Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

**

“Somebody To Love” by Queen is a classic rock ballad in the key of G major, drawing heavily from influences of gospel music and blues progressions. Its bridge, aside from the characteristic gospel and rock elements, includes a modulating progression that is particularly interesting due to its use of borrowed chords, which adds contrast and emphasizes the emotive quality of the song.

**

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.

“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Tame Impala is a psychedelic pop song notable for its dreamy, lo-fi sound and use of unconventional chord progressions. Musically, the song is written in the key of F major, but creatively uses chromatic mediants, borrowed chords, and modal interchange to establish a unique harmony. The song also uses dynamic contrast to create a dreamlike atmosphere, increasing the song’s overall psychedelic effect.

“Love of My Life” is a stunning ballad written by Freddie Mercury of Queen. The song is written in the key of A major and is primarily played on piano. It features a sophisticated and somewhat unconventional chord progression that serves as the foundation for Mercury’s versatile vocal performance. It’s arguably one of Queen’s more classical-influenced pieces and makes use of borrowed chord techniques frequently, which are commonly associated with the band’s flirtation with different musical styles, including rock, classical, and opera.

“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is in E minor key. The song is from the album Siamese Dream, which most perfectly represents the band’s sound leaning heavily on crunchy guitars and raw power chords. Your requested verse only includes the chord progression ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘B’ repeated 4 times.

Queen – Somebody To Love – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

G (I), D/F# (V/V), Em (vi), G (I), A7 (V/V/V), D (V), G (I), D/F# (V/V), Em (vi), A7 (V/V/V), D (V), G (I), A7 (V/V/V), D (V), A7 (V/V/V), D (V), C (IV)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Imagine” by John Lennon – C (I), CMaj7 (I), F (IV), C (I), E7 (III7), F (IV)
2. “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles – G (I), D/F# (V6), Em (vi)
3. “Let It Be” by The Beatles – C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), C (I), G (V), F (IV)

These songs don’t have the exact same chord progression but the presence of secondary dominant chords and vi chords in major keys makes them similar in style to Somebody to Love by Queen.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression for “Somebody To Love” is relatively simple, but effective. Freddie Mercury uses both diatonic and secondary dominant chords throughout the verse, adding variation and sparking interest while providing a strong, recognizable harmonic structure. The D/F# is a first inversion of a D chord, showing further sophistication in Mercury’s composition abilities.

Overall Analysis

“Someone to Love” by Queen is a rock song infused with gospel and blues influences. It’s written in the key of Ab major but the second verse you have provided seems to be in G major.

Style Analysis

Freddie Mercury often drew from his classical piano training to create complex harmonies and chord progressions, and “Somebody to Love” is no exception. With its use of secondary dominants, the piece particularly shares a similarity with much of classical and jazz music. The piece also rides a line between tension and release, setting up expectations with its diatonic chords and then subverting them using non-diatonic chords, reminiscent of the blues.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Somebody To Love by Queen are:

[‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘C’]