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Classical Music Inspire Modern Hits From Maroon 5's 'Memories' to Red Velvet's 'Feel My Rhythm'

Audacy's 10th Annual We Can Survive
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 14: Adam Levine and James Valentine of Maroon 5 perform onstage during Audacy's 10th Annual We Can Survive at Prudential Center on October 14, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images for Audacy

Modern songs often reflect the influence of classical music, blending elements like orchestral arrangements and melodic structures.

This connection only shows how classical music still influences and inspires today's music, mixing old traditions with new styles.

Here are some samples below:

1. Maroon 5's "Memories"

Inspired by: Pachelbel's "Canon in D"

Pachelbel's iconic chord progression has influenced countless modern tracks, including Maroon 5's "Memories." The same progression has appeared in songs by artists like Kylie Minogue and Oasis.

2. Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love"

Inspired by: Jean-Paul-égide Martini's "Plaisir d'Amour"

Elvis Presley's ballad released in the 60s originally got its tune from Jean-Paul-égide Martini's "Plaisir d'Amour," a musical piece loved since the 18th century. Later on, pop band UB40's version even hit number one in 1993.

3. Little Mix's "Little Me"

Inspired by: Gabriel Fauré's "Pavane"

Little Mix's "Little Me" adds the haunting tune from Fauré's "Pavane," blending classical music with contemporary pop to add depth to their sound.

4. Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic"

Inspired by: Chopin's "Prelude in C Minor No. 20"

Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic" came to life after a moment of creativity that he later recognized was influenced by Chopin's dramatic chords, which set the tone for this classic hit.

5. The Beatles' "Because"

Inspired by: Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata"

The Beatles' "Because" emerged when John Lennon heard Yoko Ono play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" backward. The result is a hauntingly beautiful song that reflects classical music's influence on one of the world's greatest bands.

6. Janelle Monáe's "Say You'll Go"

Inspired by: Debussy's "Clair de Lune"

Janelle Monáe infuses her song "Say You'll Go" with a dreamy quality, drawing inspiration from Debussy's "Clair de Lune." This piece has influenced many artists, including Ella Fitzgerald.

7. Red Velvet's "Feel My Rhythm"

Inspired by: Bach's "Orchestral Suite No. 3"

The KPOP group Red Velvet took a creative approach with their song "Feel My Rhythm," blending pop with classical music by incorporating a sample of Bach's "Air on the G String." The fusion demonstrates the forever influence of Bach's timeless compositions.

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