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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in the riff from Muse’s “New Born” is intriguing and creative, employing chromaticism and non-diatonic chords to create a unique and dramatic sound. The progression consists of four chords: C, A#dim7, Bsus4, and B. This progression doesn’t adhere to a single key, making it difficult to analyze in terms of functional harmony. However, it showcases Muse’s experimental tendencies, a quintessential aspect of their music style.

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is one of the band’s early hits noted for its crafty melodic hooks and harmonic structure attesting to their evolving musical sophistication. The chord progression of Verse 3 is a great reflection of this, using classic pop songwriting techniques such as the predominant use of I, IV and V chords along with a borrowed chord from another mode, that add to the emotional depth of the song.

“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

Let It Happen’ by Tame Impala employs an accessible and effective chord progression, usual in pop/rock music, yet has unusualness due to the usage of the G#sus4 chord, providing a unique tonal flavor and emotional quality. There is a striking use of harmonic contrast and a continuous return and release of tension throughout the song. This creates an immersive cyclical quality, complementing the song’s theme of embracing inevitable moments and experiences.

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

“`
C (I) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – C7 (I7) – F (IV) – Fm (iv) – C (I) – Dm (ii) – Dm7b5 (iiø7) – C (I)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

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

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