Brian McKnight

1 Pages 340 Words

Elements Analysis of Vocal Music: listening Exercise
“Anytime” by Brian McKnight

Brian McKnight is a tribute to all the R&B greats of the past and an inspiration to future musicians. With his eloquent musical compositions and visionary vocal style, he is truly in a category of his own. On his song entitled “anytime” from his award winning album “Anytime” Mr. McKnight invites you to indulge in the soft melodic vision composed and written by him. The song begins with a very soft melodic synthesized drum beat and a guitar (which become the time keepers) ,which is followed by tranquil piano music and then accompanied by Brian McKnight’s voice. The second verse of the song is invited by an added second synthesized beat and an electronic keyboard at the chorus along with the piano. Brian McKnight continues to use a melodic rhythm and continuous beat throughout the lyrical verses. Although, he uses the choruses to Bring the piano and his voice into “Forte”. Initially Mr. McKnight gives you the vision of a very serene melody with a synthesized drum beat and a continuous smooth piano. This is not the case. Mr. McKnight composed his music to follow the lyrics of his song very “non-uniform”. Brian McKnight gives you a fine example of “Gliding and Sliding” throughout the entire song. With his pensive yet melancholic voice he sets the “stage” for this composed piece. The rhythm in the beginning is simple yet jagged ,giving a vision of a young David Foster composing with Quincy Jones and Take 6 . The main melody of the song is both conjunct and jagged and that combination of pianist classical and a soul filled voice is what makes this song so distinct.
The speed throughout this song was continuous and non-changing although when entering the last verses the speed seems to slightly advance. This is inadvertently preparing your ears for the climax of the song which is a very melodic yet soulful impr...