Broadway’s Waitress, by Sara Bareilles, has been running at the Brooks Atkinson since 2016. “What Baking Can Do” features the rare downward modulation, from Gb to F, at 0:52, made even more noteworthy by an ascending melody. Gb returns at 1:28, and the song returns to F at 2:58 and concludes there. Performed here by original cast member and Tony Winner Jessie Mueller.
Tag: 2010s
Nikko Ielasi + Nikkollective | Bang Bang
While this tune doesn’t feature a modulation until the instrumental outro, it’s a standout harmonically. A cover of “Bang Bang,” the hit 2014 collaboration by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj, this 2015 live cover features a profoundly re-harmonized arrangement by bandleader and keyboardist Nikko Ielasi. Starting around the 1:00 mark, the energetic new arrangement of the one-chord original version really kicks in — and never lets up.
Kevon Carter | The Greatest Love of All
Another unintentionally pitchy performance — redeemed to hilarious effect by the top-drawer musicianship and humor of Kevon Carter. Somehow, he keeps up with many, many modulations per minute, supporting each one with an awesome re-harmonization in the accompaniment.
This time, it’s “The Greatest Love of All,” originally made popular by Whitney Houston and George Benson.
Kali Uchis (feat. Bootsy Collins) | After the Storm
Colombian-American R&B/Neo-Soul songstress Kali Uchis released “After the Storm” in 2018. This whimsical track features collaborators Tyler the Creator and funk bassist / vocalist / icon William “Bootsy” Collins.
“The saying ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ is a perfect way to describe this new track,” (ListenMag). “A silky smooth bass groove (provided by none other than Bootsy himself) which plays along the bouncing synths, transports you to an era of love, soul, and funk.”
Modulations hit at 1:43, 2:07, as the bridge starts at 2:31, and 3:07.
Jeremy Jordan + Laura Osnes | The Next Ten Minutes Ago (from “R+H Goes Pop!”)
From the Rodgers & Hammerstein Goes Pop! series, Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan sing a mash-up of “Ten Minutes Ago” from R&H’s Cinderella with “The Next Ten Minutes” from Jason Robert Brown‘s The Last Five Years. There are a few key changes, but the big one is at 3:48. The track starts at 0:25.
Beck, Robyn + The Lonely Island | Super Cool (from “Lego Movie 2”)
The closing credit sequence for Lego Movie 2 (2019) has something for everyone, including a smile or two for the parents in the audience for its unapologetic “pro-credits = pro-reading” stance. Beck, Robyn, and The Lonely Island collaborated on this funk/pop/hiphop track. The tune starts in A major, drops a rollercoaster instrumental mini-bridge at 2:28, and lands in B major at 2:32.
Monster (from “Frozen”)
Here’s “Monster” from Frozen (2018): an epic key change at 3:07.
With You (from “Ghost”)
“With You” from the musical Ghost (2011) was based on the 1990 film of the same name. It features a rare downward modulation at 3:37.
Peter Hollens | Shenandoah
Peter Hollens’ a cappella cover of “Shenandoah” (2012) features a key change at 1:13, and a return to the original key at the end.
Jacob Collier | Hallelujah
Returning to Jacob Collier today, this is hands down the most beautiful rendition of “Hallelujah” (2018) I have ever heard. The voicings, the reharm, the rhythmic profile, and, yes, a modulation from C major to B major. I’m not going to tell you where it is because you have to listen to the whole thing, and you can see it in the music from this video. Enjoy!
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