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Key Changes in Songs: Examples of Direct Modulation
In some recordings, direct or phrase modulation occurs multiple times. For instance, the song starts in the key of C major, then shifts up to D, then up to E, and so on, once every verse or two.
Here is a list of examples of direct modulation—key changes in great songs:
- “And I Love Her” (The Beatles)
- “Fever” (Peggy Lee recording)
- “My Generation” (The Who)
- “Soul Man” (Sam & Dave recording)
- “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” (Stevie Wonder)
Excellent songs, aren’t they?
But wait.
Direct modulation has a problem. It was relatively novel up to the 1950s and 1960s. But ever since, it has been done to death.