Tag: pop

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.”

Fountains of Wayne | Stacy’s Mom

“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).

The Guess Who | These Eyes

From MotD regular Rob P.: Canadian band The Guess Who released their breakthrough US hit, “These Eyes,” in 1969. It peaked at #6 on the US Billboard chart.

After a few verses, a string of direct modulations builds during the chorus (starting at 1:42); the tune reverts to the original key for the next verse at 2:40. 3:00 marks the start of chorus/outro, stacking yet more modulations until the fadeout, augmented by boffo amounts of strings and brass.