Boz Scaggs, probably best known for his huge 1970s hits, often features modulations in his tunes. 1988’s “Heart of Mine” first changes key just before the first chorus (0:50), then returns to the original key as it returns to verse 2 (1:30). Then a few more shifts …
Tag: pop
Connie Francis | Where the Boys Are
Here’s Connie Francis singing “Where The Boys Are” (1961), with a key change at 1:23. Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, the tune was the title track of a movie of the same name in which Francis had a starring role and reached top 5 in both the US and the UK.
Diana Ross | Soulful Strut (Am I the Same Girl)
An extra for the weekend … a guest post from member Paul Steckler. Prime US television variety show fare! The music starts around 1:30.
“Here’s some modulation action for you! Diana Ross dancing to ‘Soulful Strut,’ also known as ‘Am I the Same Girl’ (1969).” After some stage banter, the music starts at 1:31. “A modulation of dubious taste at 2:50, then a series of modulations at 3:54.”
Beatles | Penny Lane
This 1967 Beatles release (a “double A side” 45 with “Strawberry Fields”) reached the top 5 across Europe, the US, and Australia. Written about Paul McCartney‘s childhood neighborhood, the tune alternates between its verses and choruses and then nearly reaches its end before final modulation at 2:34.
Seal | Prayer for the Dying
Seal‘s 1994 track “Prayer for the Dying,” which charted in both the US and the UK, pivots between two keys at each transition between verse and chorus (and vice versa). The title is a little misleading: the track overflows with funk energy and Seal’s trademark enigmatic lyrics. Mods at 1:07, 1:40, 2:01, 2:31, 3:00, and 3:44
Abba | Money, Money, Money
1976’s “Money, Money, Money” was Abba’s followup to its smash hit “Dancing Queen.” The original title for the tune was ‘Been and Gone and Done It,” which might have affected its huge popularity! The key change hits around 2:25.
Eric Carmen | Brand New Year
Weekend Bonus #2, celebrating New Year’s Eve (release date 2014). By Eric Carmen, better known for 1975’s “All By Myself.” Interesting progressions throughout, but the key change is around 2:50. Many thanks to MotD fan Larry Graykin for the suggestion! Happy 2018 to all!
Mark Shilansky + Fugue Mill | Ordinary World
After becoming Exhibit A for chart-topping synth-pop blockbusters in the early 80s, Duran Duran scored an uncharacteristically understated hit in 1993 with the ballad “Ordinary World.”
Boston-based pianist/bandleader/educator Mark Shilansky and his band Fugue Mill have thoroughly re-harmonized and restructured the tune with their 2014 cover, stacking verse after verse.
Finally, the single extended chorus arrives (at 3:33) with cascading modulations nowhere to be heard in the original.
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!
Doobie Brothers | What a Fool Believes
Harmonically, this 1979 tune is such a feast that after several decades of casually listening to it, I never caught on that it actually modulates too. In fact, multiple times: on the way out of the pre-chorus and into the chorus (first heard at 1:17) and then back to the original key (first heard at 1:50), then a second time.
Co-written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, the track hit #1 in the US — one of only a handful of non-disco releases to do so in the first half of 1979.
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