Vance Joy – Riptide – Pre-chorus
Riptide < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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‘Am’ – A minor (‘vi’)
‘G’ – G major (‘V’)
‘C’ – C major (‘I’)
Each chord transition presents a unique implication within the melodic landscape. For instance, the move from the ‘A minor’ to ‘G major’ paints a plaintive, melancholy picture, while the shift to ‘C major’ offers a resolve that completes the musical phrase in a satisfying manner.
Note: There appears to be no borrowed chords in this progression.
“`[‘Am’ – A minor (‘vi’), ‘G’ – G major (‘V’), ‘C’ – C major (‘I’)]“`
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Similar Chord Progressions
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David Guetta – “Titanium”
The chord progression in David Guetta’s “Titanium” closely mirrors that of Vance Joy’s “Riptide.”
‘Dm’ – D minor (‘vi’)
‘Am’ – A minor (‘iv’)
‘F’ – F Major (‘I’)
“`[‘Dm’ – D minor (‘vi’), ‘Am’ – A minor (‘iv’), ‘F’ – F Major (‘I’)]“`
Walk the Moon – “Shut Up and Dance”
Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” shares a similar progression, albeit in a different key:
‘D’ – D major (‘I’)
‘Bm’ – B minor (‘vi’)
‘G’ – G major (‘IV’)
“`[‘D’ – D major (‘I’), ‘Bm’ – B minor (‘vi’), ‘G’ – G major (‘IV’)]“`
These songs all share the notable feature of transitioning from a minor chord to a major chord, effectively creating a satisfying tension and resolve that conveys the emotion and message in the song.
Musical Analysis
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This progression employs a standard minor-to-major chord transition (A minor to C major) which adds tension and release within the melody. The pre-chorus specifically dances between ‘A minor’ to ‘G major’ to ‘C major’. The movement from ‘A minor’ to ‘G major’ brings intrigue and tension, while the shift to ‘C major’ brings satisfaction by returning to the tonic.
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Overall Analysis
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Vance Joy’s “Riptide” is a folk-pop song that presents a unique coupling of simplicity and depth on the musical landscape. The chord progression, in particular the pre-chorus, is relatively straightforward, but it introduces a flavor of complexity thanks to the inclusion of the borrowed chord. The song operates primarily within the key of C major, and maintains a predominantly folk-like, easy listening aesthetic throughout. Its chord progression, while simple, is nonetheless powerful in conveying the song’s desired emotional ambiance.
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Style Analysis
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Vance Joy employs a folk-pop style that’s deceptively simple yet intensely engaging. His work in “Riptide,” especially in the pre-chorus, is emblematic of this style. The chord progression, despite being fairly straightforward, grants a sense of charismatic musical storytelling. Furthermore, it mirrors Vance Joy’s lyrical storytelling, framing his vocals sympathetically while also allowing them to shine in their own light. The chords are strummed in an easy-going, rhythmic pattern that’s characteristic of the folk-pop genre.
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What are the chords in: Vance Joy – Riptide – Pre-chorus?
[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’]
