​​​

Some creative works, like musicals, movies, books, or plays, do not always succeed the first time they are released, but later they can be changed, improved, and given a second chance to shine

• One strong example of this is the musical Ragtime

• When it first opened on Broadway in the late 1990s, it had a large cast, a very expensive and complex set, and high expectations

• While it had beautiful music and a powerful story about race, class, and hope in early 20th-century America, it didn’t perform as well as expected

• It closed earlier than people thought it would and was seen as a bit of a disappointment

• However, years later, Ragtime was revived with a smaller, simpler production that put more focus on the emotions and the human side of the story

• This version touched more people because it felt more personal and honest

• Audiences were able to connect more deeply with the characters and themes, and the musical finally received the praise many thought it deserved

• This happens with many creative projects, sometimes the idea is good, but the timing, the style, or the presentation just isn’t right at first

• Remaking or rewriting a work allows artists to fix problems, respond to new audiences, or explore the story in a different way

• Some remakes become even more successful than the original versions

• However, in other cases, people still love the original more because of its charm or uniqueness

• Studying both versions can teach us a lot about how creativity works, how people respond to stories, and how failure can lead to improvement

• It also reminds us that creative works are not always finished the first time; they can grow, change, and come back stronger

• Rather than forgetting the early versions, we can learn from them and see them as an important part of the creative journey

​​

Wheels of a Dream (1998) vs. Wheels of a Dream (2009) - Ragtime: ​​​

• Ragtime is an American musical based on the 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow

• The story is set in the early 1900s and follows three different families from very different backgrounds: an upper-class white family from New Rochelle, a Black pianist named Coalhouse Walker Jr. and his partner Sarah, and a Jewish immigrant father named Tateh and his daughter

• Their stories are told separately at first, but slowly begin to connect as they all face the challenges of change, injustice, and the American dream

• The musical explores deep themes like racism, immigration, social class, and hope for a better future

• It uses a mix of musical styles, including classical, ragtime, gospel, and early jazz, to bring the time period and emotions to life

• The original Broadway production of Ragtime opened in 1998 and was known for its large cast, big sets, and powerful musical numbers

• It received praise for its emotional storytelling, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

• Songs like Wheels of a Dream, Make Them Hear You, and Your Daddy’s Son stood out for their emotional depth and strong performances

• Although the original show did not run as long as some other major musicals, it left a strong impact on audiences and critics

• In 2009, Ragtime was revived with a new production that was smaller in scale but just as emotionally moving

• This version focused more on the characters' inner struggles and relationships, using a simpler set and fewer visual effects

• The performances felt more intimate, which helped the audience connect more deeply with the characters

• While the revival didn’t run for very long, it received good reviews and reminded people of how meaningful and relevant the story still is today

​

I Will Make You Proud vs. Justice Will Be Done - Martin Guerre: ​​​

• The musical Martin Guerre had two major versions, one in 1994 and another in 1999, and both told the same basic story, but they used different songs and ideas to express the characters’ feelings and the message of the play

• In the 1994 version, the song I Will Make You Proud was a key moment for the main character, who wanted to prove that he was a good and honorable man

• In this version, the character was more focused on himself, his wish to be accepted and loved, especially by his wife and his community

• He sang about wanting to become someone who people would look up to

• The song showed his personal struggle to live up to expectations and to fix past mistakes

• This gave the audience a chance to understand the pressure he felt and the deep emotions behind his actions

• In the 1999 version, the creators of the musical made big changes to improve the story and make it easier for people to understand

• One of the biggest changes was replacing I Will Make You Proud with a new song called Justice Will Be Done

• Instead of focusing on one person’s need to prove himself, the new song talked about what was fair and right for everyone

• It focused on truth, justice, and the importance of doing what’s right, not just for one person, but for the entire village

• This shift in focus helped make the story feel more balanced

• It made the audience care not only about the main character’s personal journey but also about the impact of his actions on others

• The new song added a sense of seriousness and urgency, as the village faced a big decision during a dramatic trial

• The 1999 version used simpler and more powerful storytelling, and by changing the songs, it made the emotions and the message of the musical clearer and stronger

​

Reflection vs Written in Stone - Mulan: ​​​

• In the 1998 Disney movie Mulan, the song Reflection became one of the most powerful and memorable parts of the film

• Sung by Mulan as she looks into her own reflection, the song is about her deep feelings of confusion, pressure, and the desire to be true to herself

• She feels torn between who her family expects her to be and who she truly is inside

• Reflection speaks to anyone who has ever felt unsure about where they belong or who they are

• The music is emotional, soft, and meaningful, which helped many people connect with Mulan’s character

• It became a favorite Disney song around the world because it expresses something so personal and real, trying to find your identity and the courage to be yourself

• During the early stages of the film’s development, another song called Written in Stone was also created, but it was later removed and not used in the final version of the movie

• This song had a more serious tone and focused on the idea that some things in life, like traditions and family expectations, feel permanent or “written in stone”

• In the song, Mulan would have questioned whether her fate and duties were already set and unchangeable

• Some people who heard this cut song believe it had a deeper message about tradition, duty, and breaking free from what others expect

• However, the creators of the movie felt that “Written in Stone” didn’t fit well with the rest of the film’s music and emotion

• It was replaced with Reflection, which better matched the tone and helped show Mulan’s inner struggle in a simpler and more emotional way

• While Written in Stone had powerful ideas, Reflection connected better with audiences and became a lasting part of Disney’s legacy

​

Ironic (1995) vs Ironic (2015) - Alanis Morissette: ​​​

• The original version of Ironic by Alanis Morissette was released in 1995 as part of her famous album Jagged Little Pill

• The song quickly became a big hit, known for its catchy melody and unique lyrics

• It listed several everyday situations that were meant to be examples of irony, such as “rain on your wedding day” or “a free ride when you’ve already paid”

• However, over time, many people started pointing out that most of the situations in the song weren’t technically ironic, just unlucky or unfortunate

• Still, the song became very popular and meaningful to many listeners

• It captured feelings of frustration and the strange ways life can surprise us, even if not always in a textbook definition of irony

• The 1995 version was heartfelt and relatable, especially for young people trying to make sense of life’s twists

• In 2015, Alanis Morissette performed a special and funny updated version of Ironic on a comedy show with The Late Late Show host James Corden

• This version changed the original lyrics to include new examples of modern problems, such as “an old friend unfollowing you on Instagram” or “too much WiFi but no connection”

• It was meant to be a joke about how the small struggles of modern life, especially related to technology and social media, can feel dramatic or ironic

• This playful version was well-received by fans who enjoyed seeing the song refreshed for a new generationIt also showed that Morissette has a good sense of humor and is willing to laugh at her own work

• While the 2015 version was just a comedy sketch and not an official release, it brought new attention to the original and showed how songs can grow and change with the times

​

Surrender vs.Tomorrow Never Dies - K.D. Lang, Sheryl Crow: ​​​

• In 1997, the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies had two different theme songs created, leading to a well-known change in the movie’s final version

• Originally, the powerful song Surrender, performed by Canadian singer K.D. Lang, was written to be the main opening theme

• Surrender had a bold orchestral style, full of trumpets and strong vocals that matched the traditional James Bond sound, similar to older themes like Goldfinger or Diamonds Are Forever

• The lyrics reflected the usual Bond themes of mystery, danger, and seduction, and the melody was even woven into the film’s instrumental score, showing that it was meant to be an important musical piece

• K.D. Lang’s voice gave the song a confident, commanding energy that many fans and critics believed fit perfectly with the spy movie style

• However, at the last minute, producers chose a different direction and replaced it with a softer, more pop-rock-style song performed by American singer Sheryl Crow

• Her version, Tomorrow Never Dies, was used in the opening credits, while Lang’s Surrender was moved to the closing credits

• Crow’s song had a slower, more emotional tone, with gentle piano and guitar, focusing more on heartbreak and danger from a personal point of view

• Some people appreciated the emotional depth of Crow’s version and her soft, expressive vocals, while others felt it lacked the bold excitement usually found in Bond themes

• Over the years, many Bond fans have continued to debate which song should have been chosen

• Some argue that Lang’s version had a more classic Bond feel and should have remained the main theme, while others feel Crow’s modern style helped bring a fresh voice to the franchise

​

We Didn’t Start The Fire (1989) vs We Didn’t Start the Fire (2023) - Billy Joel, Fall Out Boy: ​​​

• Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire, released in 1989, is a fast-paced song that lists over 100 important events, people, and cultural changes that happened between 1949 (the year Joel was born) and 1989

• The lyrics move quickly, like a timeline, mentioning everything from the Cold War and civil rights movements to famous people, music, and world conflicts

• The main idea of the song is that history is always happening and that the problems of the world didn’t begin with one generation, they’ve been going on for a long time

• The song became famous not just for its catchy rhythm, but for how it helped people remember major events in a fun and interesting way

• In 2023, the band Fall Out Boy created a new version of the song using the same format, but with updated lyrics that cover events from 1989 to 2023

• Their version mentions things like 9/11, the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms like TikTok, and major news stories such as the death of Queen Elizabeth and the rise of global climate change awareness

• The song moves quickly, just like the original, but uses more modern words and topics that reflect today’s concerns and culture

• Some people liked how it brought history up to date, while others felt it didn’t have the same personal touch or flow as Billy Joel’s version

• Still, both songs are like musical history lessons, using rhythm and rhyme to make people think about how the world has changed, and how, just like before, the fire of change and conflict has always been burning

​

Science fiction music often uses unique and creative sounds to make listeners feel like they are in a completely different world or even a future time

• Musicians use different musical tools, such as mixing major scales that sound bright and happy with minor scales that feel more serious or sad, to create a variety of moods that match the strange and exciting worlds of sci-fi stories

• They also use something called the Lydian mode, which is a special type of scale that sounds dreamy, mysterious, and sometimes even magical

• This kind of scale makes it perfect for space adventures or alien landscapes

• In the song A TV Show Called Earth, the music has a very unusual and space-like sound

• It feels far away, strange, and full of echoes, almost like it is coming from a distant planet or another dimension

• The songwriter likely used unusual chords that don’t happen much in everyday music, combined with electronic sounds and unexpected rhythms, to create this futuristic atmosphere

• These musical choices work together to help the listener imagine a place and time that does not exist yet, which is exactly what science fiction tries to do

• This shows that there can be a “future” sound in music, special combinations of notes, rhythms, and instruments that quickly tell our brains we are experiencing something new, unknown, and from a different time or place

• Music is very powerful because it can create feelings, images, and even whole worlds in our minds, even when we have never actually been there or seen them before

• This is why sci-fi music is so important; it helps bring the stories to life by making the impossible seem real and helping us feel connected to strange, exciting futures or alien environments

​

The music from the game Tetris, created by Hirokazu Tanaka, is one of the most famous and beloved video game soundtracks ever composed

• This music belongs to a style called chiptune, which uses simple electronic sounds produced by the early sound chips found inside old video game consoles and computers

• These sound chips had very limited capabilities, so composers had to be extremely creative to make catchy, memorable melodies using just a few basic tones and noises

• Despite these technical limits, the music was able to perfectly match the gameplay and atmosphere of the game, making the experience much more engaging and enjoyable for players

• Even today, chiptune music remains popular, and many modern artists create new songs that imitate or sample those nostalgic retro sounds

• This style of music brings a special feeling of the past and a unique charm that many people appreciate

• Over the years, video game music has evolved dramatically

• It went from simple beeps and repetitive tunes to rich, full orchestral scores, sometimes rivaling the soundtracks of movies in complexity and emotional power

• Video game music has grown into a respected art form because it plays an important role in storytelling, mood setting, and player immersion

• The early technological limitations actually pushed composers to think outside the box, which led to the creation of melodies that are still remembered and loved today

• The way these limitations inspired creativity shows that sometimes, having fewer tools can make artists more inventive

• This history of video game music highlights the balance between freedom and boundaries in art, and how both can shape the creative process in meaningful ways

​​

Rhythm games are a popular type of video game that challenge players to tap, flick, or press buttons exactly in time with the beats and rhythms of music

• Some players become very skilled and can move their fingers quickly and accurately, hitting almost every note perfectly, while others find it more difficult to keep up, sometimes missing notes or pressing the wrong buttons

• These games are not only entertaining but also have important benefits beyond just fun

• For example, rhythm games can help people recover from injuries by improving their hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and reaction times

• They have even been used to help people with brain injuries rebuild mental and physical abilities, showing how powerful and useful these games can be

• Rhythm games have a long history, starting from early arcade machines in the 1990s, moving through home consoles and mobile devices, and now to virtual reality platforms that make the experience even more immersive

• Because rhythm games require players to listen carefully to the music and respond with precise timing, many educators believe these games could be valuable tools for schools

• They could help students learn about music by training their sense of rhythm, improve focus and concentration through fast-paced gameplay, and even assist in learning math by teaching patterns, timing, and counting skills in a fun way

• Additionally, rhythm games influence the way music is composed and produced today because songs created for these games need strong beats and clear rhythms that match the gameplay perfectly

• This close connection between music and gaming is changing how people create, listen to, and enjoy music in the future

• As rhythm games continue to grow and improve with new technology, they offer exciting possibilities for entertainment, education, and therapy

• This shows that these games are much more than just a pastime; they are tools that help develop skills, inspire creativity, and bring people together through the power of music and rhythm

​​

Rhythm Games: 

​

Osu: 

• Osu! is a rhythm game that was created in 2007 by Dean “Peppy” Herbert

• The game was inspired by a Nintendo DS game called Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, which involved tapping to music in time with the beat

• Osu! takes this idea and expands it, allowing players to click, slide, or tap circles, sliders, and spinners on the screen that match the rhythm of songs

• The game is mainly designed to be played on Windows computers, where players use a mouse, a graphics tablet, or sometimes a touchscreen to interact with the game

• While there are some unofficial versions available for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, these are not the main or official way to play

• The best and most complete Osu! experience is on a PC, where players have access to the full features and community-made song maps

• Osu! has grown a large following worldwide and is praised for its challenging gameplay and strong music focus.

​

Beat Saber: 

• Beat Saber is a popular virtual reality (VR) game where players use motion controllers to slash glowing blocks that fly toward them in time with the music

• The game mixes fast action with rhythm, so players must move their arms and bodies to hit the blocks in the right direction and timing

• Beat Saber is played on VR headsets like Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Valve Index

• This makes the game feel very real and immersive

• It has many music styles, including electronic, pop, and rock

• Players can also add custom songs made by the community, which keeps the game fresh and exciting

• Beat Saber is not just fun as it’s also a good workout

• It helps improve coordination, reflexes, and fitness while players enjoy the music

• The game was created by two developers, Joris Verwijmeren and Dimitri, and was first released in 2018

• Since then, it has grown into one of the most popular and successful VR rhythm games worldwide

• Its easy-to-learn gameplay and strong music focus made it a favorite for both casual players and serious gamers

​

Dance Dance Revolution: 

• Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is a popular rhythm game where players stand on a special dance pad and step on arrows that light up in time with the music

• The arrows point up, down, left, or right, and players must step on the correct arrow at the right moment to score points

• The game is fast-paced and challenges players to keep up with increasingly difficult songs and patterns

• DDR was created by Konami and first released in Japan in 1998

• It quickly became popular in arcades and later on home gaming consoles

• Players enjoy DDR because it combines music, dance, and exercise, making it both fun and active

• It helps improve timing, coordination, and fitness

• The game features a wide variety of music styles, from pop to electronic dance music

• DDR has inspired many similar dance and rhythm games and remains a classic in the rhythm game genre

• It can be played in arcades, at home on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, and even on some PC setups with special dance pads

​

Guitar Hero: 

• Guitar Hero is a popular music video game where players use a special guitar-shaped controller to press buttons in time with rock songs

• The game shows colored notes scrolling on the screen, and players must press the matching buttons and strum the controller to play the music correctly

• The goal is to hit the notes perfectly to score points and complete the song

• Guitar Hero became very popular in the mid-2000s, bringing the experience of playing a guitar to many people who might not actually play the instrument

• It features many famous rock songs and lets players feel like they are performing live on stage

• The game helped start a new wave of music games and inspired many similar titles

• Players can play solo or compete with friends in multiplayer modes

• Guitar Hero was released on several gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems, making it accessible to a wide audience

• It is fun, challenging, and often encourages players to learn about music and rhythm while having a great time

• The original Guitar Hero was developed by Harmonix and published by RedOctane in 2005

• It was inspired by earlier rhythm games but stood out because of its unique guitar controller, which made the gameplay feel more interactive and immersive

• This innovation helped the game quickly gain a huge following and shaped the future of music video games

​

maimai: 

• Maimai is an arcade rhythm game where players interact with a large circular touchscreen by tapping, sliding, and holding different notes that appear around the screen in time with the music

• The game’s bright and colorful graphics, combined with its unique circular design that surrounds the player, make it visually exciting and very fun to play

• Maimai offers a wide variety of music styles, including pop, electronic, rock, and even anime themes, which helps it appeal to many different types of players

• The gameplay requires players to follow the rhythm very precisely, rewarding those who show good timing and accuracy with higher scores

• Maimai originated in Japan and was developed by SEGA, first launching in 2012

• After becoming very popular in Japanese arcades, the game quickly spread to other parts of Asia, such as China and South Korea, and later made its way to arcades in other regions around the world

• Maimai is mostly played in arcades due to its large touchscreen setup, which is difficult to replicate at home

• The game has gained a strong following in competitive gaming communities, where players constantly try to improve their skills and scores or compete in local and international tournaments

• What sets Maimai apart from many other rhythm games is its circular touchscreen and gameplay style, which offers an immersive experience that challenges players’ reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and sense of rhythm all at once

​

Beatmania: 

• Beatmania is a music rhythm game developed by Konami that first appeared in arcades in 1997

• It introduced a unique style of gameplay that combined a turntable controller, similar to what real DJs use, with a set of keyboard keys

• Players interact with the game by scratching the turntable and pressing the keys in time with musical notes that scroll on the screen

• The goal is to match the beats and rhythms perfectly to score points and progress through the song

• Beatmania was one of the earliest rhythm games to bring the experience of DJing to players, blending music mixing with fast-paced gameplay

• It helped popularize rhythm games and inspired many later titles in the genre

• The game features a variety of electronic, dance, and techno music tracks, encouraging players to develop timing, hand-eye coordination, and quick reflexes

• Its innovative use of a turntable controller set it apart from other music games that mainly used button presses or tapping.

• Originally, Beatmania was mainly available in arcades, where players could gather and compete for high scores

• Over time, it was also adapted for home consoles such as the PlayStation, allowing players to enjoy the game outside of arcades

• However, the arcade remains the most authentic way to experience Beatmania, especially because of its specialized hardware, including the turntable and keys

• Today, versions of Beatmania can still be found in select arcades, especially in Japan and some parts of Asia, where rhythm games remain highly popular

​

Deemo: 

• Deemo is a piano rhythm game where players tap falling notes on the screen in time with beautiful music, creating a calming and engaging experience

• The game combines music gameplay with a touching story about a mysterious character named Deemo and a young girl who falls from the sky

• As players progress by playing songs, the story unfolds, revealing more about the characters and their world

• Deemo features a wide variety of piano and classical music, as well as other genres, offering something for many different music tastes

• The game is played mainly on touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets, making it easy to enjoy anywhere

• Deemo was developed by the Taiwanese company Rayark and first released in 2013

• It quickly gained praise for its emotional story, beautiful art style, and challenging but satisfying rhythm gameplay

• The combination of storytelling and music sets Deemo apart from many other rhythm games, creating an experience that is both moving and fun to play

• Over time, Deemo has been updated with new songs and additional story content, keeping fans engaged and making it one of the most beloved piano rhythm games available on mobile platforms

​

Just Dance: 

• Just Dance is a dance rhythm game where players watch dancers on the screen and try to copy their moves as closely as possible

• The game uses motion controllers, cameras, or sensors to track the player’s movements, making sure they follow the dance steps correctly to score points

• It features bright, colorful graphics and fun animations, which help create an exciting and lively atmosphere

• Just Dance offers a huge variety of songs from many music genres, including pop, hip-hop, electronic, rock, and even classic hits, so players of all tastes can find something they enjoy

• The game is designed to be easy to learn, so people of all ages and skill levels can join in the fun, whether they are beginners or experienced dancers

• Just Dance was first released by Ubisoft in 2009 and quickly became popular for its party-friendly style and interactive gameplay

• New versions of the game are released every year, often adding fresh songs, new dance routines, and features like online multiplayer, which lets players dance and compete with friends or strangers from anywhere in the world

• You can play Just Dance on many different devices and gaming platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation (PS4, PS5), Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), and even some mobile devices

• This makes it easy to access whether you have a console at home or want to play on the go

• Because it encourages physical movement and rhythm practice, Just Dance is also seen as a fun way to exercise, improve coordination, and stay active while enjoying music and dancing with family or friends

​

Tap Tap Revenge: 

• Tap Tap Revenge is a mobile rhythm game where players tap the screen to match notes that fall in time with the music’s beat

• The game features colorful visuals and simple gameplay, making it easy to pick up and play anywhere using a smartphone or tablet

• Players must tap, swipe, or hold notes as they reach the bottom of the screen, testing their timing and reflexes to earn points and achieve high scores

• The game includes a wide variety of songs from different music genres, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic, appealing to many music fans

• Tap Tap Revenge was first released in 2008 and quickly became one of the most downloaded music games on mobile devices, helping to popularize rhythm games on smartphones

• It also allowed players to compete with friends and share scores online, adding a social and competitive element

• Because it was designed for mobile devices, it was easy for players to enjoy music and rhythm challenges anytime and anywhere, making it a fun way to practice timing and enjoy favorite songs on the go

• Though newer rhythm games have come out since then, Tap Tap Revenge remains an important part of mobile gaming history for bringing rhythm games to a wider audience

​

​

​