What Makes This Song Great? "Walking on the Moon" The Police

Summary

In this video, Rick Beato dives into the song 'Walking on the Moon' by The Police, analyzing its intricate production, melodies, and instrumental arrangements. He explores the unique reggae influence in the track, highlighting the use of echo and reverb effects, along with the distinctive guitar and bass parts. Beato breaks down the creative process behind the song’s structure, emphasizing how upper extensions in the melody and unexpected chord changes create a perfect balance. He shares fascinating insights into the analog recording techniques, live performance dynamics, and the song's lasting impact as a timeless classic.

Takeaways

• 😀 The song 'Walking on the Moon' by The Police is a standout track known for its reggae influence and distinct production choices.
• 😀 The track features heavy use of echo, particularly on the high hat, which adds a dub reggae vibe to the mix.
• 😀 The song opens with an interesting live take where you can hear the band getting ready, with amp buzz and movement noises.
• 😀 Andy Summers’ guitar part uses minor seventh chords (D minor 7, G minor 7, A minor 7) with a focus on higher strings, avoiding root notes.
• 😀 The original mix features some unique sounds, like a muted guitar part that was likely an accidental omission during the mix, which was then kept in the final version.
• 😀 The delay and reverb effects on Sting’s vocal are crucial to the track’s dreamy atmosphere and are present throughout the song.
• 😀 The bass drum sounds dry and 'dead,' giving the track a soft, pillow-like effect, contrasting with the overall spacey vibe of the song.
• 😀 The song’s melody is designed with an 'A-B' structure, using upper extensions like the ninth, 11th, and flat sixth for a unique, haunting feel.
• 😀 Rick Beato highlights the importance of 'surprise' in music, with the melody and chord choices in the song keeping the listener engaged through unexpected moments.
• 😀 The minimalistic yet powerful arrangement allows for a lot of space in the song, creating an ambient, otherworldly vibe that complements the track’s lyrical themes.

Q & A

What is the song discussed in this video and who performed it?

The song discussed is 'Walking on the Moon' by The Police, from their second album 'Reggatta de Blanc', released in 1979.

What makes the song 'Walking on the Moon' stand out musically in terms of genre?

'Walking on the Moon' is often considered the most reggae-inspired song by The Police, highlighting reggae influences in its rhythm and production.

How does the song's intro contribute to the overall feel of the track?

The intro gives the feeling of a live band setting up, complete with background noises like amp buzz and movement, which adds an authentic, organic feel to the track.

What unique technique was used in the production of 'Walking on the Moon'?

The use of echo effects on the high hat, applied during the mixdown, created a distinct sound in the track, contributing to its atmosphere.

What kind of recording process is described in the video for the drums?

The drums were recorded live with a significant amount of room ambience and reverb, and the echo effects were added during the mixdown to enhance the overall sound.

What key musical element was crucial to the sound of the bass in the song?

The bass part is described as simple yet effective, with a dry, compressed sound, and it plays a foundational role in the song's rhythm and groove.

How did Andy Summers contribute to the song's unique guitar sound?

Andy Summers used a D minor 11 chord voicing, avoiding traditional thirds in favor of fifths and added ninths, creating an unconventional and distinctive harmonic sound.

Why is the melody of 'Walking on the Moon' considered perfect?

The melody is considered perfect because it consists of balanced, well-structured phrases with surprising harmonic choices, such as using upper extensions like the 11th and the ninth, which add richness and intrigue.

What is the significance of the vocal delay effect in the song?

The vocal delay, which is printed directly on the track, adds a dreamy, ethereal quality to the vocals, enhancing the song's overall atmosphere.

How does the song utilize space in its arrangement?

The arrangement is notable for its use of space, particularly during instrumental breaks, where elements like the high hat echo and subtle synth parts fill the sonic landscape without overcrowding it.

What is the 'surprise' element in the song's melody, as mentioned by Sting?

Sting emphasizes that surprise is key to music, and 'Walking on the Moon' employs unexpected melodic shifts and chord extensions, which keep the listener engaged and prevent predictability.