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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Zombie” by The Cranberries features a relatively commonly used chord progression in pop/rock music, often referred to as a ‘vi-IV-I-V’ progression. This chord progression, in this particular case, is in the key of G Major and is made up of four chords: Em, C, G, and D/F#.

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The song ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries is in the key of E minor. Its defining characteristics include plaintive repeated melodies, an intense grunge-inspired arrangement, and Dolores O’Riordan’s iconic vocal embellishments. The song employs a common rock/pop chord progression with added tension by using the D/F# chord.

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The progression in the song “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala shows a combination of borrowed chords and modal mixture, with most of the chords belonging to the key of E Major. The verse chords including G# minor, C# minor, B, and E, establish a strong use of modal interchange, borrowed from the parallel minor of E.

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“And I Love Her” by The Beatles is predominantly set within the key of F# minor. Apart from the chorus that momentarily modulates to the key of D minor, the verses embrace a darker, melancholic atmosphere portrayed by the minor keys. The tonal structure and chord progressions in the song are reflective of the band’s exploration of intricate harmonies, going beyond the simple three-chord structures of many contemporary pop songs of the time.

“Lost Cause” by Beck from the album “Sea Change” showcases a melancholic and heartfelt mood with a slow tempo, exuding a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The song can be described as a folk-rock ballad with subtle touches of country and indie rock.

The Cranberries – Zombie – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here are the chords sequenced in the way you specified:

– E minor (i)
– C major (VI)
– G major (III)
– D/F# (VII)

Note the VII chord is in first inversion with its third (F#) in the bass, hence D/F#.

The progression is repeated throughout the verse.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let it Be” by The Beatles follows the exact same progression, transposed to the key of C major, giving us: C – G – Am – F (or: I – V – vi – IV)
2. “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley, also follows the same progression, transposed to the key of C major: C – G – Am – F.

Musical Analysis

“Zombie” by The Cranberries uses simple, yet effective means in its composition. It repeats a four-chord pattern (Em – C – G – D/F#) throughout the song to maintain a consistent musical theme. What makes it truly stand out is how it utilizes this simplicity to serve the song’s emotional core. The repeated E minor chord offers a haunting sadness that reflects the song’s lyrical themes.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Zombie” fits in the Alternative Rock style, more specifically in the Post-Grunge movement of the 90’s. Distorted guitars, a heavy rhythm, and clear expressive melodic lines are characteristics of this style. The sequence of chords is conventional in pop music, and they have been used in different styles and periods.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Zombie by The Cranberries are:

[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’]