Kaylee Davis
MUSC103: Music Appreciation
May 8, 2023
Listening Journal:
Four Songs of the Twentieth Century
Listening Journal
Entry 1
“Jailhouse Rock.” 2017. YouTube. YouTube. February 19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=A99sV18J0mk
Genre: Rock and Roll
Year: 1957
Analysis
Sound: This song consists of vocals, drums, electric guitar, bass, and piano. The song opens with
drums and electric guitar, then vocals are introduced. The verses consist of drums and electric
guitar only. Each chorus consists of all the instruments together. The vocals are deep and rich.
The electric guitar sounds warm and deep. The bass creates a deep sound as well. The drums
sound bright and sharp. The piano sounds bright. The overall sound creates a cheerful and upbeat
tone. The piece has a homophonic texture as the instruments play together to create one melody.
Melody: The melody is rhythmic and very singable. Most of the time, the drums, guitars, bass,
piano, and drums played the melody. There was a slower melody with just the drums and electric
guitar during the verses. During the chorus there was a faster, more fun melody which consisted
of all instruments. An example of this melody can be heard from 0:16 to about 0:29. When the
song was over, it was very easy to remember and sing the melody. There was a combination
melodic contour because the song moved in steps and leaps.
Form: This song is written in AB, or Binary, form. It alternates between verse and chorus
throughout the piece.
Entry 2
“Ice Ice Baby.” 2014. YouTube. YouTube. November 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=8819CVkxKPk
Genre: Hip Hop
Year: 1990
Analysis:
Sound: This piece consists mainly of vocals, piano, synthesizers, guitar, bass, and drums. The
vocals throughout most of the song are very clear. During the chorus, the vocals are whispering.
The synthesizer creates a deep, almost buzzing sound. There is also a shaking sound throughout
the piece. The bass creates a very deep sound. The drums sound hollow and sharp. The dynamics
of the vocals changing from clear to whispering creates an interesting sound that draws the
listener in. The overall sound creates energized feeling. There was a homophonic texture.
Rhythm: This piece is rhythmically smooth. The rhythm is consistent throughout the song, even
as it builds in intensity and transitions from verse to chorus. This can be heard from 0:40 to about
1:00. The drums work to keep the rhythm consistent throughout the piece. The piece is played at
116 BPM, which is categorized as allegro. The rhythmic element of this piece creates an upbeat
tone.
Form: This piece is written in AB, or binary form. It alternates between verse and chorus.
Entry 3
“Adele - Hello.” 2022. YouTube. YouTube. January 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=T1tl66trXTQ
Genre: Pop
Year: 2015
Analysis
Sound: The main instruments of this piece consist of vocals, bass, guitar, drums, piano, and
keyboard. The piece starts with just keyboard and vocals and the other instruments come in
during the buildup to the chorus. The vocals are strong and clear. They range from deep and
emotional to high pitched. Most of the instruments have a soft and warm sound. The vocals
provide power to the piece. The song is soft, and ballad like in the beginning and builds in
intensity throughout the song. The vocals also range from softer to loud and powerful which
creates a dynamic sound. All of this together creates a very raw and emotional feeling.
Harmony: There are harmonizing vocals throughout the piece. An example of this can be heard
from 3:00 to about 3:15. They create a sad sound. They are used to emphasize words at the end
of lines, and to emphasize repeated lines. This is a type of harmony I am used to hearing.
Form: This song is written in standard form. It consists of verses, choruses, and a bridge.
Entry 4:
“Taylor Swift - Shake It off (Audio).” 2019. YouTube. YouTube. August 13.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9E7tRTkf5E
Genre: pop
Year: 2014
Analysis
Melody: The melody of this song is very active and singable. It is played by vocals, drums,
saxophone, and guitar. There was one main melody throughout the song. An example of this
melody can be heard from about 0:40 to 1:05. The notes moved by steps and leaps which creates
a combination melodic contour.
Rhythm: This piece is rhythmically smooth. The drums and sax create a consistent rhythm even
throughout the different sections. This song is played at 160 BPM, which is categorized as
allegro, or fast. The rhythmic element creates a very upbeat and cheerful emotion.
Form: This song is written in standard form. It consists of verse, pre-chorus, chorus, verse 2,
pre-chorus, chorus, post-chorus, interlude, bridge, chorus, post-chorus.
