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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The given chord progression for the ending of Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army?” is in the key of A major. There are four chords in the progression: A, C#m, B-5, and B-5. Overall, it follows a relatively simple harmonic structure that incorporates power chords and a chromatic neighbor tone in the bass.

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

The chord progression in the outro of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis is a relatively simple and concise one, having just three chords: G#m7, A#m7, and D#aug. Considering that the key of this song is G# minor, the progression makes use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Moreover, incorporating an augmented chord lends a feeling of tension and anticipation that makes the outro stand out.

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The song, ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles is uniquely complex in its melody and chord progression. The song modulates or shifts key but is rooted mainly in D major. The song utilizes the standard rock/pop song structure of Verse, Chorus, and Outro. The unusual facet of this song’s composition is the use of borrowed chords (non-diatonic chords) that add unexpected twists to an otherwise typical chord progression.

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The chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

Radiohead – You And Whose Army – Outro

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Chord Progression

C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#

Chord Progression Analysis

C#m – i
E – III (borrowed chord from C# major)
F# – V/v (secondary dominant of the borrowed III chord)
C# – I (borrowed chord from C# major)

“`
| C#m (i) | E (III) | F# (V/v) | C# (I) |
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord Progression:

“`
| Am (i) | A (I) | E (V) | G (VII) |
“`

2. Muse – “Space Dementia”
Chord Progression:

“`
| Bm (i) | D (III) | Bm (i) | G (VI) |
“`

3. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord Progression:

“`
| Ebm (i) | Bb (V) | Gb (III) | Fm (v) | Ab (VII) | Ebm (i) | Bb (V) | Ab (VII) |
“`

Musical Analysis

The chord progression’s use of borrowed chords and secondary dominants creates complexity and interest, while maintaining a sense of tonality with the strong I/i resolution. The borrowed III creates a surprise shift in tonality, which is further emphasized by the secondary dominant V/v leading back to the I chord. This mixture of major and minor qualities gives the progression an ambiguous and dreamy feel that is often found in Radiohead’s music.

Overall Analysis

This chord progression from Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” is in the key of C# minor, and the chords are predominantly composed of diatonic chords from the C# natural minor scale with some borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. The progression follows a looped pattern, creating a hypnotic and catchy quality which is characteristic of Radiohead’s music.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of Radiohead’s atmospheric, innovative style. It is cleverly composed, with the mix of major and minor chords creating a mesmerizing and emotive feel, which suits the overall atmosphere of the song. Radiohead is known for their ability to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional harmonic progressions, and this chord progression is another example of that.

Chords in the Outro section of You And Whose Army by Radiohead are:

C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#