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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Kiss” is a funk, synthpop song written, produced and performed by Prince. The song’s structure runs around a simple, repeated two-bar eight-note pattern, but what’s odd is the song’s key. Dotting between E and D, it’s hard to pin down definitively, but the song seems to be written in the ambiguous key of E Mixolydian/D major.

“Kiss” by Prince is primarily a rock song that features pop elements. The song utilizes power chords which are common in rock music, having a stripped-down chord structure that highlights the root and the fifth notes of the chord. The defined chord progression listed for Verse 3 is: [‘A5’, ‘D5’, ‘A5’]. This progression lacks the richness of Major or Minor chords but provides a solid, driving rhythm backbone to the song, prioritizing rhythmic energy over harmonic complexity.

“Roads” by Portishead is set in the key of Am, also known as A minor. In the verse, there is an interesting use of the flat major 7 (Fmaj7) chord. This chord is not typically found within the natural minor key but is considered a borrowed chord from the A major key. Thus, this use of said borrowed chord and its resolution to the E7 dominants gives the song a unique feel, contributing to its mesmerizing and emotive ambience. Portishead tends to blend the use of A minor and A Dorian modality in their music, especially apparent in this composition.

The chord progression in Weezer’s “Perfect Situation” is a simple and repetitive progression that cycles through three chords, G, D, and Am, with D being used as a transitional or “passing” chord. This progression is based on the I – V – ii structure in the key of G major.

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Generally, the chord progression follows the conventional guidelines of western music, utilizing strong resolution from B (V) to E (I). However, it also employs some harmony techniques very typical in pop/rock music, such as the use of slash chords and chord inversions (A/E, F#m7/E) to add harmonic interest. In addition, it incorporates chromatic mediant relationships (E to C#m) to create a sense of progression.

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Prince – Kiss – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘A5’, ‘D5’, ‘A5’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Particularly in verse 1, the chord progression is as follows:
A5 (‘I’ or tonic), D5 (‘IV’ or subdominant), A5 (‘I’ or tonic)

For easier processing, here is the requested code block:

“`
A5 (‘I’), D5 (‘IV’), A5 (‘I’)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

There are plenty of songs that use a very simple I-IV or I-IV-I progression in various keys such as:

– “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash utilizes the chords D5 (‘I’) – G5 (‘IV’) – D5 (‘I’)
– “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones also uses a similar power chord pattern: A5 (‘I’) – D5 (‘IV’) – E5 (‘V’)
– “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC also has the simple power chord progression of G5 (‘I’) – C5 (‘IV’) – D5 (‘V’)

Please note that while these songs share a similar chord pattern with “Kiss” by Prince, they each have their unique arrangements and genre-defining attributes, thereby generating different musical effects and emotional responses.

Musical Analysis

The use of these chords adds a sense of stability to the song. The simplicity of power chords allows Prince’s vocals to stand at the forefront. The occasional use of ‘E5’ and ‘E9sus4’ gives the song a touch of suspension between the tonic and dominant, creating a slight tension that keeps the listener engaged.

Overall Analysis

“Kiss” by Prince is a well-loved song known for its catchy tune and funky, upbeat style. The song is composed in the key of A major. However, it lacks typical diatonic major harmonies because Prince used power chords (fifth chords) instead of full major or minor chords. The progression is largely built around the ‘A5’ and ‘D5’ power chords, with the occasional ‘E5’ and ‘E9sus4’ worked in to add some variation.

Style Analysis

Prince’s “Kiss” is characteristic of his synth-pop and rock infused style. Power chords are a common feature in rock music where the music aims for a more powerful, raw sound rather than complex harmony. The use of the ‘E9sus4’ in other parts of the song adds a flavor of jazz and funk, genres that Prince often leans into.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Kiss by Prince are:

[‘A5’, ‘D5’, ‘A5’]