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1/4

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  • (1996) The theme from the level "Lethal Lava Land" in the video game Super Mario 64 is in 1/4, i.e. it has a consistent underlying beat but no further discernible structure.[1]

6/6

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Partially in 6/6

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  • (2006) "Brianstorm" by Arctic Monkeys switches to a six-beat rhythm near the end that preserves the melody and timing of the earlier 4/4.

8/4 or 8/8

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(not simply 4+4 or 3+3+2)

  • (2003) "Mine's Not a High Horse" by The Shins (2/8 + 3/8 + 3/8)

Partially in 8/4 or 8/8

[edit]
  • (2006) "My Black Widow" by People in Planes: one section in 3/8 + 2/8 + 3/8.
  • (2008) "Impulse" by An Endless Sporadic: starting around 1:44 (2/8 + 3/8 + 3/8)
  • (2011) "Dead End" by Meshell Ndegeocello: second part of intro (2/8 + 3/8 + 3/8)

9/4 or 9/8

[edit]

(Not simply compound triple meter.)

Partially in 9/2

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Partially in 9/4 or 9/8

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  • (1970) "Now More than Ever" by Chicago - near the end of the song, the brass plays a march-like melody with alternating bars of 5/4 then 4/4.
  • (1971) "In Nomine Patris", 6th movement of Mass by Leonard Bernstein
  • (1972) "Dancing Madly Backwards (On A Sea Of Air)" by Captain Beyond - outro in 9/8
  • (1973) "Birds of Fire" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - theme and solos in 9/8 (subdivided 4+5 except for the drums, which have a 3+3+3 pattern)
  • (1974) "Day of The Eagle" by Robin Trower, certain sections in 4/4 but phrased as 9/8 + 7/8
  • (1975) "Scatterbrain" by Jeff Beck - intro and main riff are in 9/8
  • (1975) "Song for America" by Kansas - instrumental section in second half ~5:43-7:09 is 9/8 (2 2 2 3) with occasional 6/8 intrusions.
  • (1980) "Machine Messiah" by Yes - the middle instrumental break is in 9/4
  • (1982) "Grendel" by Marillion - penultimate movement of this 17:15 long song (a homage to Genesis' Supper's Ready section "Apocalypse in 9/8").
  • (1984) "En Force" by Queensrÿche - intro in 9/4, phrased as 4+4+1.
  • (1985) "Perfect Strangers" by Deep Purple - only the outro and bridge) Played as 4/4 & 5/4.
  • (1986) "Jesus Saves" by Slayer - 0:50 into the song.
  • (1987) "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M. - intro only (4/4 + 5/4).
  • (1988) "Candle" by Sonic Youth - four measures of asymmetrically divided 9/8, 0:45 into the song, after the guitar intro.
  • (1990) "9 Over Reggae" by Jack DeJohnette and Pat Metheny (9/4)
  • (1991) "Refrigerator Car" by the Spin Doctors
  • (1991) "Why Go" by Pearl Jam - intro, 1 measure only
  • (1991) "No More Tears" by Ozzy Osbourne - outro only.
  • (1991) "Paragon Belial" by Darkthrone - intro only.
  • (1994) "5 Minutes Alone" by Pantera - verse
  • (1994) "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden - solo and outro in 9/8.
  • (1994) "She Likes Surprises" by Soundgarden
  • (1994) "Alone" by Pearl Jam: intro and choruses in 9/4
  • (1994) "Pretty Penny" by Stone Temple Pilots
  • (1995) "One Big Mob" by Red Hot Chili Peppers - outro
  • (1995) "The Gentle Art Of Making Enemies" by Faith No More
  • (1995) "Demanufacture" by Fear Factory
  • (1996) "Wind Below" by Rage Against the Machine
  • (1996) "Napalm Brain" by DJ Shadow
  • (1996) "Knotted Twig" by Skrew
  • (1997) "It's So You" by The Dismemberment Plan- 9/8 and 4/4 alternating.
  • (1997) "The Accolade" by Symphony X - intro in 9/8.
  • (1998) "Smoke And Mirrors" by Symphony X - pre-choruses contain pattern of three bars of 9/8 and one bar of 4/4.
  • (1998) "Roses in Water" by Sunny Day Real Estate - most of the verses
  • (1998) "Bury White" by Far: second halves of choruses.
  • (1999) "Somewhat Damaged" by Nine Inch Nails - entire song except the outro which is in 4/4.
  • (1999) "But the Regrets Are Killing Me" by American Football: one section in 3/4 + 2/4 + 4/4.
  • (2000) "The Face in the Embryo" by The Blood Brothers - parts in 9/4
  • (2001) "Fall" by American Head Charge - choruses in 9/4, the rest is in 4/4.
  • (2001) "The One" by Shakira
  • (2002) "Gasoline" by Audioslave - end.
  • (2003) "The Crowing" by Coheed and Cambria - during the breakdown in the middle is in 9/4. Most of the song is 4/4 with the exception of 4/4, 4/4, 2/4 alternation just before 9/4 section.
  • (2003) "The Passage by Ephel Duath
  • (2003) "Oh Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head! (Rebuild! Restore! Reconsider!)" by Sufjan Stevens
  • (2003) "The Kids Are Going To Love It" by Million Dead - intro and verses.
  • (2003) "Panic Attack" by Finger Eleven - pre-Chorus.
  • (2004) "Open Your Eyes" by Brianna Cara
  • (2004) "Just Like the Movies" by Regina Spektor - most bars of verse in 9/8, some in 12/8.
  • (2004) "Paper Champion" by Oceansize - intro in 4/4.
  • (2004) "Some Sweet Nothingness" by Gruvis Malt - 1st verse in 6/8.
  • (2004) "A Bid Farewell" by Killswitch Engage
  • (2004) "Řeč" by Už jsme doma: section near the beginning in 9/4.
  • (2005) "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus" by The Mars Volta. There is a riff in the song that goes from 9/16 to 6/8 to 2/4.
  • (2005) "Beast and the Harlot" by Avenged Sevenfold - intro and outro.
  • (2005) "Sister Jack" by Spoon - final 30 seconds.
  • (2005) "The Start of Something Beautiful" by Porcupine Tree [2]
  • (2006) "Colony of Birchmen" by Mastodon
  • (2006) "Jambi" by Tool - except guitar solo, which is in 6/4.
  • (2006) "This Mute Tide" by Paper Champion - chorus.
  • (2006) "Everything" by Dawn Xiana Moon - bridge.
  • (2006) "Ocean in the Sky" by Flux - bridge.
  • (2006) "Assassin (Grand Omega Bosses) by Muse
  • (2006) "Tetragrammaton" by The Mars Volta - chorus.
  • (2006) "My Black Widow" by People in Planes: a few measures at the start (4/4 + 3/4 + 3/6).
  • (2006) "I Am Never Going to Write an Obligatory Song About Being on the Road and Missing Someone" by Say Anything: one measure of 9/4 in bridge.
  • (2007) "Imram" by Era Vulgaris - contains repeated theme which is altered from 4/4 base into 9/4 and subsequently 5/4 variations.
  • (2007) "Straight Lines" by Silverchair
  • (2007) "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a" by High School Musical 2
  • (2007) "Maria's Song" by Joy Mover
  • (2007) "About Falling" by Say Anything: two measures in the bridge.

10/4

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Partially in 10/4

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  • (1962) "Shipoopi" from The Music Man: choruses in 10/4.
  • (1971) "Perpetual Change" by Yes – the intro riff
  • (1981) "Camera Eye" by Rush
  • (1992) "Post Mortal Ejaculation" by Cannibal Corpse – One quite prominent, more higher pitched section is in 10/4
  • (1993) "Die Like Someone" by Eve's Plum (verse)
  • (1994) "Harupua" by Phish: late section in 10/4
  • (1996) "Volcano" by The Presidents of the United States of America
  • (1996) "Off He Goes" by Pearl Jam: groupings of 4/4 + 4/4 + 2/4 in the verses.
  • (1998) "Skin" by Madonna
  • (1998) "The Deadly Rhythm" by Refused: choruses and end
  • (2000) "Sparks Are Gonna Fly" by Catherine Wheel (4 + 4 + 2 through most of the song, small breaks of 4/4 and 6/4)
  • (2001) "Eye Of The Needle" by Chris Rubix (2 + 4 + 4, interlude in 4/4)
  • (2001) The intro music to Sonic Adventure 2 has two bars in 10/4.
  • (2002) "Crying at the Aquarium" by The Octopus Project (all in 10/4 except for middle break in 4/4)
  • (2002) "Cropduster" by Pearl Jam: choruses in 10/4
  • (2002) "You Are" by Pearl Jam: verses largely in 10/4
  • (2003) "Tomorrow Too Late" by Saves the Day: choruses
  • (2004) "Turn It Up" by Ashanti (some parts of the verse)
  • (2004) "Safety Train" by Gruvis Malt
  • (2004) "Alpha Beta Gaga" by Air. (whistle part only)
  • (2004) "Scary Puppy" by Dr. Killbot: choruses in 10/4
  • (2005) "Speak Easy" by 311 (verse only)
  • (2005) "Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus" by The Mars Volta. The last parts of the song ("Con Safo") with drums are in 10/4.
  • (2005) "Like a Cat" by The Number Twelve Looks Like You: starting around 0:44.
  • (2009) "Intermezzo 2" by Mew
  • (2010) "Collapsing New Buildings" by Pennines (3/4 + 3/4 + 4/4)
  • (2011) "Battery Kinzie" by Fleet Foxes: verses in 10/4 (4/4 + 4/4 + 2/4)

10/8

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(sometimes written as 5/4, but expressed as 3+3+2+2 or 2+2+3+3)

Partially in 10/8

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  • (1972) "Thick as a Brick" by Jethro Tull - excerpts.
  • (1980) "Touch and Go" by The Cars
  • (1982) "The Number of the Beast" by Iron Maiden: intro.
  • (1991) "No Pain for Cakes" by The Lounge Lizards - the middle of the song is in 10/8 (2-2-3-3)
  • (1992) "Split Open and Melt" by Phish - the chorus and jam are in 10/8
  • (1994) "Endless Dream: Silent Spring" by Yes - piano intro in 10/8, 5/4 after band kicks in
  • (1996) "Time and Motion" by Rush - parts of the song follow a 10/8 section of 3-3-2-2 (though it is shown as 5/4)
  • (1996) "The Good Life" by Weezer: one measure at the end of each verse (4/8 + 4/8 + 2/8)
  • (1997) "Running" by 311
  • (2001) "karma" by Kamelot
  • (2002) "Lies, Lies, Lies" by Toni Braxton - final part of the song.
  • (2003) "Childhood Dreams" by Nelly Furtado - alternates with 12/8.
  • (2003) "She's My Rushmore" by Every Time I Die - alternates with 9/8 and 4/4.
  • (2002) "Gravity Eyelids" by Porcupine Tree - the second half of the instrumental part starting at 5:12 is partially in 10/8 timing as well as a few other time signatures.
  • (2005) "Music for a Nurse" by Oceansize
  • (2003) "III Ways to Epica" by Kamelot
  • (2008) "Impulse" by An Endless Sporadic: starting around 4:10

Partially in 10/16

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  • (1981) "YYZ" by Rush - Morse Code intro in 10/8, phrased as (1st bar) 3/16 + 7/16 and (2nd bar) 4/16 + 4/16 + 2/16.
  • (2005) "Mother and Child Divided" by Porcupine Tree [3]

11/2

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Partially in 11/2

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11/4

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  • (1982) "Dirt" by Mission of Burma. Can also be heard as a measure of 4/4, a measure of 3/4 and two measures of 2/4.
  • (2004) "Huge Chrome Peach" by Venetian Snares
  • (2005) "Happy Jammy" by Dave Holland Big Band
  • (2006) "Right in Two" by Tool (expressed as 3+3+3+2 in verses, 3+2+2+4 in chorus, and 3+2+3+3 in a section of the breakdown, where it could be said the song changes to 11/8)
  • (2007) "St. Étienne du Rouvray" by Edison's Talking Machine

Partially in 11/4

[edit]
  • (1874) "Promenade" from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky. The first portion of the piece is written as an alternation of 5/4 and 6/4 bars. The Promenade is used many times in the suite in different forms. This rhythm applies to the first Promenade at the very beginning of the piece. The somewhat 'unsteady' rhythm has been interpreted as a musical interpretation of Mussorgsky's own unsteady gait.
  • (1967) "I Say a Little Prayer" by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, sung by Dionne Warwick - the chorus repeats 4+4+3.
  • (1968) "Spanish Caravan" by the Doors - opening part of electric guitar is 3+3+5
  • (1971) "Man Erg" by Van der Graaf Generator - the riff which comes after the first two verses is in 11/4 (5 + 6)
  • (1972) "Awakening" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - unison lick (4/4 + 7/8 + 7/8)
  • (1974) "The Gates of Delirium" by Yes - victory march theme, starting at 12'51" (4/4 + 4/4 + 3/4).
  • (1976) "Herandnu" (midsection and outro) by Weather Report
  • (1978) "Shadow Dancing" by Andy Gibb (break 6/4 + 5/4)
  • (1978) "Incantations part 1" by Mike Oldfield - opening and closing theme is 6+5
  • (1980) "Does it Really Happen" by Yes chorus is 3+3+5, rest of the song is in 4/4.
  • (1987) "I'm Running" by Yes
  • (1989) "Nothingface" by Voivod
  • (1995) "Titanic" by Tidal Wave - main riff
  • (1998) "Freedom Of Speech" by Liquid Tension Experiment
  • (1998) "Paradigm Shift" by Liquid Tension Experiment - middle section and ending
  • (2001) "City of Angels" by the Flower Kings. The first half of the song is in 11/4, the remainder is in 3/4.
  • (2001) "Jove malle de Mone / Feed Your Mama's Meter (Remix 2001)" by Estradasphere (5/4 + 6/4)
  • (2001) The intro music to Sonic Adventure 2 has two bars in 11/4.
  • (2003) "Stream of Consciousness" by Dream Theater
  • (2004) "A Great Work of Fiction" by Gruvis Malt
  • (2004) "There will be no morning copy" by Clann Zu: the first half of the song is in 11/4
  • (2004) "You Should Be Ashamed, Seamus" by McLusky: the ending only which has a bar in 5/4 followed by a bar in 6/4
  • (2004) "Dirt" by Mission of Burma: verses in 11/4
  • (2005) "Take, Take, Take" The White Stripes (chorus only)
  • (2006) "Mudlark" by Kill Your Ex has a part grouped in 5/4 + 6/4.
  • (2007) "Guys Like Me" by Eric Church - intro and verse
  • (2007) "Constant Motion" by Dream Theater
  • (2009) "Time Turns Elastic" by Phish
  • (2009) "Hawaii" by Mew: choruses in 4/4 + 4/4 + 3/4.
  • (2009) "Vaccine" by Mew: ending section

11/8

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Partially in 11/8

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  • (1972) "Words (Between the Lines of Age)" by Neil Young - arpeggio/guitar solo sections in 11/8, verses and choruses in 4/4 (or 8/8, relative to the 11/8)
  • (1974) "Vision is a Naked Sword" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - mostly 11/8, with sections in 8/8.
  • (1975) "Lonely Street" by Kansas - mostly 11/8 (6/8 + 5/8) with some measures of 12/8.
  • (1976) "Nuclear Burn" by Brand X
  • (1976) "Life & Times" by Billy Cobham - midsection
  • (1976) "Black Napkins" by Frank Zappa - towards the end of the song, measure of 4/8, followed by a measure of 3/8, followed by a measure of 11/8, then into free time for the rest of the song.
  • (1977) "Awaken" by Yes - phrased as 4/4 + 3/8.
  • (1978) "Circumstances" by Rush - instrumental bridge partially in 11/8 (5/8 + 3/4)
  • (1997) "Losing a Whole Year" by Third Eye Blind - coda starting at 3'03" (5/8 + 6/8).
  • (1982) "Losing It" by Rush - electric violin solo section in 11/8 (6/8 + 5/8).
  • (1991) "Love Is a Fist" by Mr Bungle
  • (1992) "Stash" by Phish from the album A Picture of Nectar (bridge is 5+6)
  • (1993) "You" by Radiohead - second half of the chorus riff (6/8 + 5/8)
  • (1997) "Puedo Escribir" by Sixpence None the Richer - first two-thirds of the song in 11/8.
  • (1997) "The Eyes of Medusa" by Symphony X - main riff in 11/8.
  • (2000) "Cut Self Not" by Faraquet from the album The View From This Tower
  • (2002) "Breathe" by Disturbed
  • (2002) "Solitary Shell" by Dream Theater (beginning of instrumental section)
  • (2002) "Aggression then Silence" by Gruvis Malt - the first half, "Aggression", is in 11/8.
  • (2004) "Blood and Thunder" by Mastodon - the instrumental section.
  • (2005) "Sacrifice unto Sebek" by Nile (The riff alternates between 11/8 and 7/8. Although the song has several different changes in time signature, this alternating time is what comprises most of the song).
  • (2006) "Falling In Between" by Toto
  • (2006) "Epiphany of a Mushroom Man" by Pomme De Chien - 1 bar near the drum solo is in 11/8.
  • (2006) "Your Retrospective..." by Minus Won
  • (2006) "Variation On Commemorative Transfiguration and Communion At Magruder Park" by Sufjan Stevens - right before the vocals come in.
  • (2006) "Sawblades and Shotglasses" by Silent Epidemic - intro and revenge of intro.
  • (2006) "A Revelation Part 2" by Flux - after 7 measures of 6/8 in each bar.
  • (2006) "Pythons Awake" by Pompeii has one measure in 11/8: a normally 12/8 section chops one beat from the last measure.
  • (2006) "Skeletons at the feast" by Spock's Beard - Mostly 11/8, Some parts in 6/8 and 4/4.
  • (2006) The "Eterna Forest" theme in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum starts off in 11/8.
  • (2007) "When We Were Younger and Better" by 65daysofstatic
  • (2007) "Grandfather" by The Number Twelve Looks Like You`: starting around 1:00
  • (2011) "309" by Russian Circles: one section in 6/8 + 5/8.

11/16

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Partially in 11/16

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  • (1979) "Dancin' Fool" by Frank Zappa - the "I may be totally wrong but..." sections at 1:55, 1:58, 2:56, 3:00, and 3:04)
  • (2001) "Dapper Bandits" by Estradasphere has a few measures of 11/16 mixed in with 4/4 after "meanwhile, inside, the joint was jumping", the rest of the song is 3/4 and 4/4
  • (2002) "Jubella" by Alexisonfire (part of a riff that is partially in 11/16, partially in 2/4, and partially in 4/4)
  • (2013) "ALPHABETICAL 26-GENRE SONG" by Andrew Huang: the "math metal" section is partially in 11/16. [3]

12/4

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(Not evenly divided.)

12/8

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(Not evenly divided.)

Partially in 12/8

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  • (2006) "Pythons Awake" by Pompeii is mostly in 12/8 (3/8 + 3/8 + 2/8 + 2/8 + 2/8).

13/4

[edit]

Partially in 13/4

[edit]
  • (1977) "Beltane" by Jethro Tull - lyrics of song are sung in 4, but 7/4 + 6/4 section is featured throughout the song.
  • (1980) "Freewill" by Rush- main riff before vocals (6/4 + 7/4), verse sections incorporate shifting 6/4, 7/4 and 8/4 patterns.
  • (1986) "Norfair" by Hirokazu Tanaka composed for the NES game Metroid- 5 phrases in 13/4 (3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 4/4), then 12 measures of 3/4 time.
  • (1993) "Blood" by Pearl Jam: chorus starts with 3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 1/4.
  • (1994) "Quiet" by Smashing Pumpkins
  • (1998) "The One with the Trampoline" by American Football: choruses in 7/4 + 6/4.
  • (2001) "Just So You Know" by American Head Charge from their album The War of Art - Song alternates between 6/4 and 7/4 throughout verses, establishes 4/4 during chorus.
  • (2002) "March of the Fire Ants" by Mastodon - the intro is played in alternating measures of 7/4 and 6/4
  • (2002) "The Great Debate" by Dream Theater - 2nd verse (4:18-4:47)
  • (2002) "Blind Faith" by Dream Theater - verse in 7/4+6/4
  • (2003) "156" by Mew: refrain in 3/4 + 3/4 + 4/4 + 3/4.
  • (2005) "The Collector" by Nine Inch Nails- alternates 6/4 and 7/4. The chorus alternates two measures of 4/4 and a measure of 6/4 twice, then adds two 4/4 measures before resuming the (6/4 + 7/4) pattern.
  • (2005) "Good Day" by Tally Hall – verses (4/4 + 4/4 + 5/4).
  • (2007) "Shortlist" by Craig Mattingley - verses consist of three lines of 13/4 followed by one of 16/4.
  • (2007) "Grandfather" by The Number Twelve Looks Like You: starting around 3:04

13/8

[edit]

Partially in 13/8

[edit]
  • (1973) "I Wonder" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - released 1999.
  • (1976) "Robbery, Assault And Battery" by Genesis - the keyboard solo, a vocal section, and the guitar solo.
  • (1976) "Childlike Faith in Childhood's End" by Van der Graaf Generator - most of the verses (eg. "As anti-matter sucks and pulses periodically").
  • (1980) "Jacob's Ladder" by Rush - guitar riff to climax of song (3/4 + 7/8).
  • (1981) "Elektrik" by King Crimson - the rest of the song switches between two other meters, 4/8 and 7/8.
  • (1983) "Blinded" by Queensrÿche - the opening/closing riff, phrased as 3+3+3+2+2.
  • (1988) "Blackened" by Metallica[4]
  • (1992) "Into The Everflow" by Psychotic Waltz
  • (1993) "Trapped in a Corner" by Death - the verse alternates between 7/8 and 6/8, forming an overall 13/8 feel.
  • (1994) "SS-3" by Slayer - intro.
  • (1996) "Switch Opens" by Soundgarden - bridge
  • (1997) "Jóga" by Björk - chorus, played as 4+4+4+1.
  • (1998) "Low Light" by Pearl Jam: main riff in 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 4/8.
  • (1998) "Push Me, Pull Me" by Pearl Jam: mostly in 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 1/8.
  • (1999) "Will Bleed Amen" by Cardiacs - opening riff prior to the vocals (recurs throughout the piece).
  • (1999) "Ars Moriendi" by Mr. Bungle
  • (1999) "Vanity Fair" by Mr. Bungle - The middle synthesizer break alternates 12/8 and 13/8.
  • (2000) "Sleeping Beauty" by A Perfect Circle - one bar of 6/8, then one bar of 7/8. The song shifts into 4/4 later and then back into 6/8.
  • (2000) "Communion and The Oracle" by Symphony X - variation on instrumental pre-chorus at 4:12-4:15, phrased as 7/8 + 6/8
  • (2001) "The American Seasons" by Mark O'Connor, recorded on the album The American Seasons
  • (2002) "Wicked" by Symphony X - intro & first half of verses.
  • (2002) "The Glass Prison" by Dream Theater - the first guitar part after the intro.
  • (2003) "Super Happy Contest Wish Show" by Thee Armada from the album Why Can't I Remember Your Name - last instrumental bridge before outro.
  • (2003) "Mommy's At The Grocery Store" by The Sick Lipstick - first part of song in 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 4/8, the rest is in 4/4.
  • (2004) "Pistola" by Incubus
  • (2004) "The Man With 100 Cells" by Stereolab - first half.
  • (2006) "Nocturnal House" by Pretty Girls Make Graves
  • (2007) "Eat" by Umphrey's McGee
  • (2007) "Brittle" by Era Vulgaris bridge section only
  • (2007) "Never Forget" by Tchoupchupacabra - A section in 13/8, the B sections are in 6/8 over 4/4 and the C section is in 4/4
  • (2007) "Jay Walking Backwards" by The Number Twelve Looks Like You: starting around 3:53.
  • (2011) "13:8" by Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, and Stuart Duncan with Yo-Yo Ma

13/16

[edit]
  • (1979) "Vlastar: An Encounter" by Billy Cobham
  • (2002) "Interlude in Milan" by Planet X
  • (2007) "Tide" by Dustveil

14/4

[edit]

Partially in 14/4

[edit]
  • (1971) "Roundabout" by Yes: choruses are in 6/4 + 2/4 + 6/4.
  • (1971) "Perpetual Change" by Yes - sections played as 3+3+3+3+2.
  • "Santacide" by Toadies (4 + 4 + 4 + 2, 4/4 chorus)
  • (1994) "Jamie" by Weezer: choruses in repeated 3/4 + 3/4 + 4/4 + 4/4.
  • (1998) "Champagne from a Paper Cup" by Death Cab for Cutie approx. half the song in 14/4, rest in common
  • (2002) "Get Right" by Pearl Jam: verses in 4/4 + 4/4 + 4/4 + 2/4
  • (2003) "Rise" by Saves the Day: verses and choruses in 4/4 + 4/4 + 4/4 + 2/4
  • (2006) "Civil Sin" by Boy Kill Boy
  • (2006) "I Am Never Going to Write an Obligatory Song About Being on the Road and Missing Someone" by Say Anything: one measure of 14/4 in bridge.
  • (2007) "Just Might Have Her Radio On" by Trent Tomlinson - verses are consistently 4/4 + 2/4 + 4/4 + 4/4.
  • (2007) "Intervention" by Arcade Fire: choruses in 6/4 + 4/4 + 4/4.
  • (2009) "If Not for My Glasses" by Dear and the Headlights: choruses are in 6/4 + 4/4 + 4/4.
  • (2009) "Cartoons and Macramé Wounds" by Mew: refrain in 3/4 + 2/4 + 4/4 + 5/4.
  • (2010) "Favourite Food" by Tokyo Police Club: choruses in 4/4 + 2/4 + 4/4 + 4/4; ending section in 7/4 + 7/4.
  • (2010) "Rooftops" by Era Falsity (3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 2/4)
  • (2012) "Two Kinds of Happiness" by The Strokes: verses mainly in 4/4 + 2/4 + 4/4 + 4/4

14/8

[edit]

Partially in 14/8

[edit]
  • (1959) "Three to Get Ready" - by The Dave Brubeck Quartet from the album Time Out. The first 4 measures of the song are in 9/8 (3+3+3) and the rest of the song is in 14/8 (3+3+4+4).
  • (1983) "Midnight Sun" by Asia - intro and verses in 14/8 (phrased as 12/8 + 2/8), rest of song in 4/4.
  • (1997) "Bowling for Midgets" by Nuclear Rabbit
  • (2002) "The Sound of Muzak" by Porcupine Tree - verses in 14/8, rest of song in 4/4.
  • (2005) "Fall Away" by The Fray
  • (2006) "Like a Coal Mine Canary" by Robespierre

15/2

[edit]

Partially in 15/2

[edit]

15/4

[edit]

Partially in 15/4

[edit]
  • (1968) "Deserted Cities of the Heart" by Cream - verses in 4+4+3+4.
  • (1970) "Uncle John's Band" by The Grateful Dead
  • (1973) "Amazona" by Roxy Music middle VIII.
  • (1973) "Siberian Khatru" by Yes - instrumental introduction (not the opening guitar melody, but at around 0:10)
  • (1988) "Suite Sister Mary" by Queensrÿche - intro and Latin chant, phrased as 4+4+4+3.
  • (1991) "Turtle Rock" by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (the first section)
  • (1994) "Possum Kingdom" by The Toadies. The song alternates between 7/4 and 8/4 except during the bridge.
  • (1995) "Possum Kingdom" by The Toadies - all but chorus.
  • (1997) "Torn" by Creed - instrumental and bridge.
  • (1998) "April Ethereal" by Opeth - instrumental section near the end of the song. The rest is in 12/8 and 4/4.
  • (2006) "This Place is Painted Red" by Deas Vail - chorus is 8/4 + 7/4.
  • (2006) "Vermicide" by The Mars Volta - the bridge after the second chorus.

15/8

[edit]

Partially in 15/8

[edit]

15/16

[edit]

Partially in 15/16

[edit]
  • (1983) "It's A Lovely Day" by Cardiacs - intro and middle eight in 15/16, verses in 4/4.
  • (1986) "I Will Remember" by Queensrÿche - intro.
  • (1990) "Silent Lucidity" by Queensrÿche - intro (plus a couple of bars early in the first verse), rest of the song is in 4/4.
  • (1990) "Lucretia" by Megadeth - mostly in 4/4, but every 2nd measure of the verse's four-measure phrases is in 15/16.
  • (2002) "Rope Ends" by Pain of Salvation - during the guitar solo in the middle of the song.
  • (2003) "That'll Be The Day" by Streetlight Manifesto - saxophone solo break at beginning of song, the rest in 4/4.
  • (2005) "Sacrificed Sons" by Dream Theater - rhythm during solos goes between 6/4, 15/16 and 4/4.
  • (2006) "And I Ran" by Flux - bridge.
  • (2006) "Eva Braun" by Canvas Pandora - instrumental

16/4

[edit]

(Not evenly divided.)

  • (1988) "Blackened" by Metallica: intro (4/4 + 3/4 + 4/4 + 5/4)[4]

Partially in 16/4

[edit]
  • (1991) "Don, Aman" by Slint (4/4 + 3/4 + 2/4 + 4/4 + 3/4)

16/8

[edit]

(Not evenly divided.)

17/4

[edit]

Partially in 17/4

[edit]
  • (1999) "But the Regrets Are Killing Me" by American Football: mostly in 4/4 + 4/4 + 4/4 + 5/4.
  • (2005) "Fade Together" by Franz Ferdinand (Sections of 17/4 alternate with simple triple)
  • (2006) "No Man's Land" by Sufjan Stevens (played as 4+4+4+5, chorus in common time)

17/8

[edit]

Partially in 17/8

[edit]
  • (1988) "You Enjoy Myself" by Phish: one piano-driven section in 6/8 + 6/8 + 3/8 + 2/8.
  • (1991) "Miracle Of Life" by Yes - instrumental intro phrased 5/8 + 5/8 + 5/8 + 2/8 (or 5/8 + 5/8 + 7/8).
  • (2000) "Communion and The Oracle" by Symphony X - first half of first verse phrased 12/8 + 5/8
  • (2000) "Inferno" by Extol - Main riff
  • (2001) "Don't Put Marbles in Your Nose" by fictional band Scäb from Home Movies (7+4+6)
  • (2003) "Next" by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones (bridge is in 4/4)
  • (2006) "Tetragrammaton" by The Mars Volta - after first guitar solo. 8+9.

17/16

[edit]

Partially in 17/16

[edit]
  • (1974) "Flash Flood" by Billy Cobham - entire track except intro
  • (1983) "Garden Party" by Marillion - verses; difficult to hear at normal song tempo.
  • (1995) "A Change of Seasons: I. The Crimson Sunrise" - section which is a gesture to "Erotomania" by Dream Theater.
  • (2005) "Halo" by Porcupine Tree - after the second chorus it switches from 4/4 to 17/16, measured by the band as alternating regularly between 9/8 and 8/8.
  • (2005) "Open Car" by Porcupine Tree - verses in 17/16
  • (2005) "Freak Show Excess" by Steve Vai
  • "COILY" by "The Ozric Tentacles" from the album "Waterfall Cities" starts in 17/16 and changes to many others throughout.

18/4

[edit]

Partially in 18/4

[edit]
  • (2003) "Endless Sacrifice" by Dream Theater - the two main verses and the intro interchange 4+4+4+6 and 4+4+4+7 (19/4).

18/8

[edit]

Partially in 18/8

[edit]
  • (2003) "This Dying Soul" by Dream Theater - final two main verses are played as two measures of 15/16 and 21/16.

19/2

[edit]

19/8

[edit]
  • (1969) "After the Flood" by Van der Graaf Generator - intro only.
  • (1969) "Binky's Beam" by John McLaughlin (This song is often mis-titled "Binky's Dream")
  • (1970) "Cat Food" by King Crimson
  • (1973) "Hidden Shadows" by Herbie Hancock
  • (1973) "L'Auberge du Sanglier" by Caravan - "A Hunting We Shall Go" segments at the beginning and at the end, counted {3+3+2+2}+{3+2+2+2}, also reckoned as {5/4}+{9/8}.
  • (1994) "19" by Laundry
  • (1997) "Downpour" by Converge
  • (2004) "Nineteen 1319" by Venetian Snares
  • (2005) "Damn That Jello!" by Abstrakt Collision
  • (2006) "Hevy Revy" by the Lawless Percussion and Jazz Ensemble - actually notated as 5/4 + 9/8 alternation.
  • (2006) "6086555670238378989670371734243169622657830773351885970528324860512791691264" (from "The Sublime Numbers") by Matthew Prins - (7/8 + 7/8 + 5/8),
  • (2007) "Chicken Sacrifice" by Vomitron

19/16

[edit]

Partially in 19/16

[edit]
  • (2006) "Day of the Baphomets" by The Mars Volta contains an angular guitar passage in 19/16 punctuated by bass and drums. The passage is directly prior to a Latin percussion section in 4/4 with clave polyrhythms.
  • (2008) "Impulse" by An Endless Sporadic: starting around 2:59

20/4

[edit]

Partially in 20/4

[edit]

20/8

[edit]

Partially in 20/8

[edit]
  • (2003) "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt" by The Mars Volta... the Robotalk solo that starts at 4:11 is in 20/8, each measure starts with a splash hit.

20/16

[edit]

Partially in 20/16

[edit]

21/8

[edit]

Partially in 21/8

[edit]
  • (2000) "Communion and The Oracle" by Symphony X - intro is 10/8 + 11/8
  • (2005) "F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X." by The Fall of Troy: part of outro is in 4/4 + 4/4 + 5/8.
  • (2008) "Impulse" by An Endless Sporadic: starting around 2:31

21/16

[edit]

Partially in 21/16

[edit]
  • (1974) "The Gates Of Delirium" by Yes - section between 10'23" and 12'07"
  • (1999) "New Years Eve" by Pain of Salvation (opening riff)

22/4

[edit]

Partially in 22/4

[edit]
  • (2009) "Repeaterbeater" by Mew has choruses in 6/4 + 6/4 + 4/4 + 6/4.

22/8

[edit]

23/4

[edit]
  • (1930) "Variations on a Hussar's Song" by Franz Schmidt (actually notated as 5 bars of 4/4 and one of 3/4)
  • (2007) "The Day After Perfection" by Twilight Reign (notated as 6+6+6+5)
  • (1993) "You" by Radiohead (notated as 3 bars of 6/4 and one of 5/4)

Partially in 23/4

[edit]
  • (2005) "Does Your Face Hurt? No? 'Cause It's Killin' Me!!!" by Bomb the Music Industry! is in 23/4 during the last verse, and synth breakdown. It is played as 12/4 + 11/4.

23/8

[edit]

Partially in 23/8

[edit]

23/16

[edit]
  • (1998) "New Millennium Cyanide Christ" by Meshuggah. The drum set beat is in 4/4 timing, but the timing of the two bass drums is in 23/16 timing, just like the guitars.
  • (2005) "Aamelotasis" by Venetian Snares. as 7/16 + 7/16 + 9/16.
  • (2006) "Weapons of the Conqueror" by Minus Won.
  • (2006) "Odd Poetry" by Dhafer Youssef, as 10/16 + 10/16 + 3/16

24/8

[edit]

(Not evenly divided.)

Partially in 24/8

[edit]

25/8

[edit]

25/16

[edit]

26/4

[edit]

Partially in 26/4

[edit]
  • (2009) "Sometimes Life Isn't Easy" by Mew: verses in 6/4 + 6/4 + 8/4 + 6/4

27/4

[edit]

Partially in 27/4

[edit]
  • Parts of Jethro Tull's "Witches Promise" could be analysed as in 27, divided 9(3). This distinction may be dubious as there is a fine line between 27/4 and nine bars of 3/4 (or three bars of triple-compound 9/4).
  • (1996) "Switch Opens" by Soundgarden: 4/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 3/4 + 2/4 + 3/4 chorus

27/8

[edit]

Partially in 27/8

[edit]

27/16

[edit]

28/8

[edit]

Partially in 28/8

[edit]
  • (2005) "Octavarium" by Dream Theater; three separate "breaks" during "Full Circle" consists of once-repeated four-measure phrases of 7/8, 3/4, 7/8 again, and 4/4. One such example can be heard around 16:00 in the album version.

29/4

[edit]

29/8

[edit]

Partially in 29/8

[edit]
  • (2000) "The 29/8 Steps" by Outside (middle section is in 4/4)

29/16

[edit]

Partially in 29/16

[edit]
  • (2000) "Death Blooms" by Mudvayne (middle breakdown)
  • (2004) "Spiraling Into Depression" by Into Eternity (breakdown part)

30/8

[edit]

Partially in 30/8

[edit]
  • (1994) "Shit Towne" by Live: bridge in 9/8 + 9/8 + 12/8. This has often been listed as 15/8 on the Internet; however, the 9/8 and 12/8 sub-measures are triple compounds and counting it out as 15/8 (or 15/4) would require counting every two beats, i.e. every two-thirds of a triplet.

31/16

[edit]

33/16

[edit]

Partially in 33/16

[edit]

34/8

[edit]

Partially in 34/8

[edit]
  • (2005) "Ornament/Last Wrongs" by Oceansize (entire last half - 12+12+10)

41/16

[edit]

Free time

[edit]

Multiple unusual time signatures

[edit]

(These works have different unusual meters in different sections)

  • (1975) "Song For America" by Kansas has 9/8 (2.2.2.3), 10/8 (3.3.2.2), 27/8 (8.8.3.3.3.2), 38/8 (3.3.3.3.2.2.8.3.3.8), and oddly grouped 6/8 & 8/8.
  • (2007) "Conspiracy of Seeds" by 65daysofstatic. The drum intro is in 14/16 + 16/16 + 14/16 + 12/16 (each comprised of four triplets plus a varying number of extra beats to make up the measure). The remainder of the track alternates between common time and a section in 7/8 + 8/8 + 7/8 + 6/8.

Unknown

[edit]
This section should contain only cited listings.
  • (1990) "Amarok" by Mike Oldfield features a myriad of time signatures over the one hour piece.
  • (2000) "Wandering Child" by Gov't Mule features "oddball time signature" ([5]).

References

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