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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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 chord progression in Muse’s “Feeling Good” is in the key of G minor and showcases an interesting and creative use of borrowed chords and inversions. The progression follows a cyclical pattern that creates tension and release throughout the verse. The style is reminiscent of soul and jazz influences with a hint of rock elements, which is a common characteristic in Muse’s music.

** The Beatles are well known for their creative and unusual use of chords and harmonies. In “Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds”, there is a clear example of their innovative harmonic vocabulary. They employ a variety of common, borrowed, and chromatic mediant chords to create a remarkable soundscape that complements the psychedelic theme of the song.

**

“Comfortably Numb” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, The Wall. It is written in the key of D major and has a slow, dreamy tempo. The second verse of the song features a chord progression that is a blend of major and minor chords, giving the song a sense of melancholy mixed with a calming atmosphere. It also deviates from the typical pop/rock chord progressions, signifying Pink Floyd’s distinct sound and innovative use of harmony.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John, released in 1972, is a melodic and harmonically sophisticated example of his pop/rock style. The piece is in the key of G, and the chord progression of Verse 2 introduces some harmonies that exploit john’s expertise in using extended and altered chords, which lend colorfulness and a feel of departure and return. The use of slash chords like G/B and D/F# creates a descending bass line that is very characteristic of pop and rock music, creating a sense of melodic movement within the chords themselves. Verse 2 is navigated skillfully between simplistic and complex harmonies.

Muse – Cant Take My Eyes Off You – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, D, Dm7b5, C

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (‘I’), C Major 7 (‘IMaj7’), C Dominant 7 (‘I7’), F Major (‘IV’), F minor (‘iv’), C Major (‘I’), D Major (‘V/V’), D minor 7♭5 (‘ii7♭5’), C Major (‘I’)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “My Funny Valentine” (Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart)
Chord progression: C minor (‘i’), Dm7♭5 (‘ii7♭5’), G7 (‘V7’), C minor (‘i’), E♭ Major (‘♭III’), A♭ Major (‘♭VI’), G7 (‘V7’), C minor (‘i’)

2. “Autumn Leaves” (Joseph Kosma)
Chord progression: C minor (‘i’), F7 (‘V7/♭VII’), B♭ Major 7 (‘♭VII’), E♭ Major 7 (‘♭III’), Aø7 (‘iv7♭5’), D7 (‘V7/V’), G minor (‘v’), G7 (‘V7’)

These songs demonstrate similar elements of jazz harmony and the use of extended and altered chords. They also exhibit secondary dominants and borrowed chords in their chord progressions like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Muse.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with a C Major chord (I chord) followed by an embellishment by moving to Cmaj7, which creates a soothing transition. It then moves to the C7 (I7), which acts as a secondary dominant, leading to F Major (IV).

The next chord is F minor, a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor). This creates a moody and slightly unexpected shift, since the natural minor iv chord is relatively uncommon in major key progressions but provides a sense of contrast and emotional impact. The progression then returns to the I chord, C Major.

D Major (V/V) is a secondary dominant in the key of C, leading to the Dm7♭5 chord (ii7♭5). This ii7♭5 chord creates a smooth transition back to the I chord (C Major) and adds jazzier harmonic flavors compared to the more predictable ii chord (D minor).

Overall Analysis

The verse 2 chord progression in “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Muse follows a typical jazz/pop style with the use of extended and altered chords such as Major 7th and minor 7th ♭5 chords. It also features a variation in line with the different sections of the piece.

Style Analysis

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” draws heavily from pop, jazz, and lounge music genres, featuring the use of extended and altered chords which create smooth and expressive transitions. Its distinct harmonic choices, such as the borrowed iv chord, provide a certain emotional complexity and unpredictability that is characteristic of these genres.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Cant Take My Eyes Off You by Muse are:

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, D, Dm7b5, C