EPISODE #44

Certain pop songs have that moment, when everything seems to change but still remain the same, when the drama gets ratcheted up, when the tension increases and our emotions take an elevator ride to the heavens. From Beyoncé to Johnny Cash, savvy pop songwriters know a well-placed harmonic modulation can leave listeners reeling. But what is this mysterious musical trick, and how does it work? Tune in and let us take you higher, and higher, and higher, as we explore the wild world of modulation.

MORE

Hear more of Dru Cutler’s work.

Also check out the Spotify playlist of listeners favorite modulations in popular music.

SONGS DISCUSSED

One Direction – Night Changes

Taylor Swift – Love Story

Backstreet Boys – I Want it That Way

Stevie Wonder – Knocks Me Off my Feet

Beyonce – Love On Top

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You

Mozart – Queen of the Night Aria

Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror

The Beatles – Penny Lane

Johnny Cash – Walk the Line