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“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is primarily a folk and indie rock song that features an interesting harmonic structure in the Hook 2. The progression adds complexity and emotional depth to the song by diverging from the standard conventions of Western popular music. The chord progression includes a borrowed chord, which adds richness to the overall sound.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” from Verse 1 features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, primarily from the D Major scale but also incorporating chords from the parallel minor and other related keys. This gives the progression a unique and fresh sound that sets it apart from more traditional progressions. Notably, there are several pedal points using the D root throughout the progression, which helps maintain a sense of tonal center.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Hook 3

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Chord Progression

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G major (V), Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7), F major (IV), C major (I), F major (IV), C major (I)

“` Borrowed Chord: Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “No Surprises” by Radiohead: [‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’]

Musical Analysis

The opening chord, G major (V), progresses to Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7), creating a descending motion that hints at a plagal cadence (IV to I), but then follows with F major (IV), offering a sense of resolution before landing on C major (I). This movement adds tension and interest to the progression, while the repeated IV – I (F – C) cadence establishes a strong sense of tonality and resolution.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the hook of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” is in the key of C major and follows a strong diatonic harmonic structure, with the exception of the Dm7, which acts as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (C minor). The progression exudes a feeling of longing and nostalgia, typical of many popular songs in the indie-folk genre.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of the indie-folk genre, marked by the use of relatively simple, diatonic harmonic structures, often accompanied by acoustic instruments and introspective lyrics. The borrowed chord from the parallel minor contributes to a sense of longing and reflection, echoing the themes often found in this style.

Chords in the Hook 3 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C