“Stacy’s Mom,” a 2003 power pop classic by Fountains Of Wayne, written by Adam Schlesinger, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance. The New Yorker magazine’s Ben Greenman called it the “second-catchiest song ever written about a girlfriend’s parent” (after Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson.”) The initial key of E Major shifts to G major at the bridge (2:25).
Tag: 2000s
Roberta Sa | Pelas Tabelas
A performer of Portuguese lineage, Roberta Sá is one of the most recognized artists of her generation in Brazil. Her version of the classic tune “Pelas Tabelas” (2005) modulates twice (1:15 and 2:21).
Kelly Rowland | Stole
After gaining fame as part of Destiny’s Child, vocalist Kelly Rowland released “Stole” in 2002. The lyrics detail the anguish of multiple young lives lost to violence. The tune was a smash hit in the UK and Australia, but didn’t perform nearly as well in the US.
The form alternates between an intro and verse built around a Cmajor/Asus2 vamp and a chorus with a repeating Gmin/Dmin/Cmin pattern (first appearing at 0:45).
The Wizard and I (from “Wicked”)
Here’s “The Wizard and I” from Wicked, which debuted on Broadway in 2003; music by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman. Key changes at 1:21, 3:40 + 4:25.
Reba McEntire | I Keep On Lovin’ You
Here’s Reba McEntire singing “I Keep on Lovin’ You” (2009). The key change is at 2:15.
Brent Bourgeois + Ginny Owens | One Thing
After his work as vocalist, keyboardist, and co-writer for the pop/rock band Bourgeois Tagg, songwriter Brent Bourgeois transitioned to the Contemporary Christian Music genre in the late 90s; he’s continued to write, release, and produce his own solo work since then. His duet with songwriter and vocalist Ginny Owens, “One Thing,” released in 2000, modulates at 1:20.
Get Out and Stay Out (from “9 to 5”)
Here’s Stephanie J Block singing “Get Out and Stay Out” from the 9 to 5: The Musical. Modulation at 3:30, but this whole performance is just epic.
Josh Groban + Celine Dion | The Prayer
Here are Josh Groban and Celine Dion singing “The Prayer” (2001). The tune was written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa and Tony Renis. The music begins at 1:40; the key change is at 4:25.
Nickel Creek | Doubting Thomas
Nickel Creek, an acoustic trio known for its polished Americana sound and a Grammy winner in the Contemporary Folk category, released “Doubting Thomas” in 2005. Chris Thile, now the host of the weekly radio program Live from Here, is featured on lead vocals and mandolin.
The bridge (1:59 – 2:25) modulates before the tune returns to its original key.
Mylene Farmer | Les Mots
From MOTD member Paul Steckler:
“This is French pop megastar Mylène Farmer singing “Les Mots” (2001), which she originally recorded with Seal. This is a live version with Abe Laboriel, Jr. (Paul McCartney’s longtime drummer).” Starting in Db minor, the tune alternates between Db major and Db minor (1:02, 1:37, 2:39, 3:13, 3:33), then modulates to Eb major at 4:08.
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