In this Sidetrax episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl explore the pull of songs built on 6/8 and other six-based feels. They break down why this meter hits differently, how it shapes emotion and groove, and why it shows up everywhere from soul classics to modern pop. The discussion moves from music theory basics to a curated tour of standout tracks across decades, plus a few surprises, fake sponsors, and a live listening reaction.

Key Points

• How 6/8 differs from 3/4 and 4/4, and why the “feel” matters more than the notation.


• Why the six-feel creates sway, momentum, and emotional weight.


• Historical roots in church music, blues, and early soul.


• Why shuffle feels, triplet feels, and swing blur into the same rhythmic family as 6/8.


• Examples where the meter is ambiguous but the feel is undeniable (Toto, Dave Matthews Band, System of a Down, A Perfect Circle).


• Live reaction to Led Zeppelin’s Since I’ve Been Loving You from The Song Remains the Same.


• The 6/8 connection back to blues and gospel as the foundation for countless modern ballads.


• Sidetrax flavor: fake sponsors, foraging paranoia, and Dan and Carl being Dan and Carl.


• Extended version with music clips available on Patreon.

Music Referenced

• Iron Maiden


• House of the Rising Sun by The Animals


• I've been loving you so long by Otis Redding


• Dreams to remember by Otis Redding


• Richie Valens


• Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, OP. 125 "Choral": II. Scherezo. Molto vivace - Presto


• Chicago Transit and Authority


• Colour My World by Chicago


• O'Darlin' by The Beatles


• Norwegian Wood by The Beatles


• Bella Flek and the Flek tones


• Johnny C


• Quadrophenia by The Who


• Love, Reign O'er Me by The Who


• Eminence Front by The Who


• Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers


• Breaking the Girl by Red Hot Chili Peppers


• Give it Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers


• Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers


• Porcelain by Red Hot Chili Peppers


• Never Tear Us Apart by INXS


• Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley


• Kiss from Rose by Seal


• One more try by George Michael


• kissing a fool by George Michael


• Untitled (How Does It Feel) by D'Angelo


• Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande


• Lose control by Teddy Swims


• Wildflowers & Wine by Marcus King


• Stay Awhile by Edie Brickell


• Picture Perfect Morning by Edie Brickell


• The Song Remains the Same by Led Zeppelin


• Since I've Been Loving You - (Live at MSG 1973)[Remaster] by Led Zeppelin


• The Hollow by A Perfect Circle


• Rosanna by Toto


• Hold the Line by Toto


• Drive In, Drive Out by Dave Matthews Band


• Satellite by Dave Matthews Band


• Fine Line by Harry Styles


• Harry's House by Harry Styles


• She by Harry Styles


• Sometimes salvation by the black crow's