Sting‘s 1993 single “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You” features plenty of pipe organ in addition to traditional rock instrumentation. It modulates at the bridge (2:20), then reverts to the original key. A striking downward modulation (3:19) runs until the last key change (3:38).
Celine Dion | The Power of the Dream
Here’s Celine Dion performing live at the 1996 Olympic Games with “The Power of the Dream.” Her performance was heard by 100,000 people in the arena as well as 3.5 billion others worldwide. The modulation is at 3:18.
NYT: David Foster, the Godfather of Schmaltz
From today’s New York Times: David Foster is responsible for composing and/or producing many of the songs that have been featured on MotD over the years (and on today’s Celine post you can find him at the piano!)
Hall + Oates | Method of Modern Love
By the mid-80s, Hall and Oates had scored a huge number of hits — more than any other duo in history. While 1984’s “Method of Modern Love” isn’t among the band’s top layer of major hits, it features a fun, goofy video concept, a shimmery modulation at 3:50, and a document of what might have arguably been pop music’s “peak mullet” moment.
Yolanda Adams | I Gotta Believe
Here’s Yolanda Adams with “I Gotta Believe” (2001). Dubbed the “Reigning Queen of Urban Gospel” by Variety and Billboard‘s #1 Gospel Artist of the 2000s, Adams has sold over 8 million albums worldwide. Modulation at 2:48.
David Archuleta | Something ‘Bout Love
Here’s David Archuleta with “Something ‘Bout Love” (2010). Key change at 3:03.
Genesis | Turn It On Again
One of the singles from Duke, Genesis‘ 1980 album, “Turn It On Again” features plenty of modulations — as well as mixed meters! This album marked the band’s biggest departure from its “prog” rock origins towards its later pop-friendly material — all the while never losing its infectious harmonies. Phil Collins serves yeoman’s duty on both vocals and drums.
0:48 transitions up a half step, then back to the original key at 1:03; back up at 1:17, then back to the original key at 1:26. We start the cycle again with verse two at 1:34. Plenty of pedal point on this track, with the bass note remaining static while chords change above.
Randy Rainbow | You Can’t Stop His Tweets
As I’ve said before, I try to stay away from politics on this page as much as possible, but Randy Rainbow came out with a new video today, and it’s too good to resist posting. The whole thing is just brilliant, but for our purposes here at MoTD the important moment is at 4:21. Enjoy!
Backstreet Boys | All I Have to Give
Here’s the Backstreet Boys 1998 hit “All I Have To Give.” Modulation at 3:17.
Fishbone | Freddie’s Dead
Soul legend Curtis Mayfield scored a 1972 hit with “Freddie’s Dead,” originally featured in the movie Superfly. Fishbone, a California-based funk/punk/ska/soul hybrid, cranked out a frenetic 1988 cover version that takes the energy up another notch. Modulation at 2:15, then a reversion back to the original key at 2:25.
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