After his work as vocalist, keyboardist, and co-writer for the pop/rock band Bourgeois Tagg, songwriter Brent Bourgeois transitioned to the Contemporary Christian Music genre in the late 90s; he’s continued to write, release, and produce his own solo work since then. His duet with songwriter and vocalist Ginny Owens, “One Thing,” released in 2000, modulates at 1:20.
Tag: USA
Touch Me With My Clothes On (from “Love Gilda”)
Known for her utterly original comedic style and her status as the first cast member chosen for the premiere season of Saturday Night Live in 1975, Gilda Radner was the first to say that her singing voice wasn’t exactly her strongest suit. But her unfussy, warm delivery always let her huge personality shine through. “Honey (Touch Me With My Clothes On)”, featured in the current biopic film Love Gilda, was part of the comedienne’s 1980 live solo show Gilda Radner Live on Broadway.
The music doesn’t start until 0:55 — but her poignant intro is worth a listen! Key change at 2:59.
Josh Groban + Celine Dion | The Prayer
Here are Josh Groban and Celine Dion singing “The Prayer” (2001). The tune was written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa and Tony Renis. The music begins at 1:40; the key change is at 4:25.
Nickel Creek | Doubting Thomas
Nickel Creek, an acoustic trio known for its polished Americana sound and a Grammy winner in the Contemporary Folk category, released “Doubting Thomas” in 2005. Chris Thile, now the host of the weekly radio program Live from Here, is featured on lead vocals and mandolin.
The bridge (1:59 – 2:25) modulates before the tune returns to its original key.
Celine Dion | Because You Loved Me
Here’s a live performance by Celine Dion of “Because You Loved Me” (1996). The tune was written by master songwriter Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. Key change at 4:31.
Paul Davis | Cool Night
“Paul Davis established himself as one of the most appealing singer-songwriters of the late 1970s and early 1980s,” (TheSecondDisc.com). “Yet the Mississippi native all but walked away from his solo career at the height of his fame, returning to his roots as a behind-the-scenes songwriter and making cameo appearances on others’ hit records. Before his untimely death in 2008 at the age of 60, Davis notched fourteen Hot 100 hits and eight Top 40s.”
Paul Davis‘ 1981 soft rock release “Cool Night,” which reached #11 on the US pop singles chart and #2 on the US adult contemporary chart, is also sometimes cited as an example of late 70s/early 80s “Yacht Rock.”
The key change is at 2:39, leading into the final chorus.
The Cars | Bye Bye Love
“Bye Bye Love,” a 1978 Rock-meets-New Wave hit from The Cars‘ eponymous debut album, features a section built around E major at the start, transitioning to a D major pattern during the gentler pre-chorus (0:48), and then back to E Major (0:59) for the chorus; the cycle then repeats.
Bassist Benjamin Orr on lead vocals and the unmistakably distinctive style of Greg Hawkes on keyboards, covering many of the band’s famously catchy hooks.
Make Our Garden Grow (from “Candide”)
Here is the maestro Leonard Bernstein conducting his composition “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide (1956). Key changes at 1:42 and 3:02.
R.E.M. | Stand
Somewhat unusual among R.E.M.‘s often somber output, 1989’s “Stand” features double direct whole-step modulations (2:30 and 2:48) towards the end of this bouncy, catchy Top 10 hit.
Guitarist Peter Buck described it as “without a doubt, […] the stupidest song we’ve ever written. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though.” He humbly compared the song to The Kingsmen’s “Louie, Louie” in terms of lyrical content.
Bruce Hornsby + The Range | The Show Goes On
“The Show Goes On,” an album cut from Bruce Hornsby and the Range‘s second album Scenes from the Southside (1988), follows Bruce Hornsby‘s production template for his early work with his backing band before he went solo in the 90s. The tune’s overall D major tonality transitions into G major during the bridge (4:08 – 4:33).
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