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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression appears to be in the key of Bb Major, and showcases various diatonic chords along with a few borrowed chords. This progression is characterized by a blend of smooth and rich harmony, primarily due to the use of 7th chords and suspensions. The introduction of the dominant B7 chord adds interest, making the progression more unpredictable and complex.

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.

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.

“Disarm” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a piece that showcases a rather common chord progression structure in pop music, but with added embellishments and variations. The featured chords include Dsus, Em7, Cadd9, G, and Dsus/F# with a key signature suggesting that the song is in the key of G major or E minor. The prominent chord in the outro is Dsus which suggests that the song might be interpreted in the D Mixolydian mode. The use of the slash chord (D/F#) diversifies the sound of the progression and adds harmonic richness. This chord progression uses both diatonic and borrowed chords creating a familiar but interesting sound.

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys is one of their most well-known pieces and a primary example of the sophisticated harmonic writing characteristic of the group’s 1966 “Pet Sounds” record. This piece is particularly designed in the key of A major. The Outro of the song includes the following chords: ‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘E/G#’ and many other chords throughout the song with complex chord changes that might not be typical in a pop song, but are characteristic of the band’s sound.

Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Outro

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Chord Progression

Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7

Chord Progression Analysis

B-flat Major 7 (I), A minor 7 (viiø/III), B-flat Major 7 (I), A minor 7 (viiø/III), B-flat Major 7 (I), A minor 7 (viiø/III), B-flat Major 7 (I)
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A minor 7 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (B-flat minor)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
Chord Progression: Cmaj7 (I), Gmaj7 (V), Fmaj7 (IV), Emin7 (iii), Dmin7 (ii), G7 (V7)

2. Erykah Badu – “On & On”
Chord Progression: Am7 (i), Em7 (v), Fmaj7 (VI), Gmaj7 (VII)

These examples feature similar use of major 7th and minor 7th chords, contributing to a similar Neo-Soul/R&B atmosphere. They also utilize borrowed chords or modulations to different keys, offering rich harmonic textures, and emotional depth.

Musical Analysis

The I chord (Bbmaj7) establishes the tonal center of the piece, which is B-flat Major. The viiø/III chord (Am7) can be considered a borrowed chord, as mentioned above. Borrowing a chord from parallel minor keys can introduce interesting harmonies and color to the progression, making it more dramatic and emotional. In this case, the Am7 generates suspense as it transitions back to the Bbmaj7, contributing to the emotional impact of the music.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the outro of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator is relatively simple and repetitive, featuring a constant alternation between Bbmaj7 and Am7 chords. This back-and-forth between the two chords creates a sense of tension and release that contributes to the dreamy and emotional atmosphere characteristic of the song.

Style Analysis

In terms of style, the chord progression can be associated with Neo-Soul and R&B genres, which often utilize 7th chords and borrowed chords to create a smooth, sophisticated sound. The dreamy, emotional quality of the progression is further enhanced by the use of major 7th chords, as they tend to have a warm, lush timbre.

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

Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7