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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Sexx Laws” by Beck is a unique and interesting piece that combines elements of various musical styles including funk, rock, and pop. The chord progression found in Verse 3 is quite simple yet effective, creating a sense of tension and release.

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck is a blend of folk and country with a touch of alternative rock. The song features an interesting chord progression, especially in Verse 3, which includes a mixture of major and minor chords as well as a few borrowed chords.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Beck’s “Morning” is an example of a common progression in popular music, involving the I, IV, iii, and ii chords. The harmony is mostly diatonic, staying within the key of E major. The progression features regular 4-chord phrases and a smooth, consonant flow between chords.

The chord progression featured in Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” Verse 2 is a four-chord loop that moves from G major to C major (acting as a suspension) and B minor (with an added 9th), creating an interesting mix of tonalities and suspensions. The progression establishes G major as the tonal center but continually moves away from it, creating a sense of ambiguity.

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Looking at the entire song and isolating the verse, the chord progression provided shows a rock style often seen in Queens of the Stone Age compositions. The harmonic language of this song and its progression style fall within the realm of Pop / Rock music, with frequent use of minor chords suggesting a somber or introspective mood. On first glance, it appears to contain chords primarily from the key of F# minor, with no obvious borrowings from other keys. However, a closer inspection will allow us to delve deeper into their harmonic function.

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Beck – Sexx Laws – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I), G# Major (VI), B Major (I), G# Major (VI), B Major (I), G# Major (VI), A Major (II), F# Major (V)

“`Borrowed Chords: G# Major (bVI)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder: Eb min7 (i), Bb7 (V), Ab min7 (bVI), Eb min7 (i)

2. “Karma Police” by Radiohead: A min (i), E min (v), G (bVII), D maj (IV), G maj (bVII), C maj (III)

These songs also utilize non-diatonic chords and borrowed chords, giving them a unique harmonic character that sets them apart from standard progressions in popular music.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with the B Major tonic chord (I), which establishes a clear sense of tonality. Next, the G# Major chord is a borrowed chord (bVI) from the parallel minor key (B minor). This gives a slightly unexpected twist and a touch of darkness to the harmonic movement. The alternation between B Major and G# Major creates a sense of tension and release throughout the verse.

The movement to A Major (II) brings a little bit of surprise as it is not a typical diatonic chord in the key of B Major. This non-diatonic chord adds more interest and color to the progression. Finally, the progression resolves back to F# Major (V), which is the dominant chord and strengthens the tonality in the key of B Major.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is from Beck’s song “Sexx Laws” and runs as follows: B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#. This progression features chords mainly from the B Major key, but includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor key as well. The harmonic movement showcases Beck’s interesting approach to songwriting and shows some influence from the soul and funk genres.

Style Analysis

Beck’s use of borrowed chords and non-diatonic harmony in “Sexx Laws” reflects his diverse musical influences, especially from soul and funk genres. The chord progression is a departure from standard pop progressions, showcasing his unique songwriting style. Beck is known for experimenting with various musical styles, and the harmonies in “Sexx Laws” are a testament to his eclectic approach.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Sexx Laws by Beck are:

B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#