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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song in question, “Endlessly” by Muse, is a reflective and emotional piece, featuring a fairly unique chord progression. The verse’s chord progression is not commonly heard in popular music, giving it a distinct sound that sets it apart from other songs. The use of suspended chords, the shift from Am to Bm, and the resolution to the E7 chord give the piece a floating, ethereal feel.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Megalomania by Muse is predominantly in the key of E minor, with several chromatic and borrowed chords that give the progression a unique character. This progression consists of 16 chords and features an interesting mix of diatonic chords, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords that contribute to the dramatic and dark atmosphere of the piece.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

“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.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails is a song with a dark and moody atmosphere. The chord progression in both the verse and chorus of the song features certain borrowed chords and chromatic tones that give the piece this distinctive quality. The song seems to be in the key of C Major, but certain chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor) are used to create a sense of tension and emotional turmoil.

Muse – Endlessly – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Dm, Am, Dm, F, C, E, Em7b5/Bb, A7, Dm, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

D minor (i), A minor (v), D minor (i), F major (III), C major (VII), E major (II), E minor 7 flat 5 over Bb (ivø7/♭VI), A7 (V7), D minor (i), G major (IV), C major (VII)

“` Borrowed Chord: E major (II) “`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord progression in bridge: [C#m7(i), B7(♭VII7), G#m7(iv), G7(♭III7)]

2. The Beatles – “Michelle”
Chord progression in verse: [Fm(i), B♭m(v), E♭(♭VII), A♭(♭III), D♭(♭VI), A♭(♭III), E♭(♭VII), B♭m(v)]

3. Coldplay – “Viva La Vida”
Chord progression in verse: [C(I), D(IV), G(VI), E♭m/♭III, A(V), B♭m/♭III, G(VI), A2(V7)]

It is important to note that Muse’s chord progression in “Endlessly” is quite unique, and it’s difficult to find an exact match in other songs. However, the examples mentioned above share characteristics such as borrowed chords or unexpected harmonic twists that give them a similar eclectic feel.

Musical Analysis

Though the piece is primarily in D minor, the inclusion of an E major chord (which is borrowed as the major II from D harmonic/melodic minor) adds a nice momentary color to break up the typical minor progressions. The use of E minor7♭5/B♭ is an interesting substitution for a diminished or half-diminished chord, as it results in a smoother chromatic bassline approach to the A7, which then resolves back to D minor as the V7-i cadence.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Endlessly” by Muse is an interesting mix of chords from related keys and chromatic alterations. The overall key of the piece is D minor, but there are some unexpected twists and turns that keep the harmonic journey unique and engaging.

Style Analysis

Muse is known for its genre-blending style that often incorporates elements from classical and progressive music into their rock/pop sound. The combination of borrowed chords, chromatic alterations, and borrowed harmony in this progression is no doubt an example of their progressive tendencies, while still maintaining a relatively accessible sound.

Chords in the Chorus section of Endlessly by Muse are:

Dm, Am, Dm, F, C, E, Em7b5/Bb, A7, Dm, G, C