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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 “Nude” by Radiohead features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, with some added tensions for additional color. It reflects the band’s signature style of blending unexpected harmonic elements to create a unique and evocative sound. In particular, the mix of major and minor chords with added tensions lends a sense of both familiarity and unconventionality to the progression.

“Bennie And The Jets” by Elton John, released in 1973, features a distinctive chord progression that exemplifies Elton’s advanced harmonic sensibility and taste for grand piano-based balladry. The song is mainly in the key of G Major.

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” presents an interesting mix of major and minor chords with excellent use of chord inversions and borrowings. The song is harmonically adventurous, showcasing the band’s pop mastery with Brian Wilson’s unmatched compositional skills. This song is primarily in the key of A Major, with many borrowed chords and modulation that creates its unique feel.

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#