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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Hoppipolla” by Sigur Rós is a dreamy and atmospheric piece that showcases the band’s unique style. The chord progression in the verse consists of D#m, E, D#m, and E chords, which creates a simple and elegant harmonic structure. The use of open strings and melodically moving chords in this progression reflects the ethereal nature of this piece. This progression can be found in both rock and alternative music genres, as it uses the powerful major and minor chords found throughout these styles. The repetitive nature of the chord progression mirrors the band’s tendency to use slow-building and evolving textures in their compositions.

Sigur Rós, an Icelandic post-rock band known for their ethereal sound and experimental use of various instruments, has crafted a unique chord progression in their piece “Hoppipolla.” This progression features six chords that change mode from D# Mixolydian to G# Dorian. The chords used are D#maj, E, B, G#m, F#, and E. Sigur Rós blends the modal interchange with their distinct soundscapes, evoking a dreamy atmosphere fitting for the post-rock genre.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major and minor keys. The progression features strong harmonic movement with a pivot modulation. Muse is known for their dramatic, often symphonic rock sound, and this progression is no exception in showing off their signature style. The progression also shares some similarities with other artists’ works in both structure and harmonic content.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Sexx Laws” by Beck is a non-diatonic chord progression that features chromatic and unexpected chords. The progression seems to be based in the key of E major, but the chords used are not strictly within the E major scale, providing a distinctive sound and style characteristic of Beck’s music. The progression contains some parallel major chords, giving it a distinct classic rock vibe.

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a unique four-chord cycle in its chorus – ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’. The song is in the key of E minor, and therefore, the functional analysis would interpret this progression as i-IV-bVI-III. The bVI and III are borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. This chord progression creates a moody atmosphere that aligns with the overall melancholic and introspective theme of the song.

Sigur Rós – Hoppipolla – Chorus

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Chord Progression

B, F#, E, D#m, B, F#, E, F#

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I) – F# Major (V) – E Major (IV) – D# Minor (iii) – B Major (I) – F# Major (V) – E Major (IV) – F# Major (V)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”:
D Major (I) – A Major (V) – B Minor (vi) – G Major (IV) – D Major (I) – A Major (V) – B minor (vi) – A Major (V)

2. Radiohead – “Karma Police”:
A minor (i) – E minor/G (v/♭VII) – G Major (♭VII) – D Major (IV) – F# Minor (vi) – F Major (♭VI)

These two examples show similar cyclical chord progressions, with mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords, and a sense of constant motion. Although they are in different keys and feature slightly different progressions, the overall structure and harmonic movements have similarities to “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Rós, showcasing the versatility and emotional impact of such progressions in modern music.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with the tonic chord, B Major (I), establishing the key of the piece. It then moves to the dominant chord, F# Major (V), creating a sense of tension. This tension is then temporarily resolved by moving to the subdominant E Major (IV) chord. The subsequent D# Minor (iii) can be seen as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (B minor).

The progression then cycles back to the tonic B Major (I), F# Major (V), and E Major (IV), creating a sense of familiarity and grounding. The progression ends with F# Major (V), which has a strong pull back to the tonic (B Major), making the progression cyclical and seamless.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Rós can be considered as being in the key of B Major, featuring a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords. The progression shows Sigur Rós’ signature atmospheric and emotive style, utilizing various harmonic techniques to create a lush chord progression.

Style Analysis

Sigur Rós is known for their atmospheric, ethereal, and cinematic sound, often using unique chord progressions, textures, and extended harmonies. In “Hoppipolla,” the band employs a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowing from the parallel minor to create a unique and lush progression that fits their signature style. Furthermore, the cyclical nature of the progression lends a sense of constant motion, adding to the overall mood of the piece.

Chords in the Chorus section of Hoppipolla by Sigur Rós are:

B, F#, E, D#m, B, F#, E, F#