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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.

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The given chord progression is from the fourth verse of “Megalomania” by Muse. It reflects a mix of classical and rock influences and showcases Muse’s signature harmonic choices, featuring borrowed chords and non-diatonic elements.

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“Love Of My Life” by Queen, especially Verse 3, showcases a mix of simple and complex harmony, with many secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and diminished chords contributing to varying and shifting tonal centres. This makes for an emotional and contextually appropriate progression that fits well with the song’s lyrical content.

The song constantly oscillates around C#m, which is the presumed root key. Harmonically, the 8-bar verse progression involves the frequent use of borrowed chords, as well as secondary dominants, which are frequently used in the Beatles’ compositions, to provide a colorful and subtle tension.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock and roll song prominently featuring electric guitar and piano, characterized by its driving groove and catchy chorus. The base key for the song is C Major. The harmonic progression is fairly simple and stays mainly within the diatonic chords, with some occasional borrowing from other modes.

Muse – Cant Take My Eyes Off You – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C

Chord Progression Analysis

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C (I) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – C7 (I7) – F (IV) – Fm (iv) – C (I) – Dm (ii) – Dm7b5 (iiø7) – C (I)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead – follows a similar pattern with a borrowed chord and half-diminished chord:
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G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – Cm (iv) – G (I) – B (III) – Cmaj7 (IVΔ7) – D7 (V7)
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2. “My Chérie Amour” by Stevie Wonder – another example of seventh chords and a borrowed chord:
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F (I) – F+M7 (IΔ7+) – Bbmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Gm7 (ii7) – Fmaj7 (IΔ7) – Dm7b5 (viø7) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7) – F (I)
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3. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel – incorporates major and minor seventh chords with a parallel minor chord:
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Cmaj7 (IM7) – Dm7 (ii7) – Dm/C (ii/C) – Gm7/C (vii7/III) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – Fmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Fm6 (iv6) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7)
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Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the tonic chord, C major, which quickly evolves into a dominant seventh by the use of major seventh (Cmaj7) and dominant seventh (C7) chords. This creates a sense of anticipation and tension that is resolved when the progression moves to the subdominant chord, F major.

The resolution is short-lived, however, as the regular F major chord turns into F minor (a borrowed chord from the parallel minor), introducing a dark and unexpected turn to the progression. The Fm serves as a pivot chord, modulating back into the original key. The tonic chord returns (C major), followed by the ii chord (Dm) and a half-diminished seventh version of ii (Dm7b5). This half-diminished chord adds an extra layer of tension before resolving once more to the tonic, C major, ending the verse with stability.

Overall Analysis

The Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

Style Analysis

Muse’s adaptation of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” blends pop, rock, and jazz influences in both melody and harmony. The presence of extended harmonies such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and half-diminished chords all contribute to a sense of sophistication that is characteristic of jazz music. Simultaneously, the prominent rhythm guitar and melodic hooks give the song a pop-rock edge, making for a versatile and appealing style overall.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Cant Take My Eyes Off You by Muse are:

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C