Listening Journal One.
MUSC103: Music Appreciation
March, 2023
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ENTRY 1
Collins, Judy. “Amazing Grace” Best Version by Far! Posted by Gary Downey. June 24, 201.
YouTube video, 5:13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDdvReNKKuk
ANALYSIS
What I love about this song has always resided more in the lyrics than in the music. Although, it
is the soft meditative sound of the music that puts me in a state of deep reflection often moving
me to a highened state of emotion as I reflect on how graciously compassionate God has been to
me despite all my short comings. Additionally, it is only by the grace of God that I have survived
some of the most tumultuous events in life.
Sound: This is first time I have ever listened to this song actively with the intent to appreciate
the elements of music. Thunder and rain are the initial sounds heard in the introduction at 0:32.
At first listen, I thought this thunder and rain could be polyphonic texture since it appears to have
two melodic lines of equal importance. After listening closlely a second and third time, I believe
it to be a homophonic texture because the rain provides the melody, and the thunder is the
accompanying part. The Woman singing has a voice that is very sweet with a vocal range from
Mezzo soprano to Soprano. At 1:42 an organ type instrument is inttoduced performing the same
melody concluding this portion of the music is monophony. At 2.26 male voices add to the
monophonic texture.
Melody: The shape of melodic line seems to be both ascending and descending.
Harmony: The vocals tend to be higher than the melody and the with the later addition of the
bass in the male voices creates a heartwarming ensemble.
ENTRY 2
Nash, Johnny. “I Can See Clearly Now” (Official Audio). Posted by JohnnyNashVEVO. April
23, 2021. YouTube video, 2:48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0cAWgTPiwM
Sound: I found this song to be very uplifting and encouraging after suffering through some very
dark and lonely days. Even the sound of Johnny Nash’s voice is cheerful and bright! It’s seems as
if he would be smiling throughout the entire song. His vocal range tends to start and remain very
Baritone throughout the entire peace. The song appears have a homophonic texture.
Melody: I find it to be very balanced and proportional that smoothly rises and falls.
Harmony: There is a very coordinated combination of pitches perhaps a chord all being played
simultaneously. It is incredibly pleasant to listen to and ties in well with the encouraging words
provided in the lyrics.
Rhythm: The song keeps perpetual rhythmic flow that is fast, upbeat, and optimistically cheery.
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ENTRY 3
George Thorogood & The Destroyers. “Bad To The Bone” (Official Music Artist Channel).
April 23, 2010. YouTube video, 5:08 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyhJ69mD7xI
Melody – It begins with a very cyclic sound form the electric guitar that repeats itself three times
from 0:07-0:13 then at 0:14 the bass guitar picks up the exact same melody while simultaneously
the drums and brass cymbal add to the melody. The vocals are very memorable as they cut in and
out of the melody.
Harmony: The melody creates a strong foundation for the harmonic contribution from what
sounds like a saxophone that enters the song at 2:33 to 3:02 when it abruptly exits.
Rhythm: The song carries steady rhythmic pattern of four beats consistent with most rock & roll
songs. The pulse is moderate to fast and is what really helped me keep pace with the grueling
Army ruck marches. I had to mentally play this song over and over in my mind as I endured
carrying over 60 pounds of weight on my back for miles.
Form: Seems to have pretty simple structure with a short melodic intro, a noticeable middle
where the saxophone increases the songs energetic jazzy feel, and a clear and distinct outro.
ENTRY 4
Hootie & The Blowfish. “Hold My Hand” (Official Music Video). October 26, 2009.
YouTube video, 4:14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW3bqnr7tw
Sound: The intro from the acoustic guitar produces a single sound that crisp, stringy, and
pleasant. The vocals are in the baritone slightly raspy yet bright and smooth. The rest of the
sounds from the electric guitar, bass, and drums all sound clean and synchronized with each
other while slightly drowning out the acoustic guitar.
Melody – The melody of the vocals throughout the chorus are appealing and memorable. The
brass melodies add to the unison of the song beautifully.
Harmony: It is vibrant and peaceful as described in by lyrics at 0:23-0:28 and all the instruments
contribute to this steady stream of sound echoing off one another.
Rhythm: Is moderate to slow and makes you want bob your back and forth while
simultaneously tapping your feet to the beat.
Form: Is straight forward with only a couple sections at 1:36-1:41 and 2:44-2:48 where the
instruments fade out and vocals slow down become the projecting sound. The song ends with
vocals dropping to a low bass in unison with the electric guitar vibrating higher pitch.
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