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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

“Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones uses a common rock arrangement with a focus on the V, I, and vi chords. The distinguishing factor for this particular progression is its consistent use of inverted chords to create more linear, and stepwise, bass lines.

The chord progression of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” is unique and complex, which contributes to the dreamy, atmospheric, and rich harmonic content prevalent in the song. Its ambiguous key center and shifting tonal centers create a sense of fluidity and unpredictability, commonly observed in Radiohead’s style. The chorus features a blend of diatonic and borrowed chords from parallel keys, which creates a colorful, almost impressionist quality to the progression.

The chorus of “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is built around a progression that oscillates between a single major chord, F, and a single minor seventh chord, Cm7. This is quite minimalistic. Major chords usually have a happy, positive feel, while minor chords induce a somewhat sad, introspective mood. The use of C minor 7th gives a particular color to the progression: it’s a minor chord with an added minor seventh, which means it’s a bit less stable than a regular minor chord.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The given chord progression for the chorus is: Bm, A, G. Here’s the analysis with full chord names and Roman numerals:

– B minor (vi)
– A Major (V)
– G Major (IV)

The vi-IV-V progression is quite common in pop and rock music.

Note: Since this song is written in D Major, all of these chords are naturally present in the key and there are no borrowed chords in this progression.

“`
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

The vi-IV-V progression used in the chorus of “Iris” is quite common, and we can find it in several other songs as well. Here are a few examples:

1. “Someone Like You” by Adele: C#m, B, A (then moves to E/G#, A, E) – IV, V, III
2. “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen: Fm, Eb, Db – vi, V, IV
3. “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga: F#m, E, D, F#m, E, D – vi, V, IV

Musical Analysis

“Iris” follows a verse-chorus structure, with the given chord progression repeated multiple times throughout the song. The combination of the minor vi chord to the major IV and V chords creates a contrast that brings emotional depth and also a catchy movement to the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

Style Analysis

Goo Goo Dolls style in “Iris” is characterized by rock, with strong influences from pop and alternative rock. The repeated chord progression provides a steady, almost relentless momentum that carries through the entire song, making it intensely emotive and memorable.

Chords in the Chorus section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]