Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 3
Motion Picture Soundtrack < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2
Chord Progression Analysis
1. G major (I)
2. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
3. Bmadd9 (iii(add9))
4. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
5. G major (I)
6. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
7. Bmadd9 (iii(add9))
8. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
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Borrowed Chord: Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord Progression: [‘Dmaj9’, ‘Aadd9’, ‘Eadd9’]
2. U2 – “With or Without You”
Chord Progression: [‘D’, ‘Asus4’, ‘Bsus4’, ‘Gsus2’]
3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord Progression: [‘Em7’, ‘G’, ‘Dsus4’, ‘Asus4’, ‘Cadd9’]
These chord progressions feature similar use of suspended and extended chords, creating a distinctive sound that is found in many alternative rock songs. While not exactly the same as Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack, these chord progressions demonstrate similar non-functional and expressive harmonic techniques.
Musical Analysis
The G major (I) chords serve as a melodic anchor in this progression, giving a sense of resolution amidst the surrounding harmonic tension. The Csus2 is a borrowed chord from the G Mixolydian mode, and it adds some harmonic ambiguity to the progression, since it features the 2nd scale degree suspended above the major 3rd. The Bmadd9 chord accentuates the minor modality and adds tension, which resolves back to the Csus2 chord before returning to the G major (I) chord.
Overall Analysis
Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.
Style Analysis
Motion Picture Soundtrack’s chord progression can be interpreted as a fusion of modal and alternative rock styles. Radiohead’s frequent use of unconventional chord voicings can be seen here, with the incorporation of sus2 and add9 chord extensions. The melancholic yet emotional progression is characteristic of alternative rock’s tendency to evoke introspection and strong emotional responses.
What are the chords in: Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 3?
G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2
