Born to Be Wild: Details (by Listening Companion)

Who wrote "Born to Be Wild" (Listening Example 7)?

Mars Bonfire (born Dennis McCrohan, later Dennis Edmonton).

In what year was Steppenwolf's hit "Born to Be Wild" released?

1968

What three landscape features around the Los Angeles region inspired Mars Bonfire?

The mountains, the ocean, and the high desert.

Where did Bonfire sit down to figure out the "bluesy riff" inspired by his travels?

Back in his apartment.

What is the specific "rousing three-chord pattern" that characterizes most of "Born to Be Wild"?

G flat - A flat - E flat

What modified structure does Mars Bonfire use

Verse-chorus form with a pre-chorus

What single chord is used exclusively during the verses of "Born to Be Wild"?

The tonic E flat chord

Where is the song's signature three-chord pattern G flat-A flat-E flat first introduced?

In the pre-chorus

How does the chorus contrast with the pre-chorus while using the same three chords?

It broadens the sense of time by changing the harmony less frequently.

What are the structural terms used by classical vs. popular musicians for the closing instrumental passage?

Coda (classical) / Outro (popular).

What studio technique is used during the long diminuendo in the outro?

A "rock fade".

Where is the instrumental interlude located?

After the first chorus

In which specific mountain range did Mars Bonfire experience the dark storm that inspired the term "heavy metal"?

The San Bernardino Mountains.

What are the defining musical characteristics of the heavy metal style?

Heavily distorted guitars

Extended solos

A very strong pulse

High volume

Who is the lead singer of Steppenwolf?

John Kay (b. 1944).

Where does lead singer John Kay believe heavy metal music truly had its beginnings?

In Led Zeppelin and beyond (rather than Steppenwolf).

How did the members of Steppenwolf categorize their own band's musical style?

As a hard rock, blues-based band.

What term does music critic Barney Hoskyns use to describe the genre style of "Born to Be Wild"?

Proto-metal

What did the staff writers for Classic Rock Magazine declare about the song in 2021?

They called it "probably the first real metal track."

Beyond its genre labels, what cultural reputations does "Born to Be Wild" permanently hold?

An anthem to rebellion

The ultimate biker song

An iconic rock original

What is the name of the famous highway that runs through the San Bernardino Mountains where "Born to Be Wild" was inspired?

The "Rim of the World Highway"