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The outro of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a smooth, soulful chord progression that is common to jazz, R&B, and pop music. The progression has a descending movement with alternating minor 7th and major 7th chords. This repetition creates a sense of ambience and resolution, making it an ideal conclusion to the song.

“This Masquerade” by George Benson is a jazz/R&B fusion piece with a smooth and laid-back feel. It features a slightly chromatic and sophisticated chord progression, complete with altered extensions and slash chords, resulting in a rich harmonic texture that is both soulful and intricate. The progression has some similarities to other jazz and R&B chord progressions used by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan), and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

The bridge of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. This creates a sense of continuous flow, which is commonly found in many popular music songs. The progression contains primary chords (G, C, and F) and a secondary chord (Dm7).

“Riptide” by Vance Joy is in the key of C major. The chord progression is a repeated sequence of Am, G, C and Fmaj7, with the Fmaj7 being a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, C minor. Given that the majority of the song follows this pattern, it’s simple yet effective, providing a catchy and persistent structure to the song.

The chord progression from the bridge of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” is in the key of A major. The progression presents a strong sense of tonality and features common rock/pop techniques, such as diatonic chord progressions, inversions, and the use of the minor subdominant.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Bridge

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Chord Progression

Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Emaj7, Db7, Emaj7, Db/F

Chord Progression Analysis

`Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Ebm7 (vi), Db (V), Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Ebm7 (vi), Db (V), Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Ebm7 (vi), Db (V), Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Emaj7 (♭VII), Db7 (IV7), Emaj7 (♭VII), Db/F (IV6)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Earth, Wind & Fire – “After The Love Has Gone”:
`F#m7 (ii), E (I), C#m7 (vi), B (V), F#m7 (ii), E (I), C#m7 (vi), B (V), F#m7 (ii), E (I), G#m7 (iii), B7 (V7)`

2. Stevie Wonder – “As”:
`Em7 (ii), D (I), Bm7 (vi), A (V), Em7 (ii), D (I), Bm7 (vi), A (V), Em7 (ii), D (I), F#m7 (iii), A7 (V7)`

These examples also showcase a similar fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop elements with descending chord progressions and the use of minor 7th chords. While the exact chords may differ, the overall approach and stylistic influences are comparable to that of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night.”

Musical Analysis

The descending chord progression creates a smooth and relaxed harmonic movement, making the piece feel mellow and easygoing. The minor 7th chords spread throughout the progression lend a soothing quality to the mix. The borrowed chords, such as Emaj7, add a touch of intrigue and unpredictability to the otherwise straightforward progression.

Overall Analysis

The bridge of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a blend of jazz, R&B, and pop elements. The harmonic progression showcases a series of descending chords, interspersed with borrowed chords that provide an interesting twist to the overall tonality of the piece.

Style Analysis

This chord progression reflects George Benson’s unique blend of jazz, R&B, and pop influences. The use of minor 7th chords and descending chord motion is reminiscent of jazz and R&B ballads. At the same time, the overall structure and accessibility of the progression reflect a strong pop sensibility.

Chords in the Bridge section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Emaj7, Db7, Emaj7, Db/F