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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “New Born” is an interesting mix of diatonic, borrowed, and modal interchange chords, displaying a strong connection to rock music with its use of suspended chords and chromatic passing tones. The progression demonstrates the band’s compositional skill and creativity.

The chorus of Muse’s “Hysteria” displays a mix of chords from the key of C Major and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (C minor). The chord progression uses a combination of functional harmony mixed with chromatic elements, embodying characteristics of both rock and classical genres.

“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.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece characterized by its reflective lyrics, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive use of chromaticism and modality. This chord progression takes place in the third verse of the song, where the harmonic structure is more complex and features borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, reflecting the lyrics and conveying emotions of nostalgia and regret.

The song “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is written in the key of E major. The third verse is mostly consistent with the key, with the only chords used are E, F#m, and B.

Muse – New Born – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III), B (V),
Em (i), B (V), Em (i), B (V), Em (i), C (VI), G (III)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Am (i), Em (v), G (VII), D (iv), C (III), G (VII), Bm (i), Em (v)

2. The Cranberries – “Zombie”
Em (i), C (VI), G (III), D (IV)

3. Nirvana – “Come As You Are”
Em (i), G (III), F# (II), A (iv)

These songs share a similar sense of tension and release in their chord progressions, often using a combination of minor and major chords to create a sense of dynamics and urgency. While each song has its unique take on harmony and progression, they all showcase the stylistic similarities between alternative rock and progressive rock compositions.

Musical Analysis

The progression consists mainly of alternating Em (i) and B (V) chords, a common minor key movement that emphasizes the i-V relationship. This progression creates a sense of tension that drives the harmonic structure. The addition of the C (VI) and G (III) chords provides a moment of relief, creating more interest in the progression. These chords also appear in the relative major key of G, helping bring a sense of balance between the dark and brighter sides of the progression.

Overall Analysis

Muse’s “New Born” is a rock composition with progressive and alternative elements. The harmonic structure is simple, making use of common chords and progressions. In the given chord progression from Verse 3, there is a sense of tension and release between the major and minor chords, creating a sense of dynamics and urgency. The chord progression itself is repetitive, with subtle variations added to keep interest.

Style Analysis

Muse often incorporates elements of progressive rock and alternative rock in their music, and “New Born” is no exception. The simple yet effective chord progression emphasizes the distinction between major and minor chords, a hallmark of both progressive and alternative rock genres. Furthermore, the use of driving bass lines and complex drum patterns adds to the sense of depth and tension in the piece.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of New Born by Muse are:

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G