Strong Songs "Africa" by Toto
Nov 18, 2018
Dive deep into Toto's iconic hit "Africa" as the host dissects its captivating intro groove and the emotional dynamics of its chorus. Explore the clever call-and-response arrangement, the intricate harmonies, and the genius of the keyboard solo that brings the track to life. Discover how the song's dramatic elements, including its communal sing-along quality, contribute to its enduring popularity. Plus, hear about notable covers that reinterpret its emotional essence.
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Episode notes
Tease The Groove First
- Toto opens
Harmonies, Not Melody, Make The Chorus
- The chorus relies on layered harmonies more than melody to create drama and memorability.
- Middle and lower harmony parts provide motion and emotional weight that make a simple top melody feel epic.
Inner Voices Drive The Drama
- The third (lower) harmony part carries more movement and is crucial even though it's not the highest voice.
- That inner motion ties the chorus together and creates the suspended, dramatic sound.