Favorite Song Analysis: Bill Withers, “Lovely Day”
My favorite song is “Lovely Day”, performed by R&B artist Bill Withers. The date of the composition was December 16, 1977 and it was released as a single. "Lovely Day" peaked at #6 on the Billboard R&B chart and at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US in early 1978.[1]
Rhythm
“Lovely Day” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYi7uEvEEmk) is a song that I impart into my life on a daily basis, mainly because of its positive message and wonderful musicianship. The Rhythm is more of an andante or moderato tempo. The meter of this song is in a 4/4 beats per measure time signature. Throughout the song, the down beat is particularly strong, which makes for a great R&B song to dance to and just enjoy.
Harmony
Mr. Withers was known for having a very smooth voice that was pleasant …show more content…
The melody, harmony and overall structure is fantastic, however being a musician, I automatically gravitate towards the musicianship. It just simply amazing to hear musicians who are the best at what they do and how they can make the simplest piece of music into a master piece. From the style of Clarence “Mac” on electric piano, which I mentioned early, to Ray Parker Jr. on guitar, who plays the guitar the way it should be played, not too loud but you know he’s there. Playing the electric bass guitar is Jerry Knight, who along with drummer Russ Kunkel and percussionist Ralph MacDonald, work brilliantly together to keep the rhythm section tight and the driving force of the song. Along with these talented musicians that comprise the core of the band, Withers invoked the services of an orchestra to bring in the fullness and fill any gaps in the music. Orchestras, especially during the era of this song, were used quite frequently by many R&B superstars, such as Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye and a host of other 70’s era R&B
My favorite song is “Lovely Day”, performed by R&B artist Bill Withers. The date of the composition was December 16, 1977 and it was released as a single. "Lovely Day" peaked at #6 on the Billboard R&B chart and at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US in early 1978.[1]
Rhythm
“Lovely Day” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYi7uEvEEmk) is a song that I impart into my life on a daily basis, mainly because of its positive message and wonderful musicianship. The Rhythm is more of an andante or moderato tempo. The meter of this song is in a 4/4 beats per measure time signature. Throughout the song, the down beat is particularly strong, which makes for a great R&B song to dance to and just enjoy.
Harmony
Mr. Withers was known for having a very smooth voice that was pleasant …show more content…
The melody, harmony and overall structure is fantastic, however being a musician, I automatically gravitate towards the musicianship. It just simply amazing to hear musicians who are the best at what they do and how they can make the simplest piece of music into a master piece. From the style of Clarence “Mac” on electric piano, which I mentioned early, to Ray Parker Jr. on guitar, who plays the guitar the way it should be played, not too loud but you know he’s there. Playing the electric bass guitar is Jerry Knight, who along with drummer Russ Kunkel and percussionist Ralph MacDonald, work brilliantly together to keep the rhythm section tight and the driving force of the song. Along with these talented musicians that comprise the core of the band, Withers invoked the services of an orchestra to bring in the fullness and fill any gaps in the music. Orchestras, especially during the era of this song, were used quite frequently by many R&B superstars, such as Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye and a host of other 70’s era R&B