Tyler, The Creator – Are We Still Friends – Interlude
Are We Still Friends < All Analyses
Chord Progression
E, E7, A, Am
Chord Progression Analysis
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E Major (I) – E Dominant 7 (V7) – A Major (IV) – A minor (iv)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “Something” (1969)
Chord Progression:
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C Major (I) – C Major 7 (IMaj7) – C7 (V7/IV) – F Major (IV) – F minor (iv)
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2. Radiohead – “No Surprises” (1997)
Chord Progression:
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F Major (I) – G Major (II) – A minor (iii) – A flat Major (bVI) – G Major (II) – C Major (V)
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While these progressions are not exact replicas of the one used by Tyler, The Creator in “Are We Still Friends?”, they share similarities in their use of the dominant seventh chord, the subdominant major and minor chords, and their overall melodic and harmonic interest. This demonstrates how these harmonic techniques can be used across various genres and styles to create compelling chord progressions that engage the listener’s ear.
Musical Analysis
The progression starts with the tonic chord, E Major, which establishes the key of the piece. The E Dominant 7 chord then introduces a tritone interval (between the major third and the minor seventh) that creates tension and propels the progression forward. The A Major chord is the subdominant chord, which is traditionally a point of resolution in a chord progression. However, Tyler ends the progression with an A minor chord, which is borrowed from the parallel minor key (E minor). This borrowed chord adds a sense of surprise and melodic interest to the progression, giving it a more introspective and wistful quality.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression in the interlude of “Are We Still Friends?” by Tyler, The Creator is a simple yet effective progression that moves from the tonic chord to a dominant seventh, followed by a subdominant chord, and finally a minor subdominant chord. The progression creates an interesting shift in tonality that is common in jazz and soul music, which are styles that Tyler is known to incorporate into his work.
Style Analysis
The use of the dominant 7th chord and the borrowed minor iv chord gives the progression a jazzy, soulful quality that is reminiscent of the chord progressions used in jazz standards and R&B classics. Tyler, The Creator is known for incorporating various genres and styles into his music, particularly elements of jazz, soul, and R&B. This progression is an example of how he uses these harmonic techniques to create unique and emotionally charged moments in his songs.
What are the chords in: Tyler, The Creator – Are We Still Friends – Interlude?
E, E7, A, Am
