country – Page 10

Willie Nelson + Waylon Jennings | Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys

Chalk up another mod for MotD regular Rob Penttinen: Although it was first written and recorded in the 1950s, the signature version of the Country classic “Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” was performed by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings for their 1978 album “Waylon and Willie.” The tune reached #1 on the US Country charts and crossed over to the US Pop chart as well, peaking at #42. This live version, recorded at Nelson’s own charity event Farm Aid in 1986, modulates up a whole step at 1:10.

Reba McEntire / Hard Candy Christmas

It’s Reba Tuesday, featuring “Hard Candy Christmas” from the musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (2018). Key change at 2:38. Enjoy!

Carrie Underwood | Whenever You Remember

Here’s Carrie Underwood’s track “Whenever You Remember,” released in 2005. Key change at 2:46.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Patsy Cline | Crazy

We’re throwing it back with Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” (1961), featuring a subtle but effective modulation at 2:00. Considered a top Country classic, the tune has also been covered by Willie Nelson (its author!), Leann Rimes, Linda Ronstadt, Shirley Bassey, Guy Lombardo, and Chaka Khan.

Reba McEntire + Kelly Clarkson | Does He Love You

Today we feature Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson singing “Does He Love You” (2002) with a modulation around 4:49. The track won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration back in 1994. This audience knows what’s going down, since they applaud right when the key change happens!

Dolly Parton | Hard Candy Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! As a little weekend bonus video, here is Dolly Parton with “Hard Candy Christmas” (2001). This whole video is worth watching, but the key change is around 2:40. Best wishes to all for a wonderful evening.