1990s – Page 21

Westlife | If I Let You Go

Westlife’s “If I Let You Go” (1999) features a key change for the chorus at 0:48, reverts back for the second verse at 1:11, changes for the second chorus at 1:53, and then goes up one more step to close it out at 2:46.

Make Them Hear You (from “Ragtime”)

Today we feature “Make Them Hear You” from Ragtime (1996), with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Terrence McNally. The musical is based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. The performance is by Brian Stokes Mitchell; the key change is at 1:27.

Macy Gray | I Try

MotD scout Rob Penttinen strikes again! 1999 saw the release of Macy Gray’s breakout hit, “I Try.” After a surprisingly contrasting bridge (2:12 – 2:49), the tune modulates for the final choruses at 2:49. The track went to #1 in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia and Top 10 in the UK and US.

Luther Vandross + Darlene Love | I Listen to the Bells

“I Listen To The Bells” (1995) performed by Luther Vandross & Darlene Love, with a key change at 4:06. See you next week for our final two days of Christmas tunes before we return to regular programming.

Peabo Bryson | It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Can’t let a holiday season go by without a little Peabo Bryson: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (1997). Settles into the new key at 2:10. Enjoy!

Take 6 | O Come, All Ye Faithful

The second installment of this week’s a capella series features a 1991 version by TAKE 6, with a really slick modulation up a minor third at 0:54. Enjoy!

NSYNC | Home for Christmas

Happy Friday! Closing out the first full Xmas week with NSYNC’s “Home For Christmas” (1998). Key change at 2:55. Have a great weekend!

Brenda Lee | Go Tell It On the Mountain

Throwing it back with Brenda Lee’s rendition of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (1991), with a modulation at 1:45.

Shania Twain | From This Moment On

Here’s a double modulation (1:45 and 3:02) from Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On” (1997). The tune was written by Twain and producer Mutt Lange, Twain’s then-husband.

This is Halloween (from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”)

Happy Halloween! There are key changes all over this 1993 release, so we won’t list them here. Thank you to Jeremy Robin Lyons for this suggestion! Enjoy!