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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the verse of Beck’s “Paper Tiger” can be considered a combination of common and non-diatonic chords. The progression moves from a major chord to its dominant 7th and then resolves to the relative minor. Stylistically, this progression is used in rock, pop, and jazz music to create tension and resolution while maintaining a sense of movement or flow.

“Lost Cause” by Beck from the album “Sea Change” showcases a melancholic and heartfelt mood with a slow tempo, exuding a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The song can be described as a folk-rock ballad with subtle touches of country and indie rock.

The Outro of “Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a striking and emotive chord progression that showcases their innovative approach to harmony. It is characterized by the use of irregular modal interchanges, sustained chords, and slight variations on repeating patterns.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

This chord progression from Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” is in the key of C# minor, and the chords are predominantly composed of diatonic chords from the C# natural minor scale with some borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. The progression follows a looped pattern, creating a hypnotic and catchy quality which is characteristic of Radiohead’s music.

Beck – Paper Tiger – Outro

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Chord Progression

E, E7, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I) – E7 (V7/iv) – B minor (iv)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Am (i) – Am/G (i/♭VII) – Am/F♯ (i/♮VI) – Am/G (i/♭VII)

2. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Am (i) – D7/Ab (V7/iv/v) – G (♭VII) – D (iv)

3. David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
C (I) – E7 (V7/vi) – F (IV) – Fm (iv)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with E Major, establishing the tonic in the key of E Major. Then the E7 chord serves as a secondary dominant, as it is the dominant seventh of the following B minor chord, which is a borrowed minor subdominant (iv) from the parallel minor key, E minor. This borrowed chord adds a sense of tension and surprise, making the progression more interesting.

Overall Analysis

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a song from his album “Sea Change,” released in 2002. The style of this song is primarily alternative rock, with elements of psychedelia and baroque pop. The outro of “Paper Tiger” features a simple chord progression of E, E7, and Bm, with interesting harmonic techniques, such as secondary dominants and borrowed chords.

Style Analysis

In the context of alternative rock, this chord progression can be seen as simple but effective, with the use of borrowed chords and secondary dominants creating a sense of harmonic tension and release. The progression is reminiscent of other rock and pop songs from the late ’60s and ’70s era, reflecting the influence of psychedelia and baroque pop. Beck is also known for his fondness for musical experimentation, and this chord progression showcases his keen sense of harmony and tonality in his songwriting.

Chords in the Outro section of Paper Tiger by Beck are:

E, E7, Bm