Tag: 1980s

Chicago | Hard Habit to Break

“Hard Habit to Break,” a 1984 power ballad, was one of Chicago’s biggest hits and part of the band’s era of increasingly pop-friendly tunes. David Foster, well-known for producing lush songwriting, was one of the song’s co-writers and arrangers at this time, layering the band’s trademark horns with towering strings and synth saturation like there was no tomorrow.

The modulations are everywhere: 0:35, 1:00, 1:32, 1:56, 2:19, several quick pivots during the bridge around 3:12, and 3:18.

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.

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.

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.

Al Jarreau | Mornin’

Al Jarreau, the only vocalist in history to win Grammy Awards in three different categories (jazz, pop, and R&B), released his top-10 album Breakin’ Away in 1981, at perhaps the peak of his career. A standout track from the album was the feel-good tune “Mornin’,” featuring plenty of modulations in the bridge (1:55 – 2:49). Then we land back in the orignal key with an instrumental verse at the bridge’s conclusion. 3:32 features a classic direct modulation into the final verse.

Todd Rundgren | Hawking

Here’s a 1989 tune by musician, composer, and producer/engineer Todd Rundgren written in honor of Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist and cosmologist. It’s a gospel meditation on the challenges of grasping the unknown and maintaining one’s love for humanity.

The modulation arrives with the bridge at 2:57, reverting to the original key at 4:07.

The Tubes | Amnesia

San Francisco-based The Tubes started with unhinged neo-Burlesque performances in the 1970s. They morphed into a unique pop/glam/funk fusion in the 80s, never abandoning their careful balance between keyboard and guitar. In keeping with the band’s bizarre streak, its frontman/lead vocalist/co-writer, Fee Waybill, was once on the band’s roadie team!

There are several brief key-of-the-moment spots in 1981’s “Amnesia.” The bridge (2:27) starts off with a modulation, transitions to a new key at 2:46, then settles back into the original key at 3:05.