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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Gone Gone” is a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, making it an interesting and unique progression. It features a combination of major, minor, and an altered seventh chord, adding to the overall complexity of the progression. The style is reminiscent of jazz and R&B, where more complex harmonic structures are often used. Some borrowings from different modes and chromaticism also contribute to its richness and distinct sound.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck, from the album Morning Phase (2014), features a simple but effective chord progression in the key of C major. This song can be classified as alternative folk rock, and the harmonies used in the chord progression are quite common in this genre, as well as popular music in general. The progression creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance, elevated by Beck’s lyricism and vocal delivery.

“Glory Box” by Portishead from the album Dummy (1994) presents a haunting and somewhat melancholy ambience commonly found in their trademark trip-hop style. This song, in particular, draws from a palette of jazz-influenced harmony. The chords used, their extensions, and inversions, conjure complexity beyond basic triadic harmony. The chord progression listed appears to be in the key of D minor and employs common jazz techniques like ii-V-I progressions and usage of the half-diminished chord.

“Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones, from their album “Sticky Fingers” (1971), features a fairly straightforward repetitive chord progression of D, A, G, D in the verse. The key here is D Major. This common progression falls into a I-V-IV-I pattern known as a “plagal cadence”. It’s a progression which consists of a major key followed by its dominant (V), then its subdominant (IV), taking us back to the tonic (I).

Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, D7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7

Chord Progression Analysis

Bb major 7 (I), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), G minor 7 (vi), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), D7 (V7/III), Bb major 7 (I), A minor 7 (ii/bIII), G minor 7 (vi), A minor 7 (ii/bIII)

Borrowed Chord: `A minor 7 (ii/bIII)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Logic – “Man I Is”
Chord Progression: Ebmaj7 (I), Dm7 (VIm7), Gm7 (ii), C7 (V), Fm7 (vi), Bb7 (V/IV), Am7 (ii/bIII), Abmaj7 (IV)
`Borrowed Chord: Am7 (ii/bIII)`

2. D’Angelo – “Really Love”
Chord Progression: Bbmaj7 (I), Em7 (ii/bV), Am7 (ii/bIII), Gm7 (vi), Em7 (ii/bV), A7 (V/bIII), Dm7 (iii)
`Borrowed Chords: Em7 (ii/bV) and A7 (V/bIII)`

These songs, like “Earfquake,” feature a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords in their progressions, resulting in a similar fusion of styles and nuanced musicality.

Musical Analysis

Tyler, The Creator employs a dynamic chord progression that starts with the tonic, Bbmaj7, before moving to the borrowed Am7. This moves the progression momentarily to the G minor mode. The switch between the relative major and minor keys creates a unique melodic tension. The chords also progress through the circle of fifths with Gm7, Am7, and D7, which adds to the jazz-like style of the piece. This progression resolves back to the tonic, Bbmaj7, before repeating.

Overall Analysis

The verse 2 chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquake” is a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The progression mainly features chords from the Bb Major key, with the D7 acting as a secondary dominant chord (V7/III). The progression has a smooth, jazzy feel that is typical of Tyler’s signature style.

Style Analysis

“Earfquake” showcases Tyler, The Creator’s distinct sonic signature which blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and pop. The chord progression’s use of borrowed chords and smooth seventh chords adds a touch of sophistication, reminiscent of jazz and neo-soul music. This further emphasizes the emotional depth and complexity in Tyler’s music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Earfquake by Tyler, The Creator are:

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, D7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7