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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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 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.

“Sour Times” by Portishead is largely written in the key of C# minor, with elements of modal interchange and chromaticism that contribute to its haunting, dark sound. The song exhibits a remarkable amount of harmonic complexity and non-diatonic harmony, which is a defining characteristic of the trip-hop genre. The piece makes use of intricate inversions and chromatic voice leading, along with a frequent use of sevenths and diminished chords for added tension.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that features a four-chord progression in its verse 2, which is distinctive for its use of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). Although the song’s simple harmonic structure is quite common in pop music, its use of a borrowed chord adds an element of surprise and emotional depth, establishing Radiohead’s unique sound.

“Your Song” is characterized by a varied and complex chord progression that helps to emphasize the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This is apparent in the progression used in Verse 2, which employs several techniques used frequently by Elton John. These include the use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, modal mixture, and chromatic bass movements to add emotional color and reinforce the feeling of tension and resolution in the song’s narrative.

Muse – Feeling Good – Verse 2

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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