The Beach Boys – Kokomo – Sax Solo
Kokomo < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘Gm7’, ‘F’, ‘Fm’, ‘C’, ‘D7’, ‘G7’, ‘C’]
Chord Progression Analysis
`C (I)`, `Cmaj7 (IMaj7)`, `Gm7 (v7)`, `F (IV)`, `Fm (iv)`, `C (I)`, `D7 (V7/V)`, `G7 (V7)`, `C (I)`.
C is the tonic chord, establishing the key of the song. The Cmaj7 chord is a tonic major seventh, which adds color to the basic I chord with a lush, jazzy sound. Gm7 is the borrowed v7 chord from the parallel minor (C minor), introducing a dark, melancholic twist to the progression. F and Fm form a IV – iv progression, another borrowed chord move creating an emotional depth in the piece. D7 is a secondary dominant that leads to G7, the dominant chord (V7). These dominant chords create tension and drive the progression back to the resolution on C.
Similar Chord Progressions
– In “Something” by The Beatles, a similar use of the iv chord can be heard in the chord progression F – Em – A7 – Dm (IV – iii – V7/vi – vi). The Beatles often employed such intriguing harmonic progressions, and this is an example.
– “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey also contains a similar borrowed v chord progression seen in E – B – C#m – G#m – A – G#m – A (I – V – vi – iii – IV – iii – IV).
Chord sequences:
– `F (IV)`, `Em (iii)`, `A7 (V7/vi)`, `Dm (vi)` for “Something”.
– `E (I)`, `B (V)`, `C#m (vi)`, `G#m (iii)`, `A (IV)`, `G#m (iii)`, `A (IV)` for “Don’t Stop Believin’”.
Musical Analysis
The sax solo forms a critical part of the song’s structure, exploring rich harmonic possibilities within a seemingly simple framework. The use of the borrowed v7 and the iv progression, along with the secondary dominants that intersperse the progressions, creates a highly emotive and dynamic musical landscape. Paired with the lush saxophone timbre, the chord progression gives the solo an atmospheric, tropical vibe.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression for “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys is an example of sophisticated pop songwriting that combines elements of traditional tonal harmony, modal interchange (borrowed chords), and secondary dominants for dramatic effect. This song is in the key of C major.
Style Analysis
The Beach Boys frequently employ complex harmonies and chord progressions, taking inspiration from jazz and classical music. “Kokomo” encapsulates their signature ‘surf sound,’ creating a relaxed, californian atmosphere with the warmth of major chords and contrasted with the melancholy borrowed chords pull from the minor key.
What are the chords in: The Beach Boys – Kokomo – Sax Solo?
[‘C’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘Gm7’, ‘F’, ‘Fm’, ‘C’, ‘D7’, ‘G7’, ‘C’]
