Sound Behind the Song Archives

Kat Bein June 16, 2022

“Rio” cemented the British fivesome as synth-pop legends and MTV superstars. The JUPITER-4 arpeggio is a defining sound of the ’80s hit.

Evan Shamoon June 16, 2022

Doctor Who, the sci-fi phenomenon, has taken many forms—and so has its theme. Discover how the 1980 version became a definitive classic.

Ari Rosenschein September 9, 2021

At the heart of the classic is its use of the TR-909. The drum machine’s crisp attack evokes the heady world of NYC and its fashionistas.

Alexander Dias September 3, 2021

The track contains all the hallmarks of classic Prodigy: a blistering synth hook, heart-stopping guitars, and the smack of the Roland TR-707.

Alexander Dias September 3, 2021

Often credited as the first deep house cut, “Mystery of Love” is a blueprint for the genre. Its pattern continues to captivate dancefloors.

Jake Uitti September 3, 2021

“Glimmer” serves as a palate cleanser on Tame Impala’s fourth album. Featuring the TR-707, it feels like an old friend in new dancing shoes.

Jake Uitti September 3, 2021

When that muted guitar lick comes in against those TR-707 rimshots, it feels too good not to dance. This is the tale of the INXS classic.

Evan Shamoon September 3, 2021

German DJ/producer Alex Ridha is best known as Boys Noize. His stomping 2010 tech-house track “1010” was built around a modified TR-707.

Keith Nelson Jr. March 25, 2021

Each generation has songs embodying the culture. Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” acclimated listeners to the genre-blending force hip-hop had become.

Alexander Dias March 3, 2021

“Everybody Needs A 303″ marked the arrival of Fatboy Slim. The track would propel him to become one of the world’s first superstar DJs.