10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70 keyboard

There is a certain unofficial “canon” of electric pianos that have made their mark on music history. A few of those are the Fender Rhodes, the Wurlitzer EP-200A, and – of course – the Yamaha CP-70. The Yamaha CP-70 is an electric grand piano that has carved its niche in the music world, primarily through recordings from the 1970s and 1980s, but also on a few modern classics.

With the release of Alicia’s Electric Keys for Kontakt (based on the sound of Alicia’s personal CP-70 and her signature effects chains) it’s a perfect time to celebrate this iconic keyboard. We’ve picked out ten of the best songs that use the piano’s unique tone.

Jump to these sections:

• What is the Yamaha CP-70 Keyboard?
• Who has used the Yamaha CP-70 Keyboard?
• 10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70 Keyboard

1. 1. “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys
   2. “Hold The Line” by Toto
   3. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
   4. “My Life” by Billy Joel
   5. “Tee Time” by Vulfpeck
   6. “A Groovy Kind of Love” by Phil Collins
   7. “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel
   8. “I Would Die 4 U” by Prince
   9. “Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson
   10. “The Valley” by Mayer Hawthorne

• Start using the iconic 70s and 80s sound in your music

Follow along with this tutorial using Alicia’s Electric Keys.

Get Alicia’s Electric Keys

What is the Yamaha CP-70 keyboard?

In the mid-1970s, a need arose for a touring instrument that could capture the sound and feel of a grand piano with added portable capabilities. The Yamaha CP-70 was built in 1976 as a solution to this problem.

Though it followed in the footsteps of a few other electric pianos, this Yamaha electric piano still pioneered a sound as it aimed to retain some of the timbres of a traditional piano. Unlike traditional pianos though, the CP-70 lacks a soundboard and uses shorter strings with pickups similar to a guitar’s. It also has its own built-in pre-amp.

As the instrument was designed for touring musicians, the CP-70 features detachable legs and a split design – meaning it can be broken down quickly while on the road. The build of the CP-70 gives the instrument a unique sound of a bell-like tone and a slightly metallic sustain.

The piano’s portability and built-in pickup system that could be plugged directly into a sound rig made it a trendy choice among popular musicians at the time, but its iconic sound has also been immortalized in many legendary studio recordings.

Who has used the Yamaha CP-70 keyboard?

Since its release in 1976, the CP-70 has been a favorite electric keyboard of artists from across the genre spectrum. A few of these musicians include Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Toto, and Phil Collins, who, among many others, all use the keyboard’s signature sound in their songwriting. Listing all the users of the CP-70 is a mammoth task, as the keyboard’s distinctive sound has graced countless albums.

The use of the Yamaha CP-70 sound in so many recordings is what makes the keyboard an all-time classic electronic instrument, standing amongst legendary synthesizers like the Minimoog and drum machines like the Roland TR-909.

10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70 Keyboard

With our historical context and understanding of the instrument out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the best songs of all time that feature the iconic and distinctive Yamaha CP-70 sound. It’s always difficult to narrow down a list like this, but here is our pick for the 10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70.

1. “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys

It’s only natural that Alicia Keys would be first on this list. In “Girl On Fire,” she uses the Yamaha CP-70 to craft a powerful, emotive backdrop to her intense vocal performance. The piano’s unique tone enriches her modern R&B vibe, perfectly complementing Keys’ belting vocals. The Yamaha CP-70 sound adds depth and warmth to create a well-rounded production.

2. “Hold The Line” by Toto

Toto’s “Hold The Line” is a rock classic that is driven by the CP-70, placing the punchy piano line front and center of the mix. This track utilizes the keyboard’s ability to cut through the arrangement, delivering a powerful and memorable sound. The band used the keyboard’s sound to craft an anthemic track, putting the keyboard in a role typically reserved for the guitar.

3. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

Keane was one of the first modern adopters of the keyboard’s classic sound on the record “Somewhere Only We Know.” Wistful, melancholic tones emanate from the keyboard and craft the song’s introspective and nostalgic atmosphere along with the contemplative lyrics performed by frontman Tom Chaplin.

4. “My Life” by Billy Joel

The spirited piano line in Billy Joel’s “My Life” had to be played with a sound that could capture the lively essence of the writing. That is why the CP-70 is so well suited to this track. The upbeat feel of the piano writing is perfectly captured by the dynamic tones of the electric keyboard. This song puts its 1970s rock optimism at the forefront through its bright timbre.

5. “Tee Time” by Vulfpeck

In “Tee Time,” Vulfpeck utilizes the CP-70 to give the track a playful and quirky vibe. The keyboard’s unique timbre, coupled with frantic auto-panning, adds a funky, inventive layer to the song. This use of the CP-70 sound showcases Vulfpeck’s innovative approach to music production and flair for blending vintage sounds with modern techniques.

6. “A Groovy Kind of Love” by Phil Collins

Phil Collins’ GRAMMY award-winning cover of “A Groovy Kind of Love” uses the CP-70 to create a soft, romantic piano foundation for the song’s tender lyrics to sit atop. The keyboard’s warm tones infuse the ballad with delicate emotional depth. The song reached the number-one position on multiple charts throughout the late 1980s.

7. “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” prominently features the CP-70, with its rich tones adding to the song’s complex, world music-inspired arrangement. The keyboard’s depth enhances Gabriel’s heartfelt lyrics about connection and understanding. Gabriel crafted a truly moving listening experience.

8. “I Would Die 4 U” by Prince

Rock and pop virtuoso Prince used the CP-70 on every album from Prince to Purple Rain, so this pick could be from any number of tracks. “I Would Die 4 U” uses the keyboard with such pulsating energy that this had to be our pick. The clear tones sit comfortably in the busy mix and add weight to Prince’s dynamic performance. Skip to 2:35 for the entrance of the keys in this live version:

9. “Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson’s “Steppin’ Out” epitomizes the early 1980s pop scene and uses the CP-70 to create a bright, airy feel. The song shows off the keyboard’s bell-like clarity. This stylish hit is a great showcase for the Yamaha electric piano.

10. “The Valley” by Mayer Hawthorne

We’re ending the mostly vintage list on a modern note with Mayer Hawthorne’s “The Valley.” Hawthorne features the CP-70 in a context that blends classic soul with contemporary elements. The keyboard’s distinctive sound brings a nostalgic feel to the track, accentuating Hawthorne’s take on traditional soul themes and his smooth, catchy vocals.

Start using the iconic 1970s and 1980s sound in your music

The Yamaha CP-70 keyboard is still a legend in the music world, and its sound is just as relevant and inspiring today as it was decades ago. You can bring those iconic 1970s and 1980s tones into your music with Alicia’s Electric Keys. Whether you’re working on a vintage track or something more modern and electronic, the Yamaha CP-70’s unique tone remains unmistakable and timeless. Explore the possibilities with Alicia’s Electric Keys and keep the legacy going.

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