1975’s “At Seventeen,” the most successful single from singer/songwriter Janis Ian, went to #1 in the US and Canada. A biting commentary on Western beauty standards and their effects on young women, the tune was also used in multiple movies and television shows. The tonality switches from C major on the verses and C minor on the choruses (the first transition is at 0:47).
Tag: pop
Leslie Gore | You Don’t Own Me
Released in 1963, Leslie Gore‘s “You Don’t Own Me” was a #2 hit in the US (also top 5 in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK). The tune has had a sustained half-life as a feminist anthem.
Produced by studio legend Quincy Jones, the tune packs multiple modulations into its two and a half minutes. The verse is in G minor, but transitions to G major for the chorus (0:31); the same pattern holds true for verse 2 and chorus 2; multiple direct half-step modulations follow at 1:03, 1:19, and 1:34.
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.
98 Degrees | I Do
Kicking off the week with a 90s boy band throwback, 98 Degrees singing “I Do (Cherish You). Key change at 3:00. Enjoy!
Queen | The Show Must Go On
Released only six weeks before Freddy Mercury‘s passing at the end of a brief battle with HIV/AIDS, “The Show Must Go On” (1991) reminded Queen fans worldwide of this global supergroup’s originality and vision. Mercury’s vocal timbre was changed by the disease, but he still pulled off a beautiful performance. Modulations at 1:32, 2:13 and 2:55.
Cheap Trick | Surrender
Rolling Stone magazine called it “the ultimate 70s teen anthem” and ranked it #471 of its “500 Best Songs of All Time.” One of the most well-known bands on the 1970s global rock circuit, Cheap Trick released “Surrender” in 1978 and then re-released it on their live album Live at Budokan. The intro’s key is raised a half-step at the start of the first verse (0:14), then another half-step upward modulation at 2:16.
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.
Joe Jackson | Wasted Time
Joe Jackson, the UK singer/songwriter/bandleader perhaps best known for his early 80s hit “Steppin’ Out,” released the album Rain in 2008. The ballad “Wasted Time,” featuring the same trio he led in the late 70s, modulates during the bridge (3:13 – 4:01), then returns back to the original key.
Prince | Diamonds and Pearls
Prince released “Diamonds and Pearls” with his band The New Power Generation in 1991. The tune starts in G major, modulates downward to Eb major for the bridge (2:36), and then reverts to the original key. Powerhouse vocalist Rosie Gaines is featured in more of a co-lead role than that of a background singer.
Celine Dion | Because You Loved Me
Here’s a live performance by Celine Dion of “Because You Loved Me” (1996). The tune was written by master songwriter Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. Key change at 4:31.
modulationoftheday.home.blog 