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.
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.
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