulations follow at 1:03, 1:19, and 1:34.
Josh Groban + Celine Dion | The Prayer
Here are Josh Groban and Celine Dion singing “The Prayer” (2001). The tune was written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa and Tony Renis. The music begins at 1:40; the key change is at 4:25.
Nickel Creek | Doubting Thomas
Nickel Creek, an acoustic trio known for its polished Americana sound and a Grammy winner in the Contemporary Folk category, released “Doubting Thomas” in 2005. Chris Thile, now the host of the weekly radio program Live from Here, is featured on lead vocals and mandolin.
The bridge (1:59 – 2:25) modulates before the tune returns to its original key.
98 Degrees | I Do
Kicking off the week with a 90s boy band throwback, 98 Degrees singing “I Do (Cherish You). Key change at 3:00. Enjoy!
Reba McEntire | Is There Life Out There
This 1991 release, “Is There Life Out There” by Reba McEntire, is accompanied by a full story of a music video, complete with dialogue. The key (and the mindset of our protagonist) officially changes at 3:05, but the vocal doesn’t come in again until later.
Queen | The Show Must Go On
Released only six weeks before Freddy Mercury‘s passing at the end of a brief battle with HIV/AIDS, “The Show Must Go On” (1991) reminded Queen fans worldwide of this global supergroup’s originality and vision. Mercury’s vocal timbre was changed by the disease, but he still pulled off a beautiful performance. Modulations at 1:32, 2:13 and 2:55.
Memory (from “Cats”)
A classic Broadway modulation: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Memory” from his musical Cats (1981). Key changes at 2:19 and 3:03.
Cheap Trick | Surrender
Rolling Stone magazine called it “the ultimate 70s teen anthem” and ranked it #471 of its “500 Best Songs of All Time.” One of the most well-known bands on the 1970s global rock circuit, Cheap Trick released “Surrender” in 1978 and then re-released it on their live album Live at Budokan. The intro’s key is raised a half-step at the start of the first verse (0:14), then another half-step upward modulation at 2:16.
Jenny’s Blues (from “It Shoulda Been You”)
Here’s “Jenny’s Blues” from the Broadway musical It Shoulda Been You (2015) featuring the incredible Lisa Howard. The show’s music is by Barbara Anselmi and the book/lyrics by Brian Hargrove. The key change is at 1:34.
Key change at 1:34.
Mylene Farmer | Les Mots
From MOTD member Paul Steckler:
“This is French pop megastar Mylène Farmer singing “Les Mots” (2001), which she originally recorded with Seal. This is a live version with Abe Laboriel, Jr. (Paul McCartney’s longtime drummer).” Starting in Db minor, the tune alternates between Db major and Db minor (1:02, 1:37, 2:39, 3:13, 3:33), then modulates to Eb major at 4:08.
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