Posted on 06/25/2021 2:49:24 PM PDT by Yardstick
In this video, Rick Beato analyzes the song "Never Gonna Let You Go" by Sergio Mendez, pointing out the twists and turns of its super complicated chord progression. The song was released in 1983 and he's using it to illustrate the loss of complexity in modern pop songs, a theme he's been working for the past few months.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnRxTW8GxT8
Loved Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 growing up. Both he and Jobim were remarkable composers.
Sergio Mendez and Brasil 66...”Mais Que Nada”...absolutely classic!
They also did the definitive version of The Beatles’ “Fool On The Hill”, even Paul McCartney said so.
Gaah!
Search is your friend and all that...
Great video. I am not big on pop, but I recall this song and have always liked it. I am big on prog rock, where there is a fusion of classical, jazz and rock. I love that complexity. I also love the complexity of classical and jazz on their own.
But that’s not Good Vibrations.
“...using it to illustrate the loss of complexity in modern pop songs...”
Listened to a pop song yesterday. The singer repeated a four-word refrain for two solid minutes. Four words!!!!!
Ah, I can remember Sergio Mendes 8-tracks in my dad’s car in those days. His Buick Regal, especially.
I recognized the song immediately. It’s one of my favorites from that era. The chord changes all seem to work perfectly for that piece, because the storytelling duet are communicating their experience episodically, or in vignettes.
The most notable changes occur as one singer ends their statement, and the music provides a prelude or a spontaneous bridge in a new direction and in a new intensified pitch.
The rough, raspy and direct character of the male voice fits well with the jumps, pounces and fades. As opposed to the woman’s voice which provides a more steady and comforting consistency.
They are also limited vocally. Many of the songs I hear sound to be composed by 6th grade girls dancing in their bedrooms.
I like Beato, especially his analysis of songs. Despite finding music theory highly confusing, I always learn something.
Sure glad you posted this because I might not have known about it otherwise. Hope no bits were upset in the process!
My wife likes country and I always joke with her. After a song’s been playing for a minute, I ask, “What’s the name of this song?” They’ve already repeated the cliche title of the song 20 times by then.
I just watched that!
What a coincidence.
I love Rick!
That reminds me of a song performed by Charlie Pride:
“Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger When You Go Out At Night?”
You just know some rummy is gonna reduce this song to four or five chords in the fake books ;-)
Together--Paul Whiteman & His Concert Orchestra (1928)
Night & Day--Paul whiteman & His Concert Orchestra (1933)
Beato is really into my three favorite music acts: Genesis, XTC and Pat Metheny.
Here he breaks down “The Mayor of Simpleton”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TntNxv8wFR4
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