Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Feeling Good” by Muse is a cover of the original song written by English composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley in 1964. The Muse version was released in 2001 and is featured on their second studio album, “Origin of Symmetry.” The song is heavily influenced by the genres of jazz, soul, and R&B, while the Muse rendition adds a more modern rock sound to the mix.

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.

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles is written in the key of D major and utilizes various chord progressions that contribute to its melancholic and nostalgic atmosphere.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective chord progression in its Verse 2. The harmonic foundation of this progression is based on the I – V – IV – I pattern, repeated four times. This pattern is common in many popular music genres, with the verse featuring a strong tonic-dominant relationship. The progression also displays an interesting mix of major and minor chords, adding a certain level of spice to the harmonic atmosphere present in the verse.

Muse – Feeling Good – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, C/E, Cm/Eb

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
G minor (i)
G minor/F (i/F)
E-flat major (VI)
D major (V/V)
G minor (i)
G minor/F (i/F)
E-flat major (VI)
D major (V/V)
G minor (i)
G minor/F (i/F)
C major/E (borrowed IV/III)
C minor/E-flat (iv/III)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead:
“`
C Major (I)
E minor (iii)
G major (V)
F major (IV)
C Major (I)
F major (IV)
C major (I)
G major (V)
“`

2. “All I Want” by Kodaline:

“`
C Major (I)
G major (V)
A minor (vi)
F major (IV)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
F major (IV)
F major (IV)
“`

These chord progressions share similarities with the progression in “Feeling Good” in that they employ a mix of borrowed chords, non-standard progressions, and major/minor relationships to create a rich and contrasting harmonic texture, which results in a more captivating listening experience.

Musical Analysis

The given chord progression is part of the verse in Feeling Good, which demonstrates a non-conventional progression with some borrowed chords. The progression starts with G minor (i), which establishes the tonality of the song. Then, it moves to G minor/F (i/F), which is the first inversion of G minor, giving the progression a sense of movement and tension.

The progression then moves to E-flat major (VI), which is a common chord substitution used in minor keys. This is followed by D major (V/V), which is a secondary dominant, enhancing the pull towards a G minor i before the subsequent repetition.

The use of C major/E (borrowed IV/III) and C minor/E-flat (iv/III) at the end of the progression is noteworthy. This presents parallel major/minor relationships, which creates a sense of contrast and surprise that gives the song a unique identity and enhances its emotional impact.

Overall Analysis

“Feeling Good” by Muse is a cover of the song originally written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd”. Muse’s version is characterized by its distinct blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences, with strong orchestration and stylistically unique elements that give the song a modern edge while still paying homage to its classic roots.

Style Analysis

Muse’s version of “Feeling Good” incorporates elements from jazz, blues, rock, and pop. The chord progression and strong orchestration, featuring brass and strings, create a rich harmonic texture, while the melancholic vocal melodies convey a sense of longing. The blend of classic songwriting with modern rock sensibilities results in a distinctive sound that sets Muse’s interpretation apart from the original version.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Feeling Good by Muse are:

Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, C/E, Cm/Eb