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“Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth jazz and funk-influenced style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates a strong use of extended and altered chords, which create a richer texture and interesting harmonic movement. This particular chord progression is reminiscent of other popular songs from the same period and genre, displaying the influence of jazz harmony on contemporary R&B and pop music.

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.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song that alternates between heavy distortion and calm sections. Interestingly, the song is mostly in E minor, but uses a lot of power chords (5th chords) and sus2 chords which give the song a distinctively undecided, floating feeling, as these chords don’t have a clear major or minor character. The song uses a rather straightforward progression with a few deviations and embellishments which provide tension and release.

The chord progression in the bridge of Kali Uchis’ “After The Storm” consists of two alternating chords, Amaj7 and Dmaj7, played repeatedly. This progression is simple yet effective, creating a smooth and mellow atmosphere that matches well with the song’s overall neo-soul and R&B vibe. The arrangement is in the key of A Major and has a diatonic structure without any borrowed chords.

The song ‘Today’ by The Smashing Pumpkins is a classic example of mixing major and minor modes in rock music. The majority of the song is modal, centered around D major and B minor. However, the bridge section changes gears and revolves around E minor.

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