DOWNFALL OF THEY KEY CHANGE IN MODERN MUSIC

The key change has been one of the most powerful tools at the heart of popular music. It could blow a song to new heights of emotion, add surprise to a song, or just push the intensity of a song over the top. The 1980s through the 1990s was the heyday for the key change, but it has since fallen out of favor on the whole in mainstream music. Let's delve back to understand why the key change lost its place and point out some modern artists who are still using it to great effect.

The Golden Era of Key Changes: 1980s and 1990s.

Key changes were everywhere in the 80s and 90s, adding drama and emotion to songs in almost every genre-from pop to rock to R&B. There was an assured way to keep listeners hooked right through to the last second.

1."I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, 1992.

As Houston builds to the final chorus, she executes this incredible, soaring key change that's almost synonymous with the emotional power of that song. The sudden lift in pitch gave her already powerhouse vocals an even greater sense of intensity, and it has since become one of the most iconic uses of a key change in music. 

Many of Houston's songs featured a key change including; How Will I Know (1985), I Wanna Dance with Somebody (1987) and I Have Nothing(1992) .

2. "Man In The Mirror" by Michael Jackson, 1988.

During the transition to the last chorus of the iconic song, he incorporates an unexpected key change half a step step up. It gives a surprise and new energy which builds momentum, making the final chorus feel more triumphant and urgent, emphasizing the song's message of transformation. This unexpected modulation lifts the melody, creating a sense of resolve and amplifying the impact of the lyrics as the key change happens just as he says 'Change'.

Other classic examples include many of Michael Jackson's songs; You are not alone(1995) and Earth Song(1995) and Heal the World (1991)

3. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion, 1997

The chorus unfolds in C minor, lending a somber, reflective mood. This is followed by a tender flute solo that bridges into the climactic key change to F-sharp minor, amplifying the song’s emotional crescendo. It also highlights Dion's vocal power, giving the final verses an extra layer of intensity that makes the song’s message linger.

Another iconic key change includes All by Myself (1996)

4. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, 1986. 

As the song reaches the final chorus, this key change lifts up the energy of the song to the climactic feeling of the song. Bon Jovi's key change has become a textbook example of how a simple shift can breathe life into a song and send the live crowd into frenzy. 

5. "I Want it that Way" by the Backstreet Boys, 1999.

This song modulates from A major to B major for the final chorus, adding an extra layer of emotional intensity. It’s a subtle but powerful change that gives the final chorus a lasting impact, making it one of the most iconic pop ballads of the late ’90s.

6. "Hero" by Mariah Carey, 1993

Mariah Carey modulates from E major to G flat major during the bridge giving it a different feel then back to E Major in the final chorus, a step up that amplifies the song’s inspirational theme. This shift gives Carey’s voice room to soar, adding strength to the song’s message of resilience and self-belief. 

7. "A Whole New World" from Aladdin, 1992

This duet modulates from D major to F major during the second verse sang by Jasmine, elevating the magical quality of the song. The key change gives a sense of wonder and exploration, perfectly capturing the theme of discovery that Aladdin and Jasmine experience together. 

8. "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" from The Lion King, 1994

The key change occurs toward the end of the song during the last chorus, moving from F major to G major. This modulation beautifully elevates the melody, giving the final verses a romantic, uplifting feel that underscores the song’s theme of love and connection.

The Fade of the Key Change in Modern Music

So why did key changes largely fade out of mainstream music in the 2010s and beyond? A few cultural and industry shifts played into this trend:

1. The Rise of Minimalism and Simplicity: Pop music has been leaning toward simplicity, toward the repetition of chord progressions and the emphasis on melodies comprised of single notes. Influenced by genres like hip-hop, trap, and EDM, this trend doesn't really leave room for the big, showy key changes of previous decades.

2. "Vibe" Emphasis over Structure: Most songs of recent times have ditched the traditional structures for providing a vibe or atmosphere. Artists more often than not want to maintain an emotional intensity or groove throughout the song that would clash with the dramatic interruption of a key change.

3. Shorter Attention Spans and Streaming: As listeners more frequently approach music in shorter doses, songs are more concise, linear, and rarely modulate or use musical twists. Key changes, which often occur in a song after it has musically built up some tension, don't have the same impact with a song that is designed to be a "quick hit.".

4. Production Techniques and Technology: With today's production, the dynamics that can be introduced sans key change are endless, such as electronic effects, layered vocals, beats that gradually change. The aforementioned tools are very common as opposed to harmonic changes in order to add depth.

Key Changes in Modern Music: The Exceptions

Not that they're extinct, but key changes are a rare breed these days. A few contemporary artists and bands still use them, mostly to give their song that final lift or perhaps to pay homage to the golden era of key changes. 

Here are a few modern songs that still incorporate key changes;

1. Meghan Trainor - "Dear Future Husband" 2015

2. Taylor Swift - "Love Story" 2009

3. Beyoncé - "Love on Top" 2011

4. Adele - "All I Ask" 2015

Conclusion: The Future of the Key Change?

Key changes are less frequent today, but they have never gone away completely. They come up again through some types of genres and via the works of artists who continue to look to earlier ages. As trends cycle and morph, we can expect more musicians to delve back into the technique. After all, music's strength is its adaptability, its capacity to evoke emotion-and few things do that quite as viscerally as a well-placed key change.

For now, the dramatic, show-stopping key change remains a beloved feature from past decades-a feature that can beam listeners right back to an era when music reveled in high drama and emotional release.