Songs with satisfying key changes: classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally
There’s a technique called “modulation” that’s used when you want to dramatically change a song’s scene or mood partway through.
If we were to explain modulation in depth, it would be enough to fill an entire music theory book, so I’ll skip the details here.
The most common pattern is raising the key for the final chorus to heighten the excitement.
There are also songs that, for example, modulate only in the pre-chorus to catch the listener off guard, as well as songs that skillfully modulate repeatedly while still sounding natural, using subtle modulation techniques.
This time, I’ve picked out a few songs where the modulations feel particularly pleasing or are especially well crafted.
If this article sparks your interest in modulation, please explore further by searching online.
Understanding how songs are put together will surely open up a whole new way to enjoy music!
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Songs with satisfying key changes: Classic J-POP and Japanese tracks that feel natural yet transformative (111–120)
Morning will come againDREAMS COME TRUE
It was released in 1999 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 24th single.
The song was used as the theme and insert song for the Fuji TV drama “24-Hour Emergency Ward,” reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts, and became a hit with over 700,000 copies sold.
It’s a song that feels like a pep talk, giving you a push forward.
Songs with satisfying key changes: classic J-POP/Japanese hits where the mood and impression shift naturally (121–130)
ALIVESPEED
Released in 1998 as SPEED’s seventh single.
The song was used as the theme for the film Andromedia, which starred the four members of SPEED.
It reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became their third consecutive million-selling single.
At the 40th Japan Record Awards, they performed this song.
You’re my sunshineAmuro Namie
Released in 1996 as Namie Amuro’s sixth single.
The song was used as the image song for Shiseido’s “Sea Breeze ’96” commercial.
It’s a dance number that picks up tempo from the rap section, with choreography by KABA.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, it became a million-seller for the fourth consecutive time.
In conclusion
I picked out and introduced several songs with satisfying key changes—what did you think? I hope you noticed that even though we simply say “key change,” there are many different patterns and effects.
In each song, the modulation worked very well to stage the scene changes within the music.
If you’re creating original songs in a band or unit, mastering modulation techniques will broaden your compositional and arranging possibilities.
I hope this article serves as a helpful reference for all of you.