Key changes - explanation of a modulation

[Sibob]

I've been re-going through Son Of A Preacher and a question struck me.
When does the actual key change occur? I mean technically.....
When the middle section moves to the D, is this considered to be #6 chord in the key of E and the 'key change' is simply when the A is hit for the next verse? Or is the D considered the key change and the bridge simply starts on the 5th chord in the key of A?

Thanks
Si

[TKenrick]

On listening to it, my ears hear the key change at the first chord of the bridge.

You could, however, view the bridge section in terms of the key of E major - the D chord would be labelled 'b7 major' (rather than #6) which is a really common non-diatonic chord that crops up in a bunch of pop, rock and soul tunes.

All of the bridge chords can be analysed in terms of either E major or A major, so for me the debate as to exactly where the key change happens is an aural one.

[Sibob]

[quote name='TKenrick' timestamp='1423844361' post='2689656']
On listening to it, my ears hear the key change at the first chord of the bridge.

You could, however, view the bridge section in terms of the key of E major - the D chord would be labelled 'b7 major' (rather than #6) which is a really common non-diatonic chord that crops up in a bunch of pop, rock and soul tunes.

All of the bridge chords can be analysed in terms of either E major or A major, so for me the debate as to exactly where the key change happens is an aural one.
[/quote]

Cheers bud,
I'd be inclined to agree with you, the aural change for me happens at the D, but I also noticed the compatibility between the chords used in the bridge between the two keys, hence wondering about if there was a definitive 'rule' on it

Thanks for the input, especially about the b7major
Si

[Bilbo]

I would say at the D also. Try blowing over it and you will find the scales you use change at the D not at the A.

[Annoying Twit]

If D is a pivot chord, wouldn't the melody itself then be what indicates the actual key at that point.