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“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis is written in the key of C major. Although it largely conforms to the traditional progressions expected within this key, the song does feature some interesting variations in the form of borrowed chords coming from the parallel minor key (C minor) – a common technique used in pop and rock music.

This iconic Britpop song predominantly features the use of traditional tonal harmony found in pop songs throughout the late 20th century, and the verse specifically recalls the harmonic patterns utilized in the 1950s and 60s. The defining feature of this song (as is the case with many Oasis tunes) is the use of returning, resounding repetitions of simple chord sequences.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major. The primary chords used throughout the song are: B major (I), C# major (II), G major (bVI), E major (IV), F# major (V), and C (bII). The chords progression is unconventional when compared to traditional music theory. This unconventional use of chords and progressions creates a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the song.

Chord Analysis (Pre-Chorus):

The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which is also found in the verse, would be:
B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II)

Borrowed Chord:

G major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from B minor, the parallel minor of B major in this song.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

The song “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle has a main key signature of E major, as indicated by the repeated occurrences of the chords B, A, and E. The overall structure is tonal, using chords common in Western music. Some elements of modality are observable though, with the use of the C chord, which in traditional music theory would be considered a borrowed chord from the parallel E minor scale. A sense of tension and release is created through the use of these non-diatonic chords, which ultimately helps to maintain the listener’s interest.

Oasis – Dont Look Back In Anger – Pre-Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘E7/G#’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
G (V), E7/G# (V/vi), Am (vi),
G (V), F (IV), G (V)“`

The Fm6 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, i.e., C minor, adding complexity to this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead: G (I), B (III), C (IV), Cm (iv)
2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles: Am (i), Am/G (i), Am/F# (i), Am/F (i), Am (i), Am/G (i), D9 (IV), G (♭VII)

Both of these songs use a similar IV-iv-I change. The latter song also uses a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.

Musical Analysis

The pre-chorus plays with a particular melancholic feel by borrowing the Fm6 (iv) from the parallel minor. This change from IV to iv, followed by the I chord, creates a sorrowful, longing effect, which has a strong impact on listeners. The change from G (V), E7/G# (V/vi) to Am (vi) is a standard cadence, but it’s slightly modified by the inclusion of a secondary dominant for Am (E7).

Overall Analysis

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, a popular rock ballad, is characterized by its melancholic chord progressions. Its key is major, specifically C Major, but it involves a frequent use of borrowed chords for a touch of bitterness, matching the poignant lyrics.

Style Analysis

The mixture of major and minor chords and the use of borrowed chords are typical for Oasis’ style and for Britpop/rock in general, lending a melancholic or nostalgic atmosphere to the song. The IV-iv-I move is a common “pop” progression variant seen in many other songs.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Dont Look Back In Anger by Oasis are:

[‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘E7/G#’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘G’]