Queen – Dont Stop Me Now – Bridge
Dont Stop Me Now < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘F’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm7’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘Gm7’, ‘F/A’, ‘Bb’, ‘Bdim’, ‘C’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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F (‘I’)
F7 (‘V7/IV’)
Bb (‘IV’)
Gm7 (‘ii7’)
D7 (‘V7/V’)
Gm (‘ii’)
D7 (‘V7/V’)
Gm (‘ii’)
Gm7 (‘ii7’)
F/A (‘I6’)
Bb (‘IV’)
Bdim (‘vii°/V’)
C (‘V’)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
You’ll find similar chord structures in Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind”. The usage of I-ii-V progressions, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords to create a jazzy and rich texture align with the mood of Queen’s bridge in “Don’t Stop Me Now”.
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Cmaj7 (‘I’)
Bm7 (‘ii7’)
E7 (‘V7/VI’)
Am (‘VI’)
D7 (‘V7/V’)
Gm7 (‘ii’)
C7 (‘V7/IV’)
Fmaj7 (‘IV’)
Am/E (‘VI6’)
Dm7 (‘ii7’)
G7 (‘V7’)
Cmaj7 (‘I’)
“`
Musical Analysis
Queen creates a jazzy, upbeat atmosphere by incorporating harmony that’s common in jazz and popular music, such as II-V-I progressions (D7-Gm-C) and the use of dominant sevenths (F7, D7) and minor sevenths (Gm7). The use of borrowed chords, specifically the secondary dominants (like the V7/IV=F7, and the V7/V=D7), adds a tension and resolution that helps to propel the progression forward. Furthermore, the Bdim, a diminished vii from the key of G minor (V of C), is used as a leading tone into C, creating a smooth modulation.
Overall Analysis
This particular section is mostly based in the key of F major and highlights Freddie Mercury’s love for moving from the classical I-ii-V progression to the jazz-inspired I-IV-ii-V, often followed by a jazzy II-V-I. In this part of the song, you will find some interesting use of borrowed chords and leading tones, contributing to the chromaticism that enriches the progression.
Style Analysis
This progression showcases the typical Queen sound: a blending of rock, pop, and classical styles with a touch of jazz thrown in, often revolving around major keys with an occasional surprise from borrowed chords. This creates a catchy and memorable hook, characteristic of Queen’s style.
What are the chords in: Queen – Dont Stop Me Now – Bridge?
[‘F’, ‘F7’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm7’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘D7’, ‘Gm’, ‘Gm7’, ‘F/A’, ‘Bb’, ‘Bdim’, ‘C’]
