Timbre

The different tones of these two pieces are part of what make them each unique. Tone quality, or timbre, is what makes two sounds, which may be at the same pitch and volume, sound different. It is what enables a listener to differentiate between instruments playing the same notes. Also called color, this tone quality is determined by the distinct combination of frequencies that are heard with each sound. Tone quality is extremely influential to the overall impression of a piece of music.

Different instruments have different timbres

With regards to the number of instruments used, "Three Little Birds" is quite minimalist. It comprises of a relatively few parts: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, percussion, lead vocals, and background vocals. While these instruments by themselves are not atypical in contemporary music styles, the sum of the parts and the way they are played gives "Three Little Birds" its reggae flair. The bass, equalized to make its already full, deep sound even fuller and deeper, works with the drum set to set the groove. The drummer focuses on the high-hat and also uses the cross-stick technique for the snares. The combination of these two techniques, along with the specific rhythm being played creates a light, laid back mood. The rhythm guitar is "chopped" or "chucked" at to produce an easily recognizable sound. The chords are hit and then quickly muted, which makes the guitar seems as if it is being used for percussion. The keyboard is made to sound like an organ; it has unique color with a bright sound and is used to play upbeat riffs. The vocalists, especially Bob Marley, all sing in a gentle, relaxed fashion. The combination of all these sounds, which by themselves are not extremely unlike what is found in mainstream music, creates a song with a distinguished and different style: reggae.

On the other hand, "Drops of Jupiter" incorporates a plethora of different sounds. Beyond Train themselves, the song required another twelve musicians. Its instrumentation includes lead and backing vocals, two percussion, saxophone, trumpet, mandolin, harmonica, vibraphone, two basses, drums, lead guitar, two rhythm guitars, two keyboards, three cellos, two violins, two viola, and piano. This song won, in addition to a Grammy for Best Rock Song, a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). This was for how well all of its sounds were blended. The inclusion of the string section really made the difference. The strings provide a smooth background, and the horns and piano provide another smooth layer of sound. Together, they successfully make the song feel full and complex while preserving its lighthearted mood. The guitar and vocals add a top layer to that background, and the drums, percussion, and basses give the song a strong groove. The arrangement incorporates all of these accompanying sounds together, and balances them against each other. No one section is too overwhelming, and the end result sounds like one complete song rather than a plethora of different parts mashed together. This blend and balance gives "Drops of Jupiter" its timeless appeal.

While the colors of "Three Little Birds" and "Drops of Jupiter" are completely different, they are alike in the major role that timbre plays. "Three Little Birds" creates the color that is characteristic in its genre, and this color is what had made it so popular with reggae fans. "Drops of Jupiter" got its recognition and popularity by skillfully balancing the multitude of instruments used in order to create a pop rock song that, simply put, sounds good.