This quest was prompted by a conversation I had with Carol a week or two ago. We were trying to think of a decent track that includes a key change. We could think of several examples of where they are deployed to try and improve a song that's running out of steam. It is an essential trick for the power ballad that insists on going round its chorus one too many times, and what boy band didn't had a key change that was the moment to get off those ubiquitous stools and take two steps forward, just as we were getting bored with the song.
Having asked Twitter and Facebook friends for suggestions, here's a small selection of the best tracks we came up with - in no particular order of course.
My Girl - The Temptations
This gets a mention first on the list, as it is not only a classic Motown track; it also features a key change bravely inserted half-way through the song, rather than in the dying embers.
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Dusty Springfield
I love Dusty Springfield's voice, even though some of the songs she performed were not exactly my cup of tea. In this case it's a track where the song is good, even if the arrangement is "of its time". Here is a live version from her TV show.
Afterglow - Genesis
Someone suggested Supper's Ready, but as it is the entire side of an album, made up of several songs in one epic track I decided on this rather shorter offering. Key change is towards the end, but it is far from running out of steam.
Penny Lane - The Beatles (who else!)
The Beatles seemed to manage to avoid key changes on the whole - the songs were good enough anyway. However, this classic does contain one. Seems entirely justified.
Livin' on a Prayer
It's the 80s, hair is big, stage sets are huge, everything is a bit over the top, so a key change at about 3 1/2 minutes is inevitable.
Mac The Knife - Bobby Darin
This gets a special mention, as it is a serial key-changer. Loads of versions out there, but I am going with my good friend David's recommendation of Bobby Darin.
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