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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.

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

The progression from B to A to E is a common progression in pop and rock music. This progression utilizes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, meaning that the chords all belong to the same key and it suggests the use of borrowed chords. A Perfect Circle tends to use a lot of downward motion in their chord progressions, moving from higher to lower pitches, which can give their music a distinct ‘heavy’ feel.

“The Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is written in the key of Am and follows the Verse-Chorus form common in pop and rock music. The progression consists of a beachfront of common and borrowed chords, showing the use of modal interchange and diatonic chords in creating a memorable and emotive sound.

“As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones is a popular song from the mid-60s that features a mix of major and minor chords along with modulations between closely related keys. The overall harmonic structure shares similarities with other rock and pop songs of that era, including The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Base Key and

Muse – Endlessly – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7, Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7

Chord Progression Analysis

Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Bm (ii) – E7 (V7) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Bm (ii) – E7 (V7)

“`Borrowed Chord: Bm (ii) from the parallel major key“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”
Cmaj7 (I) – Bm (ii) – Em (iii) – G (V) – Fmaj7 (IV) – Am (vi)
2. Coldplay – “Trouble”
Am (i) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – G (III) – F (VI) – G (III)

Both of these examples feature a mix of major and minor chords, along with the use of borrowed and suspended chords to create a more emotionally complex sound. Moreover, the cyclical nature of the chord progressions and the use of tension and release create a sense of anticipation, drawing listeners in and evoking an emotional response.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with alternating between Asus4 and Am, creating tension and release within the music. This back and forth movement gives the chords an unsettled feeling, which contributes to the overall melancholic character of the piece. The Bm chord, which is borrowed from the parallel major key, adds an element of surprise and contributes to the harmonic richness of the progression. The E7 chord acts as a dominant, leading the listener back to the tonic, Am. This cyclical nature of the progression makes it quite catchy and memorable.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Muse’s “Endlessly” from Verse 2 is a mix of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord from the parallel major key. The progression has a melancholic feel, utilizing suspended chords to create tension and release. The use of both minor and major chords provides a balanced sound, giving the piece its unique character.

Style Analysis

Muse is known for their progressive rock style, often blending elements of classical music, electronic music, and heavy rock. The use of suspended chords, borrowed chords, and the minor key contributes to the atmospheric and intense sound often associated with the band’s music. This progression in “Endlessly” showcases their ability to craft harmonically rich and emotive music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Endlessly by Muse are:

Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7, Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7