Many thanks to MotD fan Paul Steckler for this contribution!
Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, writers of many of the Four Seasons’ hits, wrote “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)”, originally sung by Frankie Valli, and a big international hit for the Walker Brothers in 1966. Thirty years later (1995), Cher covered it. Her version starts in F# and then alternates to G# at 1:50; then back, etc.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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!
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!
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!
Throwing it back with Brenda Lee’s rendition of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (1991), with a modulation at 1:45.
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.
