It's Still Rock And Roll To Me (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Jim Beloff): Ukulele

Jim Beloff's arrangement respects the conversational ease of the original while finding new life in ukulele voicings that feel both authentic and freshly voiced. The song's wry commentary on musical trends never gets old, and on ukulele it lands with a casual charm that makes it immediately approachable for student performers and audiences alike.

Breezy and self assured, with a knowing wink at rock and roll's constantly shifting landscape. The ukulele brings an inherent lightness that contrasts pleasantly with the song's gently skeptical lyrics, creating a musical tension that makes the performance enjoyable rather than heavy-handed.

Ukulele students who've moved beyond fundamentals and want to tackle a song with personality and cultural weight. This arrangement works for solo performers in recitals, small ensembles, and classroom settings where contemporary song material energizes student engagement.

• Keep the groove conversational rather than metronomic; slight rhythmic flexibility in the verse makes the vocal storytelling land better.
• Balance the melody so the lyrics remain clear and witty without oversinging.
• Lean into the percussive qualities of the ukulele during rhythmic passages to maintain energy without amplification.
• Pay attention to dynamic contrast between verses and the hook to support the song's narrative arc.

Include this in a recital or concert celebrating contemporary songwriting to show how serious artistry and accessibility coexist. It pairs well with other pop standards on an all-ukulele program and serves as a bridge piece for students learning to navigate songs beyond the classical canon.

• Phrasing and breath management in sung melody
• Rhythmic accuracy while maintaining conversational timing
• Dynamic control and musical storytelling in pop idiom
• Translating piano based songwriting to ukulele texture