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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The verse of “All I Need” by Radiohead features a simple chord progression consisting of three main chords: C, Em, and G. It alternates between these three chords for most of the progression, with some occasional repetition of the C chord. This progression provides a consistent harmonic foundation for the vocal melody and sets a mostly stable and melancholic mood.

This chord progression from Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” is in the key of C# minor, and the chords are predominantly composed of diatonic chords from the C# natural minor scale with some borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. The progression follows a looped pattern, creating a hypnotic and catchy quality which is characteristic of Radiohead’s music.

“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, “The Wall.” It is known for its haunting, ethereal quality, achieved through the use of predominantly minor chords, lush harmonies, and a slow, atmospheric tempo. The song’s lyrics and melancholic mood reflect feelings of loss and desolation.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails is a song with a dark and moody atmosphere. The chord progression in both the verse and chorus of the song features certain borrowed chords and chromatic tones that give the piece this distinctive quality. The song seems to be in the key of C Major, but certain chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor) are used to create a sense of tension and emotional turmoil.

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.

Radiohead – All I Need – Chorus

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Chord Progression

C, Em, C, Em, C, Em, C, Em, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I), E Minor (iii), C Major (I), E Minor (iii), C Major (I), E Minor (iii), C Major (I), E Minor (iii), G Major (V), C Major (I)

No borrowed chords are used in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be” (Verse)
C Major (I), G Major (V), A Minor (vi), F Major (IV), C Major (I), G Major (V), F Major (IV), C Major (I)

2. Coldplay – “Clocks” (Verse)
E Flat Major (I), B Flat Minor (v), A Flat Major (IV), F Minor (ii)

These examples are not exact matches to Radiohead’s progression but showcase some similar elements, such as the emphasis on tonic, use of relative minor chords, and strong resolution points.

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “All I Need” relies on a simple I-iii alternation, giving the progression a sense of tension and resolution with each move between the tonic and relative minor. This creates an introspective and melancholic atmosphere, which is a trademark of Radiohead’s style. The eventual shift to the dominant chord (G major) briefly breaks the pattern, adding to the emotional weight of the progression before returning to the tonic to conclude the sequence.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression for Radiohead’s “All I Need” chorus features a simple and repetitive structure, with a strong emphasis on the tonic (C major) and its relative minor (E minor). The progression then ends with a brief move to the dominant (G major), before returning to the tonic. This accessible sequence reflects the song’s emotional vulnerability and simplicity, while also showcasing the band’s ability to create emotional depth in their music.

Style Analysis

Radiohead’s style is often known for combining alternative rock with experimental sounds and unique song structures. However, in “All I Need,” they opt for a more straightforward, emotionally resonant approach. The simplicity of the chorus’s chord progression reflects their ability to create powerful music through accessible means, while still maintaining their characteristic depth and introspection.

Chords in the Chorus section of All I Need by Radiohead are:

C, Em, C, Em, C, Em, C, Em, G, C