Kool & the Gang, 70s and 80s pop/R&B mainstays, garnered a top-5 hit in the US, Canada, and the UK with their 1984 single “Joanna.” Characteristic of the band’s harmonically lush arrangements and tight horns, the tune modulates during its short bridge (3:03 – 3:22) before returning to its original key.
Tag: r&b
Macy Gray | I Try
MotD scout Rob Penttinen strikes again! 1999 saw the release of Macy Gray’s breakout hit, “I Try.” After a surprisingly contrasting bridge (2:12 – 2:49), the tune modulates for the final choruses at 2:49. The track went to #1 in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia and Top 10 in the UK and US.
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.
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.
Luther Vandross + Darlene Love | I Listen to the Bells
“I Listen To The Bells” (1995) performed by Luther Vandross & Darlene Love, with a key change at 4:06. See you next week for our final two days of Christmas tunes before we return to regular programming.
Stevie Wonder | Happy Birthday
A break from the holiday music: In honor of the birthday of MotD founder Henry Lewers today, here’s a Stevie Wonder tune from 1981. Written for civil rights champion Nelson Mandela, “Happy Birthday” modulates at 3:30. Happy birthday, Henrique!
Otis Redding | Merry Christmas, Baby
Happy Monday! Starting off the week with Otis Redding’s “Merry Christmas Baby” (1968). Key change at 1:35. Thanks to MotD fan Paul Steckler for this contribution!
James Taylor + Ray Charles | Sweet Potato Pie
Today we feature James Taylor’s “Sweet Potato Pie,” performed here with Ray Charles (2004). Key changes at 1:59 and 2:14.
Kelly Rowland | Stole
After gaining fame as part of Destiny’s Child, vocalist Kelly Rowland released “Stole” in 2002. The lyrics detail the anguish of multiple young lives lost to violence. The tune was a smash hit in the UK and Australia, but didn’t perform nearly as well in the US.
The form alternates between an intro and verse built around a Cmajor/Asus2 vamp and a chorus with a repeating Gmin/Dmin/Cmin pattern (first appearing at 0:45).
Eddie Holman | Hey There Lonely Girl
The Legendary Eddie Holman‘s “Hey There Lonely Girl,” released in 1969, peaked at #2 in the US, #1 in Canada, and #4 in the UK when it was released there a few years later. The tune was later covered by many artists, including Donny Osmond and New Edition. Modulation at 2:14.
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