Tag: pop

Captain + Tennille | Love Will Keep Us Together

Originally co-written by hitmaker Neil Sedaka, who released the tune only in France, ”Love Will Keep Us Together“ hit #1 in the US, Canada, and Australia when covered in 1975 by American duo Captain and Tennille. Backed by members of the famed group of session musicians The Wrecking Crew, the tune features a huge upward half-step key change as the outro starts at 2:55. Daryl Dragon, half of the duo (who were married for many years), passed away this week at the age of 76.

Regina Belle | Make It Like It Was

Regina Belle‘s 1990 hit “Make It Like It Was” is today’s feature; written by Carvin Winans, the tune was released on Belle’s 1989 album, Stay with Me. The track went to #1 on the R&B singles chart, reached #43 on the on the Hot 100 singles chart, and #5 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The key change is at 2:59.

Donna Summer | MacArthur Park

Donna Summer’s 1977 dance epic ”MacArthur Park” likely represented Peak Disco. Summer’s unmistakeable vocal style is accompanied by full orchestra, harp, and plenty of synths (all part of producer Giorgio Moroder’s signature sound). There are several key changes, the first appearing at 0:26 as a Baroque-inspired string intro transitions into pop ballad, preceding a shift to straight-ahead disco. If you need more, there’s also a 17-minute “suite” version. 😉

Childish Gambino | Pink Toes

Childish Gambino – Donald Glover (two names for the same artist, depending on whether he’s engaging in music or acting) released “Pink Toes” (featuring Jhené Aiko) in 2013 as a track on his sophomore album Because the Internet. The album later received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.

A blend of psychedelic Neo-Soul, rap, and R&B, the track modulates at 1:51.

The Association | Time for Livin’

Today we feature The Association’s 1968 release “Time for Livin’,” suggested by one of our mod scouts, JB. Known as a “sunshine pop” band from Southern California, the band is better known for its iconic hits such as ”Cherish” and ”Never My Love.” This track, which reached only #39 on the US pop charts, modulates all over the place — starting at the 0:52 mark and continuing all the way to the end.

Simon + Garfunkel | America

Released in 1968, Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” doesn’t modulate outright, but features a sense of restless change (befitting its road trip theme) as well as several key-of-the moment sections. AllMusic‘s review deemed it a song whose “sophisticated harmonic invention is toppled by its message,” while Classic Rock History described it as “wistful and optimistic, personal and universal, and most of all, uniquely American.”