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During the 1960s to the 1990s, approximately 25% of hit songs included a key change. These musical shifts were often used at the end of songs to add a lift, or in the middle to alter mood and dynamics. However, starting around 2010, the trend has sharply declined, with only a single notable example—Travis Scott’s 2018 hit "Sicko Mode"—having a key change during that period.
Timeline of Key Change Usage
The chart presented in the article shows a clear rise and fall:
Mid-1960s to early 2000s: The era when key changes were most prevalent, peaking around the late 20th century.
Post-2005: A steep decline began, leading to near extinction in contemporary chart-topping songs.