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.
Marin Mazzie | And the World Goes Round
Marin Mazzie, an incredible actress who starred in Ragtime and Passion (and more recently Bullets Over Broadway and The King and I) on Broadway, performed Kander & Ebb’s “And the World Goes Round” in 1991. Mazzie passed away at age 57 after battling ovarian cancer for three years. Key change at 2:53.
Joe Jackson | Wasted Time
Joe Jackson, the UK singer/songwriter/bandleader perhaps best known for his early 80s hit “Steppin’ Out,” released the album Rain in 2008. The ballad “Wasted Time,” featuring the same trio he led in the late 70s, modulates during the bridge (3:13 – 4:01), then returns back to the original key.
Prince | Diamonds and Pearls
Prince released “Diamonds and Pearls” with his band The New Power Generation in 1991. The tune starts in G major, modulates downward to Eb major for the bridge (2:36), and then reverts to the original key. Powerhouse vocalist Rosie Gaines is featured in more of a co-lead role than that of a background singer.
Celine Dion | Because You Loved Me
Here’s a live performance by Celine Dion of “Because You Loved Me” (1996). The tune was written by master songwriter Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. Key change at 4:31.
Paul Davis | Cool Night
“Paul Davis established himself as one of the most appealing singer-songwriters of the late 1970s and early 1980s,” (TheSecondDisc.com). “Yet the Mississippi native all but walked away from his solo career at the height of his fame, returning to his roots as a behind-the-scenes songwriter and making cameo appearances on others’ hit records. Before his untimely death in 2008 at the age of 60, Davis notched fourteen Hot 100 hits and eight Top 40s.”
Paul Davis‘ 1981 soft rock release “Cool Night,” which reached #11 on the US pop singles chart and #2 on the US adult contemporary chart, is also sometimes cited as an example of late 70s/early 80s “Yacht Rock.”
The key change is at 2:39, leading into the final chorus.
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