Real World Music Theory

Sweet Child O’ Mine: More Than A Riff

Everybody knows the riff. That is not the mystery. The real question is why “Sweet Child O’ Mine” keeps working after the riff, after the first verse, after the chorus, after the solo – and why the whole thing feels so satisfying even though the ingredients are not absurdly complicated. A

How Brian May Makes a Ballad Hurt: The Harmony of “Too Much Love Will Kill You”

If you’ve ever wondered how a “simple” ballad can hit like a freight train, Brian May’s "Too Much Love Will Kill You" is your masterclass. Not because it’s harmonically flashy in a jazz-nerd way, but because it’s harmonically honest. Every move is doing emotional

My Heart Will Go On — The Power Ballad That Sailed Across Oceans

When you think of ultimate movie ballads, “My Heart Will Go On” almost certainly tops the list. From the opening flute solo to Celine Dion’s soaring vocals, it’s a masterclass in building emotional arcs through clever songwriting choices. But there’s more happening under the hood than meets

The Musical Magic of “Stand by Me”

“Stand by Me,” originally performed by Ben E. King, is a timeless classic that has resonated with audiences for decades. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its heartfelt lyrics but also in its deceptively simple yet powerful musical composition. In this blog post, we’ll look at the music

Can’t Fight This Feeling — Unpacking an 80s Power Ballad Masterpiece

Ever notice how some 80s ballads just grab you from the very first second? REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is one of those songs.

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