In the 1970s, Philly Sound/Philly Soul was similar to Motown, yet also distinct from it — mostly due to its more adventurous harmonies. The Stylistics, one of most popular groups working in the genre, scored 12 R&B top ten hits in a row in the 70s.
This 1971 release changes key twice during the 30-second intro alone (0:14 and 0:28) — pivot modulations aided by colorful compound chords.
A lesser-known beauty from 1971 — a slice of “Little Stevie” Wonder’s nearly bottomless catalog of musical miracles. Co-written by Syreeta Wright, the tune only made it to #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it remains one of the most enduring of Stevie’s many ballads. Modulation at 1:41.
“Earth, Wind & Fire held a lofty status as the perhaps the preeminent R&B band in America as they began making their 1979 album I Am,” (American Songwriter). “It was by no means an overnight journey to get to that exalted status. Early in the ‘70s, the Chicago-based outfit labored to find a widespread audience. That all changed in 1975 with the release of the album That’s the Way of the World. Spurred by a No. 1 hit single in ‘Shining Star,’ the album ended up hitting the top of the charts as well. EWF sustained that momentum through a series of smash LPs and singles in the second half of the decade.
Although they wrote much of their own material, the band occasionally looked to outside sources as well. That’s how they nabbed ‘After the Love Has Gone,’ which was penned by a trio of writers who didn’t have any idea they were going to be submitting the song to an R&B band.”
This classic power ballad, co-written by Bill Champlin, David Foster, and Jay Graydon, reached #2 in the USA during the summer of 1979. The first modulation is at 0:53; thereafter, the mods are too numerous to track!
UPDATE, April 2021: We were mistaken … The internet’s friendliest guide to music theory, Charles Cornell, tracked all the key changes!
Q: What do Lisa Loeb, The Spinners, Trey Anastasio, and Milton Nascimento have in common?
A: They’ve all covered the classic R&B tune by the Five Stairsteps, “O-o-h Child.”
Not content to wait for a bridge or a last verse, this 1970 release features modulations starting almost right out of the gate (0:38, between the first verse and the first chorus). The track hit top 10 status in both the US and Canada.
It’s Friday! We close our first week with the Destiny’s Child rendition of “Silent Night” (2002), featuring Beyonce and introduced by none other than Oprah! There is a key change around 1:40, but this is really all over the map in terms of harmony, so you should watch the whole thing.
Today we feature the Supremes singing “I Hear a Symphony” (1966). Listen around 1:09 for a series of modulations that are sure to brighten your day.
Here is Celine Dion’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman” (1996). Co-written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and first performed by Aretha Franklin in 1967, this cover version adds a modulation to the original tune (2:37).
Today we feature Michael Buble’s rendition of the classic “Me and Mrs. Jones” (2007), originally performed by Billy Paul in 1972. The #1 original version was written by Gamble and Huff, along with Cary Gilbert. Modulation around 2:30. This is a solid one!!
Happy Wednesday! Today’s Whitney feature is “Could I Have This Kiss Forever” (1999), featuring Enrique Inglesias. There are subtle modulations all over this song. Enjoy!
Today we feature Whitney Houston’s up-tempo “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (1987). The modulation is around 3:30, but do yourself the favor of listening to this whole song.
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