Tag: USA

Kenny Loggins + Stevie Nicks | Whenever I Call You Friend

“Whenever I Call You Friend” by Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks (1978) was released among a slew of late-disco tunes. The track stood out for its kinetic pop sound despite its string-heavy arrangement. There are plenty of modulations, particularly from the instrumental bridge (2:30) onward. The tune, written by Loggins and Melissa Manchester, went top ten in the US and Canada.

Chris Thile | I’m Nowhere and You’re Everything

American Bluegrass/Newgrass mandolinist Chris Thile, known for his work with Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, released his fourth solo album, Deceiver, in 2004. After a chaotic bridge from 2:50 to 3:10, “I’m Nowhere and You’re Everything” modulates at 3:10, 3:42, and 4:06.

From The Houston Chronicle‘s review: “If you expected Thile to cater to Bluegrass orthodoxy and Newgrass’ oft-meandering constructs, this album’s title suggests you’ve been duped.”

Captain + Tennille | Love Will Keep Us Together

Originally co-written by hitmaker Neil Sedaka, who released the tune only in France, ”Love Will Keep Us Together“ hit #1 in the US, Canada, and Australia when covered in 1975 by American duo Captain and Tennille. Backed by members of the famed group of session musicians The Wrecking Crew, the tune features a huge upward half-step key change as the outro starts at 2:55. Daryl Dragon, half of the duo (who were married for many years), passed away this week at the age of 76.

Simon + Garfunkel | America

Released in 1968, Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” doesn’t modulate outright, but features a sense of restless change (befitting its road trip theme) as well as several key-of-the moment sections. AllMusic‘s review deemed it a song whose “sophisticated harmonic invention is toppled by its message,” while Classic Rock History described it as “wistful and optimistic, personal and universal, and most of all, uniquely American.”

Rufus Wainwright | The Sword of Damocles

Singer/songwriter/pianist Rufus Wainwright, a dual American/Canadian national (the son of American folk artist Loudon Wainwright III and Canadian folk artist Kate McGarrigle), is known for his cutting societal commentary. His 2018 release “The Sword of Damocles” is no exception. At 3:14, a bridge of sorts sends the tune into a series of keys-of-the-moment; at 3:26, there’s a full-blown modulation.

Brent Bourgeois + Ginny Owens | One Thing

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.

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.

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.