A classic Steely Dan track from 1974, “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” is among the shortest and most harmonically straightforward tunes in the band’s catalog. But 1:51 brings us to a modulation, then a quick return to the original key at the instrumental verse (2:03.)
Tag: USA
DJ and the Yams | Start Again
This R&B ballad, written by the track’s lead vocalist, Desmond Scaife, Jr, was recorded live on stage at Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 2016.
The track features a quick modulation at 2:25, returning to the original key at 2:30.
Kenny Loggins | This is It
This 1979 release by Kenny Loggins, with co-writing, keyboards, and back-up vocals by Michael McDonald, features the harmonic complexity for which both artists are known. The bridge starts at 2:43, shows signs of a big change on the way at 2:57, and wraps up at 3:06 as the modulation hits.
According to Loggins, the melodic and harmonic ideas for the tune were finished long before the lyrics. The songwriting team had initially focused on a crossroads moment in a troubled romantic relationship. But the topic shifted to an adult son encouraging his ailing elderly father to fight hard for his health in the face of a worsening medical condition — a slice from Loggins’ own life. An unlikely hit, for sure, but it reached #11 and won a Grammy.
Celine Dion | The Power of the Dream
Here’s Celine Dion performing live at the 1996 Olympic Games with “The Power of the Dream.” Her performance was heard by 100,000 people in the arena as well as 3.5 billion others worldwide. The modulation is at 3:18.
NYT: David Foster, the Godfather of Schmaltz
From today’s New York Times: David Foster is responsible for composing and/or producing many of the songs that have been featured on MotD over the years (and on today’s Celine post you can find him at the piano!)
Bon Jovi | Livin’ on a Prayer
A classic key change: Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer” (1986) features a modulation that sneaks in at 3:23. VH1’s viewers voted the track #1 on its “100 Greatest Songs of the 80s” list. The tune is in 4/4 overall but skips a beat at the key change — as our ears do a double-take.
Todd Rundgren | Hawking
Here’s a 1989 tune by musician, composer, and producer/engineer Todd Rundgren written in honor of Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist and cosmologist. It’s a gospel meditation on the challenges of grasping the unknown and maintaining one’s love for humanity.
The modulation arrives with the bridge at 2:57, reverting to the original key at 4:07.
Skunk Bear | A Neuroscience Love Song
From Alex Mosher, MoTD member, submits this track from Skunk Bear, a duo which provides (sometimes musical) science-centric explainer segments on NPR. According to its YouTube channel, the duo “(explores) the secrets of the universe, the wonders of nature, and answer(s) your science questions.”
Alex: “Happy Valentine’s Day! Modulation way toward the end, around 2:54.”
Niya Norwood + Nikko Ielasi | Black Girl Magic
Happy February! In honor of Black History Month, here’s a lushly orchestrated, gospel-infused R&B tune, “Black Girl Magic” (2016), co-written by the lead vocalist, Niya Norwood, and performed by Berklee College of Music musicians, led by Nikko Ielasi.
The bridge starts with a sublime modulation at 3:16 and ends with a reversion to the original key at 3:42.
If I Dare (from “Battle of the Sexes”) | Sara Bareilles
The theme song from Battle of the Sexes, the 2017 biopic of 1970s tennis phenom Billie Jean King. Performed by Sara Bareilles, its appearance during the film’s closing credits — after the emotional rollercoaster of the movie itself — is an overwhelming moment. Starting in C major, the chorus shifts to C minor (for the first time at 1:08), then back to C major. The bridge, starting at 2:15, brings a shift to a quieter texture, then a jump to F minor at 2:33 — leading up to a triumphant modulation to G major at 3:18.
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