F A M O U S E X A M P L E S
Artists (alphabetical order):
Enya
"Watermark" (WEA ©1988 / 243875-2)
One of the most known example is the Internal 44 "Pizzagogo" factory preset use on the Enya's "Orinoco Flow" (Track 7) top hit. The large pizzicato strings section you can hear during almost all the song is effectively the mentioned D-50 patch (reverb has certainly been increased):
You find also this pizz strings sound on the "Cursum Perficio" song (Track 2). The background warm strings pads you can hear on "Storms In Africa" (Track 4), "Exile" (Track 5) or "The Longships" (Track 10) have certainly been played with a D-50.
Paula Abdul "Forever Your Girl" (Virgin ©1988 - CD SRN 19)
Another D-50 factory preset (Internal 15 "Horn Section") has been used as a lead synbrass sound on the 1988 Paula Abdul's top hit "Straight Up" (Track 7):
ABWH (Arista ©1989 - 259 970)
Rick Wakeman used a D-50 jointly with an old Moog, an Oberheim Matrix-1000 and a Roland D-110 (among other material) on this great Progressive Rock revival album with a funny history: it gathers the 1970's "Yes" group musicians (Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe). As "Yes" name also belonged in the late 80's to Chris Squire and Alan White who didn't play on this album, they couldn't publish it as a "Yes" album. They thought at first to name it "The Affirmative" or "No", but they finally decided to use the abreviation "ABWH".
As Rick Wakeman is the specialist to use several synths simultaneously mixing different textures, it's difficult here to detect the "D-50 parts". But I'm nearly sure that it appears in the brass riffs from the song "Fist Of Fire" (Track2) which seems to include the Internal 35 "Rich Brass" patch (cetainly mixed with another synth sound). I let you also appreciate the great solo line which seems to be a Moog sound layered with the Internal 26 "Griitttarr" patch:
D-50 brass sounds may also appear in the third part of "Brother Of Mine" (Track 3), in "Birthright" (Track 4), "Teakbois" (Track 7) and "Order Of The Universe" (Track 8). Warm strings pads from "Brother Of Mine" or "Birthright" sound typically D-50.
Some digital lead sounds from "Themes" (Track 1) or "Birthright" are certainly including D-50 patches mixed with other synths.
Anyway, If you are a D-50 lover and a Rock Progressive fan, you must own this album!!
ABWH "An Evening Of Yes Music Plus..." (Fragile Records Limited ©1993 - CDFRL002)
This is the 2 CDs live tour from ABWH album. They also played on it some of old Yes 1970's songs. Rick Wakeman used a Roland D-50 jointly with a Korg T3 and an Ensoniq VFX (among other material) during this tour. Each musician also performed during this concert a solo song. Rick played a medley including the "Catherine Parr" song (CD1 - Track 4). He used the D-50 Internal 16 "Living Calliope" factory preset for a very impressive virtuoso solo line:
Michael Jackson "Bad" (Epic ©1987 - EK 40600)
I read several articles mentioning that the Roland D-50 has been considerably used on this Michael Jackson's album.
Intro from "Man In The Mirror" (Track 7) uses the Internal 84 "Afterthought" factory preset:
Intro from "Liberian Girl" (Track 4) really sounds D-50. The first moody pad and the breathy voice/flute background line (0'34'') were certainly played on a D-50:
Intro from "Dirty Diana" (Track 5) begins with the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset modified: pitch has been lowered, partial including loop muted and a flanger FX added (perhaps with an external unit):
Background pad with breathy percussive spectral attack from "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" song (Track 8 - Verse 2) is the Internal 87 "Future Pad" factory preset (listen carefully, it's very discrete...):
Many thanks to the Internautes who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Jean Michel Jarre "Révolutions" (Disques Dreyfus ©1988 / 837 421-1)
Certainly one of the best reference for D-50 users: JMJ simply used that synth for over 80% of this album. Here are just some examples:
- "Révolution industrielle: Ouverture" (Track 1): you can clearly hear a modified version of the Geerdes Volume 1 84 "Machine Run" patch as rythmic loop FX in the introduction. Orchestral strings are played using PA-Decoder Volume I (Side 2) 41 "ORCHESTER PHILAMON" patch:
Roland PN-D50-01 63 "Griitttarr 2" patch is used as a lead sound:
- "Révolution industrielle: Part 1" (Track 2): Michael Hotop's SoundSet 8 patches 27 "YAMATANO OROCHI" and 71 "--KOKUBOSTRINGS--" have been used in this part. The first one during the introduction as a strange FX (background solo line have been certainly played with the Roland PN-D50-01 46 "Squeeze de Sax" patch):
The second one as a rythmic strings section for the end of this song:
- "Révolution industrielle: Part 2" (Track 3): Leister Volume 3 patch 61 "Analog Chop" is used for a complex sequenced line:
- "Révolution industrielle: Part 3" (Track 4): PA-Decoder Volume I (Side 1) patch 21 "ATARI 1040 ST 5" is used as a special FX to close the song (0'09''):
- "Computer Week-End " (Track 8): EMC Volume 1 patch 31 "Ocean Scenario" is used as a voicey lead sound with plucked attack. Michael Hotop's SoundSet 8 patch 71 "--KOKUBOSTRINGS--" is used as the rythmic strings section comping part:
- "September " (Track 9): PA-Decoder Volume III (Side 2) patch 41 "ANALOG 01" is used as a lead sound:
And these are only a few examples...
Jean Michel Jarre "En Attendant Cousteau" (Disques Dreyfus ©1990 / 843-614-2)
Another JMJ album where are appearing some D-50 sounds.
Roland PN-D50-04 81 "Marshy Zone" patch has been used in "Calypso Part 2" (Track 2) as the introduction special oceanic FX. It is then enhanced (0'07'') with the Metra Sound "Standards" (H. Maass) 75 "Rubicon" patch:
Michel Jonasz "La Fabuleuse Histoire de Mr.Swing" (WEA ©1988 - 242-338/1)
A 2 CDs live album recorded by french singer Michel Jonasz in 1988. It gathers only original songs written especially for this spectacle. Stéphane Montanaro and Larry Cohn were both keyboardists on stage. They worked during three months with Michel Jonasz before the tour began in such a way to elaborate all musical arrangements. They principally used Roland D-50 and Yamaha DX7 synthesizers on this album, sometimes mixing both together.
You can hear the Internal 31 "Breathy Chiffer" factory preset as a flutey background sound during 1st verse of the "Mister Swing" (CD1 - Track 2) song (0'02'', 0'06'', 0'15'', 0'21'', 0'25'' & 0'29''):
In the same song, you also have in the middle part a solo line played with the Internal 52 "Hollowed Harp" factory preset mixed with a DX7 brass sound:
"Le Temps Passé" (CD2 - Track 2) includes another good example of the Internal 44 "Pizzagogo" sound use. You can also hear the Roland PN-D50-01 28 "Pulse Pad" patch as a large pulsey pad in the beginning of the piano solo part (0'28''):
The Internal 14 "Arco Strings" bowed strings section has been used during the introduction of "A Chaque Saison Qui Passe" (CD2 - Track 5):
And these are only a few examples. As I already said, almost all songs on this great opus are using D-50 patches.
Chicago "19" (Reprise Records ©1988 / 9 25714-2)
An agreable pop/funk album as Chicago knows to do it (with, as always, some great ballads too). D-50 has been largely used here - essentially for electric pianos and soft background pads. You can for example here the Bo Tomlyn's "Top 40" patch 52 "OB A-3 Pad" during the introduction of "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love" (Track 2):
Miles Davis "Amandla" (Warner ©1989 / 925 873-2 )
Marcus Miller (one of the principal keyboards programmer from this Miles' album) used the D-50 for some songs. For example, you can hear the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset during 9 seconds as the pad background+rythmic loop FX in the introduction of "Catembé" (Track 1):
"Nikita" Soundtrack by Eric Serra (Gaumont/Virgin ©1990 - 70732)
Eric Serra used several synths, samplers and drum machines on this Luc Besson's film soundtrack. You can hear the D-50 Internal 11 "Fantasia" factory preset as the belly pad intro of "Rico's Gang Suicide" (Track 1):
Dave & Don Grusin "Sticks And Stones" (GRP ©1988 / GR-1051)
Even if this cool Jazz/Funk album essentially sounds Yamaha DX7, Dave & Don used a D-50, notably the Roland PN-D50-01 58 "Wabi Sabi" patch for a solo line in "Sailing At Night" (Track 3):
Seal (ZTT Records ©1991 / 9031-74557-2)
First Seal's album produced by Trevor Horn (ex-Buggles member). If some strings pad seem to have been played with a D-50, you can clearly recognize the Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch during the whole "Violet" (Track 9) song:
Foreigner "Inside Information" (Atlantic ©1987 / 781 808-1)
I read articles mentioning that Foreigner used a D-50 on this album. You can recognize the Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" patch during the introduction from "Say You Will" (Track 3) song:
They also used the Roland PN-D50-01 28 "Pulse Pad" patch during the introduction from "I Don't Want To Live Without You" (Track 4) song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
OMD "The Best of OMD" (Virgin ©1988 / 208 604-630)
This Orchestral Manoeuvres compilation album included some original new songs. You can clearly recognize the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" attack during the bridge of one of these songs named "Dreaming" (Track 15):
I also think that the harp glissandos you can hear in the introduction and the pizz strings background rythmic in the 2nd verse are D-50 presets.
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this song to me!!
Gary Numan "Metal Rhythm" (Illegal Records ©1999 - ILPCD 035)
This british synth pop album previously contained ten songs in its 1988 edition. Gary Numan reedited it in 1999 with three more orginal songs and two special remixes added. He largely used the D-50 on it. Here are three examples:
Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch has been used for the "America" (Track 5) introduction:
You can clearly recognize Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" factory preset (0'12'') and Michael Hotop's SoundSet 8 patch 27 "YAMATANO OROCHI" (0'03'' & 0'10'') during the "Cold Metal Rhythm" (Track 9) introduction:
And here is another use of the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" patch in the "Children" (Track 12) instrumental song:
Serge Gainsbourg "Le Zénith de Gainsbourg" (Philips ©1989 / 838 162-1)
Serge Gainsbourg keyboardist used a Roland D-50 jointly with a Yamaha DX7 (and certainly other material) on this live album recorded at the Zénith (Paris) in 1988. You can for example recognize the Internal 16 "Living Calliope" patch during the "Hey Man Amen" (Track 4) introduction as a subtle background solo line (0'02'' & 0'12''):
The Cars "Door To Door" (Elektra ©1987 / 960 747-2)
Another great Pop-Rock/New Wave album where the D-50 has been largely used. From the beginning, you can hear again the famous Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" and Internal 16 "Living Calliope" factory presets during the introduction of "Leave Or Stay" (Track 1):
Another use is during the "Fine Line" (Track 4) ballad. The organ sound played during all the song is a variation from the Internal 18 "Slow Rotor" patch:
At the beginning and the end from "Go Away" (Track 10) you can clearly recognize a typical D-50 special sound FX:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Prince "Lovesexy" (Paisley Park ©1988 / 925 720-2)
Prince largely used the D-50 on this album. For example, you can hear the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" and Internal 37 "Soundtrack" factory presets during the end of "Positivity" (Track 9) song:
Internal 48 "Piano-Fifty" acoustic piano sound has been used for the "Anna Stesia" (Track 4) song:
Track 3 "Glam Slam" ends with a terrific strings section solo part played with the Internal 54 "Jete Strings" factory preset:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Prince "Batman™ - Motion Picture Soundtrack" (Warner Bros. Records ©1989 / 9 25936-2)
Track 8 "Scandalous" begins with 4 hits from the Internal 62 "Oriental Bells" factory preset:
Mike Francis "Flashes Of Life" (Galaxis ©1988 - GLX 9083)
Mike Francis is an italian Pop/Dance singer who is known for his 1982 top hit "Survivor". He largely used D-50 factory presets on his 1988 album "Flahses Of Life". You can for example clearly recognize the Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch (among a lot of other D-50 sounds) during the instrumental break from "Don't Start Givin' Up" (Track 2):
The rythmic comping pad played during "I Don't Care" (Track 8) is the Internal 27 "Nylon Atmosphere" patch:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
808 State "Quadrastate" (Creed Records ©1989 - State 004)
This english electronic music group seems to have used a Roland Juno-106 sound combined with a D-50 patch for their iconic "Pacific State" (Track 1) hypnotic four chords pad:
Rick Astley "Whenever You Need Somebody" (RCA ©1987 / PD 71529)
Another use from the Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" patch is during the Rick Astley "You Move Me" (Track 9) introduction:
They also used in the same song the Internal 55 "Stereo Polysynth" patch as a background melodic or meaty stab synth during the verses:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Charlelie Couture "Solo Girls" (Columbia ©1988 - 748957 2)
French singer Charlelie Couture used a D-50 on this album. You can hear the Internal 11 "Fantasia" and the Internal 44 "Pizzagogo" patches between verses from the "Aime Moi Encore Au Moins" (Track 9) song:
Pacifique "California" (Vogue ©1990 - 600301)
This french group used a D-50 for his late 80's top hit single "Quand Tu Sers Mon Corps" (Track 4). You can clearly recognize the Internal 27 "Nylon Atmosphere" patch during the introduction:
They also played the Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" patch as a melodic line during the bridge:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Mylène Farmer "Ainsi Soit Je" (Polydor ©1988 / 835 564-2)
One more use of the famous Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset during the introduction of the "Allan" (Track 3) song from this Mylène's album:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Patrick Bruel "Alors Regarde" (RCA ©1989 - PD 74248)
A subtle short apparition of the Internal 67 "Choir" factory preset during the introduction of the "Dors" (Track 9) song from this Patrick's album. You can then clearly recognize the Internal 45 "Flutish Brass" factory preset as a melodic comping from the 1st verse:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Confetti's "92... Our First Album" (USA Import Music ©1989 - USA CD 10.095)
This belgian New Beat group began the "C In China" song (Track 1) with the Internal 56 "Tine Wave" factory preset:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Johnny Hallyday "Cadillac" (Mercury ©1989 - 838 497-2)
The famous french rockstar used a D-50 on this album. You can for example hear the Internal 66 "Shakuhachi" factory preset as a solo sound during the "Mirador" (Track 2) song:
They also played the Internal 14 "Arco Strings" factory preset as a strings section comping during the same song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
David Lee Roth "Skyscraper" (Warner Bros ©1988 / 925 671-1)
This american rocker used a D-50 on this album. Introduction from "Skyscraper" (Track 4) song contains several D-50 synthetic FXs including among others the famous Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset (0'19''):
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
New Order "Technique" (Factory ©1989 - 30678)
A good electro pop album where you can recognize a typical D-50 belly pad sound during the "Vanishing Point" (Track 8) break:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
The Art Of Noise "In No Sense? Nonsense!" (Chrysalis ©1987 - VK 41570)
A discrete but good use of the Internal 77 "O K Chorale" factory preset as backing chords during the "Ode To Don Jose" (Track 9) song:
George Michael "Faith" (Epic ©1987 - 460000 2)
Roland PN-D50-01 58 "Wabi Sabi" patch - doubled with another sound - has been used at the beginning and at the end of the "Father Figure" (Track 2) song:
Roland PN-D50-01 77 "Pipe Organ" patch has been used during the introduction of the "Faith" (Track 1) song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Eric Clapton "Journeyman" (Reprise Records ©1989 / 926 074-1)
The famous british singer and guitarist also played with a D-50 at the end of the 80's. Internal 77 "O K Chorale" patch has been used for the introduction of the "Bad Love" (Track 3) song:
Tangerine Dream "Canyon Dreams" (Miramar ©1991 / MPCD 2801)
Roland D-50 was largely used on this TD's album recorded on 1986-87 for a scenic video film about Grand Canyon and released on 1991. Here are only a few examples:
The flutish solo sound on "Shadow Flyer" (Track 1) song is played with the Internal 36 "Pipe Solo" factory preset:
At the end of the "Canyon Carver" (Track 2) song, you can hear the beginning of the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset played as octaves and repeated all 8 beats:
Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch has been used for the "Water's Gift" (Track 3) introduction and principal pad from whole song:
Internal 11 "Fantasia" factory preset can be heard as a soft bells sound during the "Sudden Revelation" (Track 5) introduction:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
3 "...To The Power Of Three" (Geffen Records ©1988 / 9 24181-2)
This is the unique album from this progressive rock british group which gathers Robert Berry (lead vocal, guitar, bass) and two ex-ELP Keith Emerson (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums). Keith used a lot the D-50 (with other synths) on this opus. You can for example clearly recognize the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" during the first break from "Desde La Vida" (Track 4) song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Billy Ocean "Tear Down These Walls" (Jive ©1988 - 100.140)
Billy Ocean largely used the D-50 in this album. Introduction from "Gun For Hire" (Track 2) uses several factory patches such as Internal 11 "Fantasia" (0'00''), 21 "DigitalNativeDance" (0'04'') or 15 "Horn Section" (0'18''):
In "Stand And Deliver" (Track 3) Internal 16 "Living Calliope" factory preset is used as a solo line after the chorus and Internal 55 "Stereo Polysynth" factory preset is used as short background stabs during the verses (0'04'', 0'06'', 0'08'',...):
Introduction of "Pleasure" (Track 8) uses Internal 15 "Horn Section" as brass interventions and 21 "DigitalNativeDance" (0'04'' & 0'13'') patches:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers "One Bright Day" (Virgin ©1989 - 7 91256-2)
D-50 was also used for Reggae music! Bob Marley's son used it on this album (with a DX7). You can for example recognize the Internal 56 "Tine Wave" factory preset as a background solo line during the 1st verse of "Pains Of Life" (Track 3) song :
In "When The Lights Gone Out" (Track 5) Internal 35 "Rich Brass" factory preset is used as a background low brass (0'00'', 0'11'',...) and high brass section (0'07''-0'28''):
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Phil Collins "...But Seriously" (WEA ©1989 / 256 984-2)
Phil Collins used a D-50 for some synth parts of his album. The introduction of "Another Day In Paradise" (Track 6) begins with a patch which sounds similar to the unknown "Volume 7" 23 "Phaedra" patch:
The song "That's Just The Way It Is" (Track 2) ends with scottish bagpipes as background sound which is the PN-D50-03 57 "Pipe Bags" patch:
Level 42 "Staring At The Sun" (Polydor ©1988 / 837 247-2)
According to a Mike Lindup interview on the YouTube RolandChannel, he used the D-50 for the follwing songs:
- "Two Hearts Collide" (Track 8) begins with a sweep spacey background pad (0'02'') which is certainly a D-50 patch
- "Man" (Track 9) contains a break where you can here a typical D-50 high belly sound:
- "Gresham Blues" (Track 10) begins with a dark voicey background pad which really sounds D-50:
The Bangles "Less Than Zero" motion picture soundtrack (CBS ©1987 / 651250 2)
This maxi-single CD from The Bangles includes a title extracted from the "Less Than Zero" motion picture soundtrack: "Hazy Shade Of Winter" (Track 1) begins with a very beautiful spacey mood introduction which really sounds D-50. You can recognize the Internal 11 "Fantasia" belly attack patch as a background pad (0'11'', 0'17'' & 0'23''):
Many thanks to the internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!
Nick Kamen "Us" (WEA ©1988 / 242 398-2)
I have no confirmation about it, but it seems to me that the strings section patch used for the introduction of "Bring Me Your Love" (Track 1) sounds really D-50, as the synbrass lead sound (0'17'' & 0'19'') and the belly pad melodic line (0'20''):
Sabrina "Sabrina" (Polydor ©1987 / 835 295-2)
This famous italo dance top hit of the 80's uses the Internal 15 "Horn Section" patch as a lead brass riff:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Taylor Dayne "Tell It To My Heart" (Arista ©1987 / ARCD-8529)
Synbrass sound used during the "Tell It To My Heart" (Track 1) top hit is also the Internal 15 "Horn Section" patch:
"La Marche du Siècle" TV credits by David Niles (Antenne 2 ©1987)
A well known 80's-90's french TV program with a musical credits composed by David Niles. He used a D-50 for it. You can recognize the Internal 11 "Fantasia" factory preset used to play four short notes at the end of the introduction (0'04''). Piano sound used for the main theme has been doubled with Internal 41 "Shamus Theme" factory preset. The strings and brass sections are certainly LA synthesis patches too:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
"M6 opening/closing" (M6 ©1987)
M6 french TV channel used an opening/closing jingle at the end of the '80s essentially created with D-50 patches:
"The Simpsons" TV sitcom Danny Elfman's theme (Fox ©1990)
This famous american TV series theme created by Danny Elfman begins with the Internal 17 "D-50 Voices" sound:
One of the most known example is the Internal 44 "Pizzagogo" factory preset use on the Enya's "Orinoco Flow" (Track 7) top hit. The large pizzicato strings section you can hear during almost all the song is effectively the mentioned D-50 patch (reverb has certainly been increased):
You find also this pizz strings sound on the "Cursum Perficio" song (Track 2). The background warm strings pads you can hear on "Storms In Africa" (Track 4), "Exile" (Track 5) or "The Longships" (Track 10) have certainly been played with a D-50.
Enya
"The Memory Of Trees" (WEA ©1995 / 0630-12879-2)
Another Enya's use of the Internal
44 "Pizzagogo" factory preset during the "On My Way Home" (Track 11) chorus. You can also recognize the Internal 38 "Cathedral Organ" factory preset during the introduction:
Many thanks to the Internaute
who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Paula Abdul "Forever Your Girl" (Virgin ©1988 - CD SRN 19)
Another D-50 factory preset (Internal 15 "Horn Section") has been used as a lead synbrass sound on the 1988 Paula Abdul's top hit "Straight Up" (Track 7):
ABWH (Arista ©1989 - 259 970)
Rick Wakeman used a D-50 jointly with an old Moog, an Oberheim Matrix-1000 and a Roland D-110 (among other material) on this great Progressive Rock revival album with a funny history: it gathers the 1970's "Yes" group musicians (Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe). As "Yes" name also belonged in the late 80's to Chris Squire and Alan White who didn't play on this album, they couldn't publish it as a "Yes" album. They thought at first to name it "The Affirmative" or "No", but they finally decided to use the abreviation "ABWH".
As Rick Wakeman is the specialist to use several synths simultaneously mixing different textures, it's difficult here to detect the "D-50 parts". But I'm nearly sure that it appears in the brass riffs from the song "Fist Of Fire" (Track2) which seems to include the Internal 35 "Rich Brass" patch (cetainly mixed with another synth sound). I let you also appreciate the great solo line which seems to be a Moog sound layered with the Internal 26 "Griitttarr" patch:
D-50 brass sounds may also appear in the third part of "Brother Of Mine" (Track 3), in "Birthright" (Track 4), "Teakbois" (Track 7) and "Order Of The Universe" (Track 8). Warm strings pads from "Brother Of Mine" or "Birthright" sound typically D-50.
Some digital lead sounds from "Themes" (Track 1) or "Birthright" are certainly including D-50 patches mixed with other synths.
Anyway, If you are a D-50 lover and a Rock Progressive fan, you must own this album!!
ABWH "An Evening Of Yes Music Plus..." (Fragile Records Limited ©1993 - CDFRL002)
This is the 2 CDs live tour from ABWH album. They also played on it some of old Yes 1970's songs. Rick Wakeman used a Roland D-50 jointly with a Korg T3 and an Ensoniq VFX (among other material) during this tour. Each musician also performed during this concert a solo song. Rick played a medley including the "Catherine Parr" song (CD1 - Track 4). He used the D-50 Internal 16 "Living Calliope" factory preset for a very impressive virtuoso solo line:
Michael Jackson "Bad" (Epic ©1987 - EK 40600)
I read several articles mentioning that the Roland D-50 has been considerably used on this Michael Jackson's album.
Intro from "Man In The Mirror" (Track 7) uses the Internal 84 "Afterthought" factory preset:
Intro from "Liberian Girl" (Track 4) really sounds D-50. The first moody pad and the breathy voice/flute background line (0'34'') were certainly played on a D-50:
Intro from "Dirty Diana" (Track 5) begins with the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset modified: pitch has been lowered, partial including loop muted and a flanger FX added (perhaps with an external unit):
Background pad with breathy percussive spectral attack from "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" song (Track 8 - Verse 2) is the Internal 87 "Future Pad" factory preset (listen carefully, it's very discrete...):
Many thanks to the Internautes who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Jean Michel Jarre "Révolutions" (Disques Dreyfus ©1988 / 837 421-1)
Certainly one of the best reference for D-50 users: JMJ simply used that synth for over 80% of this album. Here are just some examples:
- "Révolution industrielle: Ouverture" (Track 1): you can clearly hear a modified version of the Geerdes Volume 1 84 "Machine Run" patch as rythmic loop FX in the introduction. Orchestral strings are played using PA-Decoder Volume I (Side 2) 41 "ORCHESTER PHILAMON" patch:
Roland PN-D50-01 63 "Griitttarr 2" patch is used as a lead sound:
- "Révolution industrielle: Part 1" (Track 2): Michael Hotop's SoundSet 8 patches 27 "YAMATANO OROCHI" and 71 "--KOKUBOSTRINGS--" have been used in this part. The first one during the introduction as a strange FX (background solo line have been certainly played with the Roland PN-D50-01 46 "Squeeze de Sax" patch):
The second one as a rythmic strings section for the end of this song:
- "Révolution industrielle: Part 2" (Track 3): Leister Volume 3 patch 61 "Analog Chop" is used for a complex sequenced line:
- "Révolution industrielle: Part 3" (Track 4): PA-Decoder Volume I (Side 1) patch 21 "ATARI 1040 ST 5" is used as a special FX to close the song (0'09''):
- "Computer Week-End " (Track 8): EMC Volume 1 patch 31 "Ocean Scenario" is used as a voicey lead sound with plucked attack. Michael Hotop's SoundSet 8 patch 71 "--KOKUBOSTRINGS--" is used as the rythmic strings section comping part:
- "September " (Track 9): PA-Decoder Volume III (Side 2) patch 41 "ANALOG 01" is used as a lead sound:
And these are only a few examples...
Jean Michel Jarre "En Attendant Cousteau" (Disques Dreyfus ©1990 / 843-614-2)
Another JMJ album where are appearing some D-50 sounds.
Roland PN-D50-04 81 "Marshy Zone" patch has been used in "Calypso Part 2" (Track 2) as the introduction special oceanic FX. It is then enhanced (0'07'') with the Metra Sound "Standards" (H. Maass) 75 "Rubicon" patch:
Michel Jonasz "La Fabuleuse Histoire de Mr.Swing" (WEA ©1988 - 242-338/1)
A 2 CDs live album recorded by french singer Michel Jonasz in 1988. It gathers only original songs written especially for this spectacle. Stéphane Montanaro and Larry Cohn were both keyboardists on stage. They worked during three months with Michel Jonasz before the tour began in such a way to elaborate all musical arrangements. They principally used Roland D-50 and Yamaha DX7 synthesizers on this album, sometimes mixing both together.
You can hear the Internal 31 "Breathy Chiffer" factory preset as a flutey background sound during 1st verse of the "Mister Swing" (CD1 - Track 2) song (0'02'', 0'06'', 0'15'', 0'21'', 0'25'' & 0'29''):
In the same song, you also have in the middle part a solo line played with the Internal 52 "Hollowed Harp" factory preset mixed with a DX7 brass sound:
"Le Temps Passé" (CD2 - Track 2) includes another good example of the Internal 44 "Pizzagogo" sound use. You can also hear the Roland PN-D50-01 28 "Pulse Pad" patch as a large pulsey pad in the beginning of the piano solo part (0'28''):
The Internal 14 "Arco Strings" bowed strings section has been used during the introduction of "A Chaque Saison Qui Passe" (CD2 - Track 5):
And these are only a few examples. As I already said, almost all songs on this great opus are using D-50 patches.
Chicago "19" (Reprise Records ©1988 / 9 25714-2)
An agreable pop/funk album as Chicago knows to do it (with, as always, some great ballads too). D-50 has been largely used here - essentially for electric pianos and soft background pads. You can for example here the Bo Tomlyn's "Top 40" patch 52 "OB A-3 Pad" during the introduction of "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love" (Track 2):
Miles Davis "Amandla" (Warner ©1989 / 925 873-2 )
Marcus Miller (one of the principal keyboards programmer from this Miles' album) used the D-50 for some songs. For example, you can hear the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset during 9 seconds as the pad background+rythmic loop FX in the introduction of "Catembé" (Track 1):
"Nikita" Soundtrack by Eric Serra (Gaumont/Virgin ©1990 - 70732)
Eric Serra used several synths, samplers and drum machines on this Luc Besson's film soundtrack. You can hear the D-50 Internal 11 "Fantasia" factory preset as the belly pad intro of "Rico's Gang Suicide" (Track 1):
Dave & Don Grusin "Sticks And Stones" (GRP ©1988 / GR-1051)
Even if this cool Jazz/Funk album essentially sounds Yamaha DX7, Dave & Don used a D-50, notably the Roland PN-D50-01 58 "Wabi Sabi" patch for a solo line in "Sailing At Night" (Track 3):
Seal (ZTT Records ©1991 / 9031-74557-2)
First Seal's album produced by Trevor Horn (ex-Buggles member). If some strings pad seem to have been played with a D-50, you can clearly recognize the Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch during the whole "Violet" (Track 9) song:
Foreigner "Inside Information" (Atlantic ©1987 / 781 808-1)
I read articles mentioning that Foreigner used a D-50 on this album. You can recognize the Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" patch during the introduction from "Say You Will" (Track 3) song:
They also used the Roland PN-D50-01 28 "Pulse Pad" patch during the introduction from "I Don't Want To Live Without You" (Track 4) song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
OMD "The Best of OMD" (Virgin ©1988 / 208 604-630)
This Orchestral Manoeuvres compilation album included some original new songs. You can clearly recognize the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" attack during the bridge of one of these songs named "Dreaming" (Track 15):
I also think that the harp glissandos you can hear in the introduction and the pizz strings background rythmic in the 2nd verse are D-50 presets.
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this song to me!!
Gary Numan "Metal Rhythm" (Illegal Records ©1999 - ILPCD 035)
This british synth pop album previously contained ten songs in its 1988 edition. Gary Numan reedited it in 1999 with three more orginal songs and two special remixes added. He largely used the D-50 on it. Here are three examples:
Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch has been used for the "America" (Track 5) introduction:
You can clearly recognize Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" factory preset (0'12'') and Michael Hotop's SoundSet 8 patch 27 "YAMATANO OROCHI" (0'03'' & 0'10'') during the "Cold Metal Rhythm" (Track 9) introduction:
And here is another use of the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" patch in the "Children" (Track 12) instrumental song:
Serge Gainsbourg "Le Zénith de Gainsbourg" (Philips ©1989 / 838 162-1)
Serge Gainsbourg keyboardist used a Roland D-50 jointly with a Yamaha DX7 (and certainly other material) on this live album recorded at the Zénith (Paris) in 1988. You can for example recognize the Internal 16 "Living Calliope" patch during the "Hey Man Amen" (Track 4) introduction as a subtle background solo line (0'02'' & 0'12''):
The Cars "Door To Door" (Elektra ©1987 / 960 747-2)
Another great Pop-Rock/New Wave album where the D-50 has been largely used. From the beginning, you can hear again the famous Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" and Internal 16 "Living Calliope" factory presets during the introduction of "Leave Or Stay" (Track 1):
Another use is during the "Fine Line" (Track 4) ballad. The organ sound played during all the song is a variation from the Internal 18 "Slow Rotor" patch:
At the beginning and the end from "Go Away" (Track 10) you can clearly recognize a typical D-50 special sound FX:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Prince "Lovesexy" (Paisley Park ©1988 / 925 720-2)
Prince largely used the D-50 on this album. For example, you can hear the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" and Internal 37 "Soundtrack" factory presets during the end of "Positivity" (Track 9) song:
Internal 48 "Piano-Fifty" acoustic piano sound has been used for the "Anna Stesia" (Track 4) song:
Track 3 "Glam Slam" ends with a terrific strings section solo part played with the Internal 54 "Jete Strings" factory preset:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Prince "Batman™ - Motion Picture Soundtrack" (Warner Bros. Records ©1989 / 9 25936-2)
Track 8 "Scandalous" begins with 4 hits from the Internal 62 "Oriental Bells" factory preset:
Mike Francis "Flashes Of Life" (Galaxis ©1988 - GLX 9083)
Mike Francis is an italian Pop/Dance singer who is known for his 1982 top hit "Survivor". He largely used D-50 factory presets on his 1988 album "Flahses Of Life". You can for example clearly recognize the Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch (among a lot of other D-50 sounds) during the instrumental break from "Don't Start Givin' Up" (Track 2):
The rythmic comping pad played during "I Don't Care" (Track 8) is the Internal 27 "Nylon Atmosphere" patch:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
808 State "Quadrastate" (Creed Records ©1989 - State 004)
This english electronic music group seems to have used a Roland Juno-106 sound combined with a D-50 patch for their iconic "Pacific State" (Track 1) hypnotic four chords pad:
Rick Astley "Whenever You Need Somebody" (RCA ©1987 / PD 71529)
Another use from the Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" patch is during the Rick Astley "You Move Me" (Track 9) introduction:
They also used in the same song the Internal 55 "Stereo Polysynth" patch as a background melodic or meaty stab synth during the verses:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Charlelie Couture "Solo Girls" (Columbia ©1988 - 748957 2)
French singer Charlelie Couture used a D-50 on this album. You can hear the Internal 11 "Fantasia" and the Internal 44 "Pizzagogo" patches between verses from the "Aime Moi Encore Au Moins" (Track 9) song:
Pacifique "California" (Vogue ©1990 - 600301)
This french group used a D-50 for his late 80's top hit single "Quand Tu Sers Mon Corps" (Track 4). You can clearly recognize the Internal 27 "Nylon Atmosphere" patch during the introduction:
They also played the Internal 61 "Staccato Heaven" patch as a melodic line during the bridge:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Mylène Farmer "Ainsi Soit Je" (Polydor ©1988 / 835 564-2)
One more use of the famous Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset during the introduction of the "Allan" (Track 3) song from this Mylène's album:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Patrick Bruel "Alors Regarde" (RCA ©1989 - PD 74248)
A subtle short apparition of the Internal 67 "Choir" factory preset during the introduction of the "Dors" (Track 9) song from this Patrick's album. You can then clearly recognize the Internal 45 "Flutish Brass" factory preset as a melodic comping from the 1st verse:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Confetti's "92... Our First Album" (USA Import Music ©1989 - USA CD 10.095)
This belgian New Beat group began the "C In China" song (Track 1) with the Internal 56 "Tine Wave" factory preset:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
Johnny Hallyday "Cadillac" (Mercury ©1989 - 838 497-2)
The famous french rockstar used a D-50 on this album. You can for example hear the Internal 66 "Shakuhachi" factory preset as a solo sound during the "Mirador" (Track 2) song:
They also played the Internal 14 "Arco Strings" factory preset as a strings section comping during the same song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
David Lee Roth "Skyscraper" (Warner Bros ©1988 / 925 671-1)
This american rocker used a D-50 on this album. Introduction from "Skyscraper" (Track 4) song contains several D-50 synthetic FXs including among others the famous Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset (0'19''):
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned this album to me!!
New Order "Technique" (Factory ©1989 - 30678)
A good electro pop album where you can recognize a typical D-50 belly pad sound during the "Vanishing Point" (Track 8) break:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
The Art Of Noise "In No Sense? Nonsense!" (Chrysalis ©1987 - VK 41570)
A discrete but good use of the Internal 77 "O K Chorale" factory preset as backing chords during the "Ode To Don Jose" (Track 9) song:
George Michael "Faith" (Epic ©1987 - 460000 2)
Roland PN-D50-01 58 "Wabi Sabi" patch - doubled with another sound - has been used at the beginning and at the end of the "Father Figure" (Track 2) song:
Roland PN-D50-01 77 "Pipe Organ" patch has been used during the introduction of the "Faith" (Track 1) song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Eric Clapton "Journeyman" (Reprise Records ©1989 / 926 074-1)
The famous british singer and guitarist also played with a D-50 at the end of the 80's. Internal 77 "O K Chorale" patch has been used for the introduction of the "Bad Love" (Track 3) song:
Tangerine Dream "Canyon Dreams" (Miramar ©1991 / MPCD 2801)
Roland D-50 was largely used on this TD's album recorded on 1986-87 for a scenic video film about Grand Canyon and released on 1991. Here are only a few examples:
The flutish solo sound on "Shadow Flyer" (Track 1) song is played with the Internal 36 "Pipe Solo" factory preset:
At the end of the "Canyon Carver" (Track 2) song, you can hear the beginning of the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" factory preset played as octaves and repeated all 8 beats:
Internal 37 "Soundtrack" patch has been used for the "Water's Gift" (Track 3) introduction and principal pad from whole song:
Internal 11 "Fantasia" factory preset can be heard as a soft bells sound during the "Sudden Revelation" (Track 5) introduction:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
3 "...To The Power Of Three" (Geffen Records ©1988 / 9 24181-2)
This is the unique album from this progressive rock british group which gathers Robert Berry (lead vocal, guitar, bass) and two ex-ELP Keith Emerson (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums). Keith used a lot the D-50 (with other synths) on this opus. You can for example clearly recognize the Internal 21 "DigitalNativeDance" during the first break from "Desde La Vida" (Track 4) song:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Billy Ocean "Tear Down These Walls" (Jive ©1988 - 100.140)
Billy Ocean largely used the D-50 in this album. Introduction from "Gun For Hire" (Track 2) uses several factory patches such as Internal 11 "Fantasia" (0'00''), 21 "DigitalNativeDance" (0'04'') or 15 "Horn Section" (0'18''):
In "Stand And Deliver" (Track 3) Internal 16 "Living Calliope" factory preset is used as a solo line after the chorus and Internal 55 "Stereo Polysynth" factory preset is used as short background stabs during the verses (0'04'', 0'06'', 0'08'',...):
Introduction of "Pleasure" (Track 8) uses Internal 15 "Horn Section" as brass interventions and 21 "DigitalNativeDance" (0'04'' & 0'13'') patches:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers "One Bright Day" (Virgin ©1989 - 7 91256-2)
D-50 was also used for Reggae music! Bob Marley's son used it on this album (with a DX7). You can for example recognize the Internal 56 "Tine Wave" factory preset as a background solo line during the 1st verse of "Pains Of Life" (Track 3) song :
In "When The Lights Gone Out" (Track 5) Internal 35 "Rich Brass" factory preset is used as a background low brass (0'00'', 0'11'',...) and high brass section (0'07''-0'28''):
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Phil Collins "...But Seriously" (WEA ©1989 / 256 984-2)
Phil Collins used a D-50 for some synth parts of his album. The introduction of "Another Day In Paradise" (Track 6) begins with a patch which sounds similar to the unknown "Volume 7" 23 "Phaedra" patch:
The song "That's Just The Way It Is" (Track 2) ends with scottish bagpipes as background sound which is the PN-D50-03 57 "Pipe Bags" patch:
Level 42 "Staring At The Sun" (Polydor ©1988 / 837 247-2)
According to a Mike Lindup interview on the YouTube RolandChannel, he used the D-50 for the follwing songs:
- "Two Hearts Collide" (Track 8) begins with a sweep spacey background pad (0'02'') which is certainly a D-50 patch
- "Man" (Track 9) contains a break where you can here a typical D-50 high belly sound:
- "Gresham Blues" (Track 10) begins with a dark voicey background pad which really sounds D-50:
The Bangles "Less Than Zero" motion picture soundtrack (CBS ©1987 / 651250 2)
This maxi-single CD from The Bangles includes a title extracted from the "Less Than Zero" motion picture soundtrack: "Hazy Shade Of Winter" (Track 1) begins with a very beautiful spacey mood introduction which really sounds D-50. You can recognize the Internal 11 "Fantasia" belly attack patch as a background pad (0'11'', 0'17'' & 0'23''):
Many thanks to the internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!
Nick Kamen "Us" (WEA ©1988 / 242 398-2)
I have no confirmation about it, but it seems to me that the strings section patch used for the introduction of "Bring Me Your Love" (Track 1) sounds really D-50, as the synbrass lead sound (0'17'' & 0'19'') and the belly pad melodic line (0'20''):
Sabrina "Sabrina" (Polydor ©1987 / 835 295-2)
This famous italo dance top hit of the 80's uses the Internal 15 "Horn Section" patch as a lead brass riff:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
Taylor Dayne "Tell It To My Heart" (Arista ©1987 / ARCD-8529)
Synbrass sound used during the "Tell It To My Heart" (Track 1) top hit is also the Internal 15 "Horn Section" patch:
"La Marche du Siècle" TV credits by David Niles (Antenne 2 ©1987)
A well known 80's-90's french TV program with a musical credits composed by David Niles. He used a D-50 for it. You can recognize the Internal 11 "Fantasia" factory preset used to play four short notes at the end of the introduction (0'04''). Piano sound used for the main theme has been doubled with Internal 41 "Shamus Theme" factory preset. The strings and brass sections are certainly LA synthesis patches too:
Many thanks to the Internaute who kindly mentioned it to me!!
"M6 opening/closing" (M6 ©1987)
M6 french TV channel used an opening/closing jingle at the end of the '80s essentially created with D-50 patches:
"The Simpsons" TV sitcom Danny Elfman's theme (Fox ©1990)
This famous american TV series theme created by Danny Elfman begins with the Internal 17 "D-50 Voices" sound:
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