Blog Assignment 4 (cont'd)

The song “Turn the Page” was originally written by Bob Seger but was also remade by Metallica. The two songs have similar qualities such as the lyrics, tempo and tone in some parts, but also have many differences such as instrumentation, height, groove, and emotional architecture.

The tempo of both songs is roughly around moderato/medium range. It’s a very regular rhythm throughout the song. Also, the lyrics are exactly identical. We see a recurring theme (motif) in both songs that the guitar plays in the beginning of the Metallica version and the Sax plays in the Seger version. The notes start low then quickly swing high pitch and gradually become lower. This motif is heard in the beginning, parts of the middle, and the end of both songs. This becomes the melody in between the choruses.

As for the differences, the largest is intensity. The overall intensity of the Metallica version is much more to compensate for the 30 years of time passed between the two. Rock was much less intense back then than it is now, therefore, Metallica’s version is much more loud. Also the range of frequency/pitch is much great in the Metallica edition. The opening high notes are played on a saxophone in Bob Segers band and an electric guitar in Metallica. Metallica’s edition was much higher pitched. The overall groove or mood to these songs is different such that we have a rock solid rhythmic feel to Metallica and a jazzy, less intense feel in Bob Seger giving his song a more laid back feel. The timbre of the two songs is not far off from one another. The Seger version is definitely quieter with less distortion than Metallica but also has some complexity in the beginning with the fingerpicked guitar. The two timbres are somewhat similar despite the distortion from the electric guitars.

My choice of favorite song goes to Metallica simply because its more modern. The style of music is up to date, the intensity is much higher, and the vocals are better in a more distorted and loud manner. While both of these songs are very skillful and well put together, my favorite is Metallica’s version of “Turn the Page”.