10 Rock Songs That Feature a Heavenly Flute

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Rock music specializes in gritty vocals, deep electric guitar solos, and steady percussion beats, but other instruments finagle their way in some of the best arrangements. For example, rock pieces featuring flutes elevate rock tunes with a dash of heavenly noise. Here are ten rock songs with a fabulous flute.

1. Nothing is Easy – Jethro Tull

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In a unique musical battle, a flute and electric guitar keep pace through the mid-portion of “Nothing is Easy.” Jethro Tull’s song launches listeners into a fast-paced environment surrounded by strong staccato snare drum rolls and steady vocals.

2. Nights in White Satin – The Moody Blues

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The somber satin sonata opens with lamenting lyrics before gaining traction with prominent brass. A haunting flute solo overtakes the song’s latter half, entrancing listeners and inviting them to sway along to the captivating tune.

3. Freedom Rider – Traffic

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A sure saxophone and keys introduce the listener to this rock beat. The flute melody enhances the chorus, adding a notable trill that touches on each lyric.

4. Moon Dance – Van Morrison

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The flute’s otherworldly beauty complements Van Morrison’s vocals in this love song, especially when he jumps octaves. The woodwind complements his booming baritone voice.

5. Going Up The Country – Canned Heat

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Right from the get-go, we meet the dynamic flute, rippling through triplets and sustained half and full beats, cementing the upbeat personality of this tune. The flutist carries a solo about a minute into the track, offering the audience a simple yet entertaining melody.

6. Hocus Pocus – Focus

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This song is known for its gibberish lyrics that resemble yodeling. Aside from strapping electric guitar and snare drum lines, a flutist supports the gibberish yodels with a high-pitched line.

7. Moonage Daydream – David Bowie

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Of course, David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream” made this list, what with the surprise deliverance of a fantastic flute beat. We take a break from Bowie’s ramblings about a space opera to witness his artistry at the tin whistle. This type of flute is a smaller woodwind instrument with six tone holes as opposed to the 16 on a traditional flute. Bowie guides us through a dramatic space story amidst ray guns and electric eyes.

8. You Are the Woman – Firefall

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This serendipitous serenade starts with a satisfying eight-second flute solo featuring a three-note slur. Throughout the pace of the longing song, the flute whistles in the background, elevating the sentimental song.

9. Days Gone By – Joe Walsh

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Like “You Are the Woman,” “Days Gone By” begins with a standout flute solo, solidifying the mood for the remainder of the track. This flute floats through a slower pace, hinting at the reminiscent nature of the song.

10. You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away – The Beatles

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John Scott lent his flutist skills to this Beatles track, gracing the finale of the musical endeavor with a tenor and alto flute arrangement. The flute matches up with a 4/4 percussion beat, keeping the time signature in check.

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