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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Motion Picture Soundtrack” is an alternative rock song by Radiohead from their album “Kid A” released in 2000. The chord progression in the hook features a mixture of harmonic choices from both diatonic and non-diatonic sources, with borrowed chords and chromatic notes. The style displays a unique blend of rock, electronic, and experimental music elements, which is characteristic of the art/pop-rock genre of the time.

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.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals features a repeating chord progression in a minor key that gives the song a haunting, melancholic feel. This progression moves through the circle of fifths, features borrowed chords from its relative major key and has a strong resolution from the dominant to the tonic.

The song “I Will” by The Beatles is an example of their unique and sophisticated approach to pop songwriting, demonstrating their comprehensive mastery of harmony within the pop idiom. The majority of the harmonies used in the song are diatonic to the key of C major, however there are several instances of borrowed chords that add color and complexity to the song’s overall harmonic structure.

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is a pop rock song released in 1967. Musically, the track displays characteristics of the “Baroque pop” style combine with psychedelic pop. The composition is multifaceted with complex chord progressions inspired by classical music, as well as elements of the British music hall style, specifically brass band influences throughout.

Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (I) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – Bmadd9 (iii(add9)) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – G Major (I) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – Bmadd9 (iii(add9)) – Csus2 (IVsus2)

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Borrowed Chord: None
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”:
D Major(add9) (IV(add9)) – Am7sus (ii7sus) – Em7(add4) (vi7(add4)) – G Major(add9) (I(add9))

2. Jeff Buckley – “Last Goodbye”:
C#m7(add11) (i7(add11)) – E(add9) (III(add9)) – A(add9) (VI(add9)) – B(add2) (VII(add2))

These artist examples also showcase their use of added extensions and suspended chords in their progressions, evoking a sense of character similar to “Motion Picture Soundtrack.”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression is largely diatonic, based in the key of G Major, and lacks any borrowed chords or modal interchange. The non-diatonic extensions and suspended chords add rich sounds to the harmony while maintaining a sense of stability. Additionally, the Bmadd9 is functioning as a mediant chord, offering a softer resolution back to the tonic G Major when paired with the Csus2.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of Verse 1 from Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” features a fairly simple harmony with some unique embellishments. The common use of suspended chords and added extensions give the progression its distinctive atmosphere and modern sound.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their unique approach to harmony, often blurring the lines between traditional tonality and more experimental techniques. Suspended chords and extensions like the ones found in this progression are common in alternative rock and art rock genres. The repetitive structure and use of these embellishments give the piece a dreamy atmosphere, which is characteristic not only of this song but also Radiohead’s overall style.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are:

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2