Space Oddity

Form

Verse 1, Verse 2, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Bridge, Instrumental, Chorus 3, Outro, Instrumental 2

The song begins with a short piano introduction, then Chris Hadfield (the main vocalist) begins to sing and the song enters verse 1, a slower portion of the song. Afterwards, it shifts into the chorus, a faster-paced rock section. In between the song, there are short instrumental bits as well.

Information

Texture

Rhythm

• It’s clearly defined as homophonic.
• In initially starts which just a melody and piano accompaniment
• All the other instruments build up to form more than 2 instruments complimenting each other in chordal progressions.
• Ex. Simplie Chordal Progression: C, Am, Em, D7
• Monophonic seissions in solo riff

a) Tempo is 138 BPM (allegro); stays steady throughout piece

b) Steady Pulse; 4/4 (Strong, weak, weak, weak)

- Strong beat clearly marked by bass drum

Content

Full Names of Group Members: Russell Ijaya and Kevin Huang

Title: Space Oddity

Length: 5 minutes, 30 seconds

Composer: David Bowie

Performer: Chris Hadfield

Composed: 1969

• Though the original song was written by David Bowie, which implied themes of the many lonely feelings he had during his drug addiction period.
• These are expressed as the emotions astronauts go through in space.
• “Planet Earth is Blue”.
• “Though I'm past one hundred thousand miles, I'm feeling very still”
• The stillness of an astronaut as he is drifting in space, this implies the reoccurring theme of the vast emptiness one feels.

Significance

The original song was about drug use as it was based on the 1968 movie: 2001 A Space Odyssey. Bowie admitted that he watched the movie while stoned and therefore the song was written around his drug habits

The main purpose of this song is for celebration because this song marked a big achievement, the first music video in space. This rendition of the song was by Chris Hadfield and he changed some of the lyrics making it about space rather than drugs. It describes his journey in space and how he’s ready to return to Earth.

Dynamics

Russell's Personal Opinion

• The first 2 verses are very subtle and are kept to a mp at max.
• Cymbal form the drum kit subtly builds it up to bring in the drums, which changes the subtle feelings of the song.
• Then suddenly drops to a much more relaxing decrescendo in the bridge.
• Suddenly everything drops for the interesting acoustic guitar riff. (mf)
• From there, the instrumental is relatively constant, subtle crescendo as the electric guitar is added in.
• Generally, all the instruments change dynamics together as the song progresses.

• This music evokes feelings of a calmness and satisfaction.
• The lyrics changed by Chris Hadfield gives the impression of his safe return, and his satisfaction of his work in space.
• Ex. Planet Earth is blue, And there's nothing left to do
• Reasons for choosing this song:
• The simplicity allows a lot of powerful emotion go through in the song, implying themes of loneliness, emptiness, the thrill of success and finally, his triumphant return to Earth.
• In addition, it’s interesting how it was recorded in space and was a rendition of the original based on the perspective of a real astronaut.
• Given current circumstance of David Bowie passing away due to cancer, this song is heavily impacting as a memoir and dedication to him.

Kevin's Personal Opinion

I thought this was an interesting song because it gave a summary of Chris Hadfield's time in the ISS

"For here am I sitting in a tin can far above the world.... and there's nothing left to do."

It create a sense of space being empty and hopeless while Earth is fun and full of life

I also thought it was interesting how changing just a few words in the lyrics end up changing the entire meaning of song from drugs to exploring space

Style

Timbre

- Rock, soft Rock

- Reason 1: a large characteristic of rock is the use of the electric guitar, an instrument that is easily heard in this song

- Reason 2: Rock often includes other instruments such as the electric bass, and pianos, and drums, all instruments with major roles in this song

- Reason 3: The fusion of drums and cymbals, used as the spine of a song

• Voice - Chris Hadfield
• Piano
• Drumkit
• Acoustic Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Electric Bass
• Clapping (Digitally Inputted)
• Faintly, such as the buildup to the first chorus, there is a humming sound which may have been an imitation of a space vehicle.