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.
Tag: r&b
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.
Aretha Franklin | United Together
Aretha Franklin was a legendary soul/gospel/R&B/pop vocalist — but also a civil rights icon and humanitarian.
Though it wasn’t one of the mega-hits among her huge catalog, this track clearly shows Aretha’s warm, dignified persona and the uncontainable range of her artistry. “United Together” (1980) modulates at 3:50.
Stevie Wonder | Where Where You When I Needed You
Another gem from Stevie Wonder‘s deep catalog of classics: “Where Were You When I Needed You.” Released as a B-side in 1972, it was one half of a two-part medley (along with “Superwoman”). The sound was truly ahead of its time, featuring multi-layered synths and state-of-the-art production. Key change at 2:06.
George Benson | 20/20
Shape-shifting guitarist/vocalist George Benson, a Pittsburgh native, had a string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s, pulling from his 36 albums to date. “20/20” (1984) made a splash on three charts: #45/Pop, #20/R&B, and #3/Jazz.
The tune features a bridge with plenty of compound chords (1:50 – 2:25) which remains in the original key. The third verse (2:25) hits with a direct modulation, followed by Benson’s effortless duet combination of guitar and wordless vocals.
Whitney Houston | All the Man That I Need
Whitney Houston‘s 1990 release “All The Man That I Need” was just another garden-variety hit for the songstress, then at the peak of her powers: #1 on the US pop, adult contemporary, AND R&B/hiphop charts, plus many more high chart positions worldwide. Modulation at 2:41.
The Commodores | Easy
Before his solo fame, Lionel Richie scored several big hits with The Commodores, including “Easy” (1977). The tune nears its end with a classic direct modulation at 3:44.
Yolanda Adams | Never Give Up
Here’s an uplifting Yolanda Adams track, “Never Give Up” (2001), with key changes at 2:31 as well as into the bridge at 3:24.
The Crusaders feat. Randy Crawford | Street Life
Stacked with compound chords from its very first measure, “Street Life” (vocalist Randy Crawford, along with The Crusaders, featuring Joe Sample) was one of the most harmonically rich hits of the Disco area (1979). Modulating up a half-step at 1:33, the compound chords hit again around the 2:00 mark, dropping us back into the original key — and then up again at 3:32. The track made a strong appearance on the US pop, soul, and disco charts and hit #5 on the UK pop charts.
The Spinners | Games People Play
The Spinners‘ 1975 R&B release “Games People Play” begins with deceptive simplicity. But then a long line of compound chords starts at 0:41, joined by a descending chromatic bassline at 0:54. We return to the original key as we reach verse 2 at 1:05 … Etc.! There’s no single prominent modulation, but rather a feeling of pivoting easily and frequently between keys.
