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** The chord progression in Verse 3 of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords in the key of A major, featuring the use of suspended chords, 9th chords, and 6th chords. The progression has a tonally ambiguous and ethereal quality, which is characteristic of Radiohead’s style.

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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.

The song, “Sour Times” by Portishead, is in the key of C# minor. The chord progression of the chorus that you’ve provided swings between three chords (F#m7, Emaj7, D#7) four times before ending on a C#m chord. It suggests a II – I – VII progression in the chorus, which is rare and distinctive in contemporary music genres. This choice of chord progression creates a mysterious, dark, and contemplative mood, characteristic of the trip-hop genre that Portishead propounds.

The chorus of the Pink Floyd song “Breathe” features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords and creates a dreamy, spaced-out mood. The combination of major and minor seventh chords, as well as dominant 7th chords with altered 9ths, contributes to this atmospheric quality.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “New Born” is an interesting mix of diatonic, borrowed, and modal interchange chords, displaying a strong connection to rock music with its use of suspended chords and chromatic passing tones. The progression demonstrates the band’s compositional skill and creativity.

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Chorus 2

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Chord Progression

Bm7add11, A, Bm7add11, Asus4, A

Chord Progression Analysis

Bm7add11 (vii7add11), A (IV), Bm7add11 (vii7add11), Asus4 (IVsus4), A (IV)

Borrowed Chord:
None

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “The Scientist”: Dm(add9) (iadd9), Bb (VI), F (III), C (VII)
2. Nirvana – “Polly”: Em (i), G (III), D (VII), C (VI)
3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”: Em7 (ii7), G (IV), Dsus4 (I5sus4), A7sus4 (V7sus4)

These songs, like “Fake Plastic Trees,” showcase the use of unconventional chords and progressions in their respective genres. Each song displays an attention to inventive harmony and emotional depth, making them excellent examples of creative chord progressions in contemporary music.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression can be analyzed in the key of D major. It starts with a Bm7add11, a vii7add11 chord that adds tension before resolving to the IV (A) chord. The progression then returns to the vii7add11 (Bm7add11) before moving to the IVsus4 (Asus4) which adds further tension by suspending the 4th scale degree, and finally resolving back to the IV (A) chord again.

This progression is notable for its use of the vii7add11 and IVsus4 chords, which give it a uniquely tense and atmospheric quality. The mixture of these chords with the more typical IV (A) contributes to the overall melancholic and earnest feel of the song.

Overall Analysis

Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is an alternative rock ballad from their 1995 album, “The Bends.” The moody and atmospheric track is characterized by its emotive vocal delivery, contrasting dynamics, rich arrangement, and engaging chord progression. This progression, in particular, features an interesting mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords that create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the piece.

Style Analysis

Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a prime example of the band’s innovative and influential approach to alternative rock songwriting. It showcases the band’s penchant for blending traditional rock instrumentation with unconventional song structures and harmonic choices. The emotional intensity of the vocal delivery, combined with the intricate arrangement and dynamic contrasts, has made the song one of Radiohead’s most recognizable and enduring works.

Chords in the Chorus 2 section of Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead are:

Bm7add11, A, Bm7add11, Asus4, A