Name some songs that feature descending runs in the accompaniment
April 18, 2023 2:23 PM Subscribe
I'm a sucker for songs that feature descending runs at some point in the accompaniment, usually the guitar parts. Some examples inside, but what are some other examples that feature these types of runs?
Some examples I love are Abba - Mamma Mia, REM - Drive and Bob Dylan - Lay Lady Lay.
Bonus points for plausible theories as to why I find these runs so satisfying.
Some examples I love are Abba - Mamma Mia, REM - Drive and Bob Dylan - Lay Lady Lay.
Bonus points for plausible theories as to why I find these runs so satisfying.
The Beatles - You Won’t See Me
Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life
The Four Tops - Bernadette
Belle and Sebastian - Another Sunny Day, Funny Little Frog
posted by staggernation at 3:28 PM on April 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life
The Four Tops - Bernadette
Belle and Sebastian - Another Sunny Day, Funny Little Frog
posted by staggernation at 3:28 PM on April 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
One of the most contentious descending melodies is the songwriting dispute between the composers of If You Could Read My Mind and The Greatest Love of All.
posted by ovvl at 4:16 PM on April 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by ovvl at 4:16 PM on April 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
How Many Ways by Señor Happy has a nice run right up front. You may have heard a shorter version of this as the theme song to the sitcom Rules of Engagement.
posted by bryon at 8:22 PM on April 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by bryon at 8:22 PM on April 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Disco Inferno by the Tramps if you want to kick right off with a descending accompaniment.
posted by rongorongo at 11:16 PM on April 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by rongorongo at 11:16 PM on April 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Best answer: The Beatles - You Won’t See Me
And especially, Helter Skelter, if I'm understanding the question correctly.
posted by Rash at 8:23 AM on April 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
And especially, Helter Skelter, if I'm understanding the question correctly.
posted by Rash at 8:23 AM on April 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
I'm not sure if I'm understanding correctly, but INXS Don't Change descends from A to F# and then climbs again.
Belle and Sebastian's London Has Let Me Down is built on a strong descending bassline.
Baio's Sister of Pearl uses digital manipulation to lower the voice of the singer each line of the verse.
The Coral's Bill McCai is all about descending runs in the vocals and guitars.
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:20 PM on April 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Belle and Sebastian's London Has Let Me Down is built on a strong descending bassline.
Baio's Sister of Pearl uses digital manipulation to lower the voice of the singer each line of the verse.
The Coral's Bill McCai is all about descending runs in the vocals and guitars.
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:20 PM on April 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: You might be looking for line cliches? The ear tends to like motion towards strong/resolved tones like the V or the I so moving down a scale towards the next strong tone is pleasing.
posted by music for skeletons at 6:36 PM on April 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by music for skeletons at 6:36 PM on April 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
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posted by freeform at 3:05 PM on April 18, 2023 [1 favorite]