When we think it can’t get better than this. When we think it can’t get any higher than this. When we think this surely is the best part in the song we’re tuning in.

The songwriter does a key change.

When the key change in a song, we’re given a jolt. We are for a second disoriented. Like we’re suddenly transported to another country.

The scale is shifted. The rules get shifted. Suddenly notes and chords that don’t belong previously are with us now.

The melody feels the familiar but it’s performed with different notes. A new set of chords are used. Somehow it creates more energy to a song that we thought wouldn’t be possible.

Uncomfortable change. It gets better.