A Song That Actually Uses Locrian In the intriguing YouTube video titled "A Song That Actually Uses Locrian," the creator delves into the often-overlooked Locrian mode, exploring its use in popular music through the works of notable artists like Björk, The Strokes, and Metallica. This insightful analysis shines a light on why the Locrian mode, which is the seventh mode of the major scale, is deemed quite challenging to utilize effectively in popular music due to its unique tonal qualities.
Understanding the Locrian Mode
The Locrian mode is distinctive because it features a flat fifth, making it sound more dissonant and directionless in contrast to the other six modes, which have more harmonious characteristics. This diminished fifth contributes to a more unstable sound, making it tricky for songwriters and composers to integrate it seamlessly into their music. The video poses a compelling question: Are there pop songs that genuinely incorporate the Locrian mode, or is it merely something that musicians flirt with?
Björk's "Army of Me"
The video highlights Björk's "Army of Me" as a prominent example of a song that effectively uses the Locrian mode, centered around C Locrian. The bass line, with its quick repetition and a critical use of G flat, establishes the Locrian sound, while Björk’s vocal melody skillfully avoids hitting the dissonant flat fifth note. This careful arrangement allows the song to maintain its musicality even while utilizing such a challenging scale. However, during the chorus, the use of a natural G suggests a departure from the Locrian feel, showcasing the tension that often comes with employing this mode in pop music.
The Strokes' "Juicebox"
The discussion then shifts to The Strokes’ "Juicebox." The opening bass line certainly hints at a Locrian sound due to its flattened pitches, but as the guitar and vocals enter, both introduce more stable notes, which dilute the Locrian identity of the piece. Despite this, the bass continues to push through with its dissonant characteristics, creating a complex interplay between the different musical elements.
Metallica's "Seek and Destroy"
Finally, the video mentions Metallica's "Seek and Destroy." While the introduction briefly incorporates notes from the Locrian mode, the subsequent sections revert back to E Phrygian. The creator notes that while the initial intent may seem to suggest Locrian qualities, the rest of the song doesn’t sustain that representation, further illustrating how elusive and rare true instances of the Locrian mode can be in popular music.
Conclusion and Community Engagement
Throughout the video, the creator expresses a keen interest in hearing from viewers about other potential uses of the Locrian mode, inviting them to share any insights or examples they may think of. This openness fosters a sense of community and explorative dialogue around a topic that, while niche, offers rich layers of discussion for music enthusiasts. If you haven’t yet seen the video, it’s a fascinating watch for anyone interested in music theory and composition! What are your thoughts on the use of Locrian in modern music? Have you noticed it in other songs? Let's explore this topic together!
