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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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“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails features a haunting and melancholic chord progression typical of the alternative rock and industrial rock genres. The tonality of the piece centers around the key of C major, with occasional borrowed chords and chromaticism adding emotional color and tension. The verse and chorus sections both feature a similar pattern of repeating chords as well as a descending bass line connecting the chords, giving the piece cohesion.

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Looking at the entire song and isolating the verse, the chord progression provided shows a rock style often seen in Queens of the Stone Age compositions. The harmonic language of this song and its progression style fall within the realm of Pop / Rock music, with frequent use of minor chords suggesting a somber or introspective mood. On first glance, it appears to contain chords primarily from the key of F# minor, with no obvious borrowings from other keys. However, a closer inspection will allow us to delve deeper into their harmonic function.

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“Save Me” by Queen is in the key of G Major and it features a number of modulations to closely related keys. It resonates a distinct rock ballad style incorporating unique variations of common chord progressions from rock and pop genres. The progression’s utilization of inverted chords also brings depth and character to the melody.

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“Zombie” by The Cranberries is in the key of E minor. Its structure is generally pop and rock, with the power of distorted guitars and a heavy drumbeat complemented by Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting vocals. It utilizes a four-chord progression, which is common in many pop and rock tracks and has been a popular choice amongst songwriters for its simplicity and versatility.

Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse sections utilize a common alternation between tonic (i) and submediant (VI) chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, which is typical for the music of Nine Inch Nails. The G major and F major chords in the verse sections introduce variety and give a unique character to the song. The chorus and bridge sections maintain the tension of the verses while expanding the harmonic palette with chords like A major (IV) and G major (III).

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” reflects the signature Nine Inch Nails sound, which is characterized by a blending of rock, electronic, and industrial music elements. The repeated use of i-VI chord alternation contributes to an overall sense of melancholy and resignation, and the distinctive use of the borrowed F major chord contributes to the song’s dark, moody atmosphere.

Overall Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily composed in the key of E minor. The song consists of four sections: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, and Bridge. The chord progressions in the song are relatively simple, with a distinct alternation between E and C chords in the verses, while the chorus and bridge sections feature a broader range of chords such as A, C, and G.

Chord Progression Analysis (Verse 2):
E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), F major (♭VII; borrowed chord from E Phrygian), E minor (i)

*G major (III) and F major (♭VII) are both non-diatonic chords in E minor, with the F major chord being borrowed from the E Phrygian mode.

Style Analysis

1) Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Verse: A minor (i), A minor7/G (i7/♭VII), E minor (iv), D major (♭III)

2) Linkin Park – “Numb”
Verse: E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), D major (VII)

3) The Smashing Pumpkins – “1979”
Verse: E flat major (I), G minor (iii), C minor (vi), B flat major (V)

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Every Day Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails are:

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E