George Benson – Give Me The Night – Pre-Chorus 1
Give Me The Night < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Dbmaj7, Bbm7, Db/F, Db/Eb
Chord Progression Analysis
Dbmaj7 (I), Bbm7 (vi), Db/F (I6), Db/Eb (I6/4)
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Dbmaj7 (I): The tonic chord, which sets the overall key for the progression
Bbm7 (vi): A borrowed chord from the parallel minor scale that adds a hint of darkness
Db/F (I6): The first inversion of the tonic chord for smooth voice leading and continued stability
Db/Eb (I6/4): The second inversion tonic chord, which provides a suspension before resolving back to the main progression or repetiton
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Stevie Wonder, “Isn’t She Lovely”:
Dmaj7 (I), Bm7 (vi), D/F# (I6), Gmaj7/A (IV6/4)
2. Earth, Wind & Fire, “September”:
F#maj7 (I), D#m7 (vi), F#/A# (I6), F#/G# (I6/4)
3. Daft Punk, “Get Lucky” (verse):
Bbmaj7 (I), Gm7 (vi), Bb/F (I6), Bb/Eb (I6/4)
Musical Analysis
This pre-chorus is an excellent example of a common-tone modulation that showcases the versatility of the tonic chord as it moves seamlessly between its inversions. The primary role of the pre-chorus is to build tension and anticipation before the arrival of the chorus section. This is achieved by moving away from the tonic, then coming back to it through the inversions, and finally introducing the suspension with Db/Eb. This suspension eventually resolves either by reiterating the progression or approaching the main chorus.
Overall Analysis
“Give Me The Night” is a smooth jazz, R&B, and funk-infused composition by George Benson. The pre-chorus is particularly interesting, as it features a brief but captivating chord progression that navigates through a variety of moods before looping back to the main progression or chorus of the song.
Style Analysis
The feel of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” is due to its cohesive blend of R&B, funk, and smooth jazz. The chord progression in the pre-chorus contributes to this combination, as the smooth Dbmaj7 and Bbm7 chords create a sense of relaxed sophistication often found in jazz, while the use of borrowed chords adds a touch of darkness and soulfulness common to R&B styles. The rhythmic feel and groove present in the entire track is also heavily influenced by funk music.
What are the chords in: George Benson – Give Me The Night – Pre-Chorus 1?
Dbmaj7, Bbm7, Db/F, Db/Eb
