“Hush, Hush, Hush,” a supporting track on Paula Cole‘s breakout 1996 album This Fire (the single was something about cowboys), guest features the singer/songwriter’s mentor, Peter Gabriel as well as some gorgeous and unusual instrumental features. Starting in a minor key, a transition to a major-key bridge starts at 2:01; at 2:33, we return to the original key. An unexpected 4-chord repeating harmonic progression loops from 2:50 to the end.
Liza Minnelli | Maybe This Time
Bringing you some early Liza Minnelli today, with a 1966 concert performance of “Maybe This Time” from the 1972 film Cabaret. Minelli had previously released the tune on two albums, but its feature position in the film is what gave it staying power with the public. The key change is at 1:50.
Nik Kershaw | Radio Musicola
Nik Kershaw‘s classic 1986 New Wave release, Radio Musicola, was full of the UK singer’s moody, richly textured sound; the title track was no exception.
A textbook half-step ascending direct modulation at 2:03; a bridge (2:21 – 2:40) ending with a downward half-step modulation to the original key; and another modulation back to the second key at 3:06.
Audra McDonald | When Did I Fall in Love (from “Fiorello”)
Audra McDonald singing “When Did I Fall In Love” from the Bock and Harnick musical Fiorello (1959). Key change before the final chorus at 2:43. Enjoy!
Olivia Newton-John | Hopelessly Devoted to You (from “Grease”)
Released 40 years ago this week, 1978’s top-grossing movie, Grease, featured “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” a hit single by Olivia Newton-John. Modulations between each verse and chorus: 1:11, 1:47, and 2:19.
Jonah Nilsson | Coffee Break
Here’s a single by Jonah Nilsson, vocalist and keyboardist for powerhouse Swedish funk/pop band Dirty Loops, “Coffee Break.” Starting out with a minimalist rap, Nilsson rapidly shifts to singing supple yet rhythmically precise lines over his trademark wall-to-wall harmonic textures.
Key shifts hit at 0:53, 2:02, 2:10, 2:17, and 2:41, plus a few other quick keys-of-the-moment.
Keith Jarrett | Danny Boy
Today, we feature Keith Jarrett playing “Danny Boy” (2002). There is a brief modulation from F major to A-flat major at 1:37, before returning to F for the remainder of the song at 2:25. An absolutely stunning performance.
Michael Jackson | Rock With You
From MotD member Rob Penttinen, who happened across this modulation while casually listening to the radio as he did housework(!)
The hit Michael Jackson 1979 release Off the Wall, featuring the smash hit single “Rock With You,” was produced by the legendary Quincy Jones. The 4-on-the floor groove was the sound of the clearly waning phase of Disco. Key change at 2:32.
Ella Fitzgerald | Mack the Knife
No words needed for this 1960 release. Modulations are at 1:05, 1:32, 1:58, 2:24, 2:50, and 3:16.
US3 | The Love of My Life
Us3, a hiphop group with members from both the US and UK, is probably best known for the sample-heavy 90s hit “Cantaloop/Flip Fantasia.”
Like most of Us3’s output, “The Love of My Life” (2009) draws heavily on dense jazz-infused textures and chord progressions. But the sound is also driven by Hiphop grooves and lyrical traditions. The tune modulates up two whole steps at 0:38, pivoting between these two keys throughout: 0:56, 2:30, and 2:49.
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