1990s – Page 22

Faith Hill | This Kiss

Faith Hill’s 1998 crossover country/pop hit “This Kiss” went to top-10 status in the US, Canada, and Australia and was later nominated for two Grammy awards. Modulation at 1:45, after quite the killer bridge with its own key change (1:33).

98 Degrees | I Do

Kicking off the week with a 90s boy band throwback, 98 Degrees singing “I Do (Cherish You). Key change at 3:00. Enjoy!

Reba McEntire | Is There Life Out There

This 1991 release, “Is There Life Out There” by Reba McEntire, is accompanied by a full story of a music video, complete with dialogue. The key (and the mindset of our protagonist) officially changes at 3:05, but the vocal doesn’t come in again until later.

Queen | The Show Must Go On

Released only six weeks before Freddy Mercury‘s passing at the end of a brief battle with HIV/AIDS, “The Show Must Go On” (1991) reminded Queen fans worldwide of this global supergroup’s originality and vision. Mercury’s vocal timbre was changed by the disease, but he still pulled off a beautiful performance. Modulations at 1:32, 2:13 and 2:55.

Marin Mazzie | And the World Goes Round

Marin Mazzie, an incredible actress who starred in Ragtime and Passion (and more recently Bullets Over Broadway and The King and I) on Broadway, performed Kander & Ebb’s “And the World Goes Round” in 1991. Mazzie passed away at age 57 after battling ovarian cancer for three years. Key change at 2:53.

Prince | Diamonds and Pearls

Prince released “Diamonds and Pearls” with his band The New Power Generation in 1991. The tune starts in G major, modulates downward to Eb major for the bridge (2:36), and then reverts to the original key. Powerhouse vocalist Rosie Gaines is featured in more of a co-lead role than that of a background singer.

Celine Dion | Because You Loved Me

Here’s a live performance by Celine Dion of “Because You Loved Me” (1996). The tune was written by master songwriter Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. Key change at 4:31.

Westlife | Fool Again

Here’s a classic 90s boy band track: Westlife’s “Fool Again” (1999); key change at 3:12.

Stone Temple Pilots | Sour Girl

Stone Temple Pilots, fronted by the late Scott Weiland, released “Sour Girl” in 1999. The intro (through 0:19) emphasizes G major as a key area, although it also features a flat 7th. The verse (0:19 – 0:56) flips quickly back and forth from D major to D minor (an F# is featured on the melody line on the word “sour ” — coupled with the restless bassline, often suggesting D minor as it shifts as often as every eighth note — adds to the ambiguity).

A far more detailed and scholarly analysis of the tune can be found on the Aaron Krerowicz site.

Howard Jones | One Last Try

“One Last Try” was a 1992 release by UK New Wave/pop artist Howard Jones, perhaps best known for his 1984 hit “Things Can Only Get Better.” The tune shifts keys quite a few times, including E minor during the first verse, a clear shift to G major during the chorus at 0:38, and some E major during the instrumental bridge at 2:17, which features some lovely arranging for clarinet choir(!) and French horn.