Tag: 1990s

Wheels of a Dream (from “Ragtime”)

“Wheels of a Dream” is from the 1996 musical “Ragtime,” based on the classic E.L. Doctorow novel, and with an epic score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Performed here by original cast members Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald, the number features key changes at 1:33, 1:50, 1:59, 2:07, 2:20, and the big one at 2:30.

Annie Lennox | Why

A long-overdue MotD debut for Scottish native Annie Lennox: The lead single from her debut non-Eurythmics solo album Diva (1992), “Why,” was a global hit. The striking video featuring the uncommonly versatile Lennox was comprised of footage which served double duty as a photo shoot for the album cover. From AllMusic‘s review of the album: “The enigmatic vocalist who made a career toying with different notions of gender plays on the concept of fame here — Lennox dresses up in the persona of a solitary Diva trapped by counterfeit glory.”

Starting in C major, the tune shifts to D major at the pre-chorus (1:25), then falls back to C major for the chorus at 1:46; the cycle then repeats.

The Maccabeats + Naturally 7 | Shed a Little Light

This tune features more of a key-of-the-moment shift than a true modulation, but we hope we’ll be forgiven. ❤ Here are two top-drawer a capella ensembles, The Maccabeats and Naturally 7, collaborating on a gorgeous 2016 cover of James Taylor‘s “Shed a Little Light” (1991), honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. amid Washington, DC’s monuments.

Set overall in Bb major, the tune shifts to a v minor / bVII major / I major vamp as the bridge starts at 1:53, returning to a straightforward Bb major at 2:17.

Mathieu Boogaerts | Où?

Quentin, a reader of the MotD blog, sends this contribution:

“I just discovered your blog and I love it. I immediately thought about the song ‘Où?’ by Mathieu Boogaerts (1998). This song uses modulation paired with a fade-out in the outro to signify the loss of references, the feeling of not knowing where we are…the lyrics are ‘Où allons nous? J’y comprends rien.’ (‘Where are we going? I don’t understand anything.’)

The modulation ladder starts at 2:27; we can hear four modulations before the sound completely fades. Boogaerts is a French musician, composer and writer; the lyrics of his own songs have a really unique style.”