Song Deconstruction

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Versions:

Isreal "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_DKWlrA24k&ob=av2e
                http://www.scribd.com/twilight_2011/d/81310521-Listening-Framework-2#

Wizard of Oz (Judy Garland): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U016JWYUDdQ&feature=related
                http://www.scribd.com/twilight_2011/d/81310443-Listening-Framework

The song’s I’ve chosen are two versions of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” The first version was recorded by Isreal ‘IZ’ Kamakawiwo’ole in 1993. The second version was sung by Judy Garland in 1939, for the movie “Wizard of Oz.”

Both versions of the song share the emotion of hope. They both describe, through the vocals, a place where there are no worries, troubles, or problems; a place full of beauty and peace where dreams can come true. In addition, the width is simplistic, with no stereo panning left and right.

There are far more differences then similarities in these two versions of the song. All though both songs use the same melody, the tempo in IZ version is more medium, while the Garland version is slow. This adds to the groove of the songs. IZ’s version is poppy, fun, and light. In contrast to Garland’s version which is soulful, melancholy, and wistful. The source of the rhythm is also a reflection of the groove. A ukulele is the source of the rhythm in IZ’s version. A ukulele has a happier, peppier sound than the bell used as the source of the rhythm in Garland’s version. A bell has a more sad quality to its tone.  

Another difference is the instrumentation. A ukulele is the only instrument used in IZ’s version. The instrumentation in Garland’s version is more complex. Bells, strings, and horn(s) drive the song. The structure and organization of IZ’s version begins with an intro followed by two verses, a chorus, a third verse, the chorus, verse four, and the finale. The pattern and the choice of lyrics show the hopefulness of the song. This hopefulness is maintained throughout the song. The structure and organization of Garland’s version begins with the verse followed by another verse, chorus, a third verse, a woodwind solo, and the finale. The song begins with a yearning feeling to both the vocals and the music. As the song progresses, the emotion in the song becomes more hopeful. Both songs use similar lyrics, but IZ’s version mixes up the verses.

Balance is also different in each versions of the song. In IZ’s version the height is mid-high to high frequency which reflects the hopeful feeling of the song. In Garland’s version, there is a blend of high and low frequency, both vocally and instrumentally. The horn(s) are low frequency and show yearning, while the woodwinds are higher and show hopefulness.  The depth in IZ’s version is simple and just uses his voice and the ukulele, which is just like the emotion in the song- simple. The depth in Garland’s version is more complex with layers of instruments throughout the song.

The version I prefer is IZ’s version.  I like the island feel and the simplistic quality of using just one voice and one instrument. I like the sound of the ukulele and the groove of the song.