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12 Greatest Key Changes In Pop Music

So the key change in "Man in the Mirror" is one of the greater musical legacies that Michael Jackson left us. In honor of MJ, and because I'm a sucker for a well-placed key change, here is a collection of my favorites. (Thanks to my polling/support group for suggestions.)

Amanda Dobbins
by Amanda Dobbins

Community Contributor

  • 1. 'Man in the Mirror' (the ultimate)

    Feelings.

  • 2. 'I Will Always Love You'

    With apologies to Dolly, Whitney rocks the key change.

  • 3. 'To Be With You'

    This was the favorite of my entirely unscientific focus group.

  • 4. 'I Want It That Way' (by the Backstreet Boys)

    I'M 12 AGAIN. (Also, remember these guys?)

  • 5. 'My Girl'

    Not the bees!!!!!

  • 6. 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

    Obligatory.

  • 7. 'My Heart Will Go On'

    Celine is another master of the key change.

  • 8. 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'

    This song is like one big key change. Which is great.

  • 9. 'I Wanna Be Sedated'

    See, key changes are not just for cheesy emotional singers.

  • 10. 'Love Story'

    Yeah, that's right, Taylor Swift.

  • 11. 'Build Me Up Buttercup'

  • 12. 'Invisible Touch'

    This might be my personal favorite.