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NSYNC | This I Promise You

Happy Monday! We kick the week off with some classic *NSYNC — “This I Promise You” (2000). I was actually surprised to discover I never posted this song back in the day — it’s a good one. Modulation at 3:11 — Enjoy!

Andrea Bocelli | Because We Believe

Bocelli’s “Because We Belive” has a textbook example of a “common tone” modulation: a single note is sustained through key change, thus transforming its harmonic function. And the second, at 4:20, is the rare downward modulation, moving from E to D. David Foster is at the keys (he co-wrote the song with his daughter Amy for the 2006 Turin Olympics).

Hal Crook (feat. Debo Ray) | Love Me If You Can

This uptempo funk/R&B tour de force (2016) by Hal Crook, featuring powerhouse Débo Ray on vocals, leads us through many “keys of the moment” until 2:05, when we land squarely back in the original key.

Barry Manilow | Mandy

Barry Manilow makes his MotD debut with his 1974 hit “Mandy,” with a vintage music video to boot! The track was a #1 hit and cemented his career as a performer. Modulation at 2:40.

Sting | If I Ever Lose My Faith in You

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.