r&b – Page 22

Sam Cooke | This Little Light of Mine

Here’s Sam Cooke’s rendition of the spiritual “This Little Light of Mine” (1964), which played a prominent role throughout the Civil Rights movement. Key changes at 1:09 and 1:43.

James Ingram | Just Once

James Ingram, a 1980s/1990s pop/R&B artist, songwriter, and 14-time Grammy nominee, spent his early years singing back-up vocals for the likes of Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles. A demo of this 1981 track, “Just Once,” came to the attention of producer Quincy Jones, prompting a record deal. Ingram continued to work with Quincy, co-writing the uptempo pop confection “PYT” for Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller album.

The bridge brings key changes at 2:51 and 3:05; one more modulation hits as the bridge transitions to the final chorus at 3:24 before one last shift as the outro fades at 4:21.

Kool + The Gang | Joanna

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.

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.