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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails has an interesting chord progression, particularly in the bridge, which adopts a distinct pattern of E, A, C, G repeatedly. This song is classified under Industrial Rock and utilizes repetition impressively to create a sense of monotony and frustration, akin to the lyrical theme.

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“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a unique four-chord cycle in its chorus – ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’. The song is in the key of E minor, and therefore, the functional analysis would interpret this progression as i-IV-bVI-III. The bVI and III are borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. This chord progression creates a moody atmosphere that aligns with the overall melancholic and introspective theme of the song.

The song “Space Oddity” by David Bowie features a complex and varied chord progression that incorporates elements of both traditional and experimental popular music. The song is in the key of C Major, and its progression is characterized by the use of modal interchange, or the borrowing of chords from parallel scales. This is indicative of Bowie’s varied musical influences, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop while also incorporating experimental techniques associated with progressive rock.

The chorus of “The Good Life” by Weezer features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with a primary focus on the key of G major. The chord progression stands out as somewhat unconventional due to the inclusion of chromatic chords, which gives it an interesting character and emotion. Additionally, the repetition of certain chords emphasizes the harmonic structure and creates a sense of familiarity.

“For No One” is a song from The Beatles’ album Revolver, released in 1966. The song has a melancholic theme, represented quite well through a sophisticated chord progression that features significant use of the minor scale and infrequent use of chord extensions, such as 7th and suspended chords. It’s written primarily in C Major, but the chorus alternates between D Minor and A7, an interesting modal shift (Using structural chords from different modes).

Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same – Chorus

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Chord Progression

E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E

Chord Progression Analysis

E | A | C | G
Em (i) | A (IV) | Cmaj (♭VI) | G (III)
Borrowed chords: A (IV) and G (III) from E major.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chord Progression:
G | B | C | Cm
Gmaj (I) | Bmaj (III) | Cmaj (IV) | Cmin (iv)

2. The Beatles – “In My Life”
Chord Progression:
A | E | F#m | D | G | A
A (I) | E (V) | F#m (vi) | D (IV) | G (♭VII) | A (I)

These examples show a similar use of borrowed chords in their progressions, which contribute to an engaging sound that stands out as a signature element of the artist’s style.

Musical Analysis

The main progression in the chorus is built with two borrowed chords (A and G) from the parallel major key (E Major). The progression starts with the tonic chord (Em) that defines the E minor tonality. It then progresses to the A major chord, which is borrowed from E major, adding interest and brightness to the sound.

Next, the progression moves to C major, which acts as a submediant chord in the E minor key. This chord is not borrowed and belongs to the original key. The progression then moves to the G major chord, which is also borrowed from E major, before returning to the tonic chord (Em). This combination of common and borrowed chords creates a unique and engaging chord progression.

Overall Analysis

The song “Every Day is Exactly the Same” by Nine Inch Nails is in E minor key. The chord progression found in the chorus consists mainly of common chords found in the E minor key, along with a couple of borrowed chords from E major. The use of borrowed chords adds unique color and tension to the music.

Style Analysis

The band Nine Inch Nails is known for its dark, moody, and atmospheric sound, which combines elements of industrial, rock, and electronic music. The use of borrowed chords in this chord progression contributes to this signature style, having a darker feel by taking elements from both E minor and E major keys.

Chords in the Chorus section of Every Day Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails are:

E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E