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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.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Paper Tiger” by Beck is an interesting mix of major and minor chords which gives the song a unique and slightly melancholic vibe. While the song is in the key of E major, it contains several chords borrowed from the parallel minor key and features unusual harmonic movement. This creates a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Beck’s music.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck, from the album Morning Phase (2014), features a simple but effective chord progression in the key of C major. This song can be classified as alternative folk rock, and the harmonies used in the chord progression are quite common in this genre, as well as popular music in general. The progression creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance, elevated by Beck’s lyricism and vocal delivery.

“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala is characterized by its psychedelic and experimental nuances. It features an overall bright and uplifting tone despite its use of some more complex chords. The song ska common in pop music. The chord progression in question has a strong melodic sensibility demonstrating Kevin Parker’s ability to incorporate complex musical ideas into a pop format.

“Zombie” by The Cranberries is in the key of E minor. Its structure is generally pop and rock, with the power of distorted guitars and a heavy drumbeat complemented by Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting vocals. It utilizes a four-chord progression, which is common in many pop and rock tracks and has been a popular choice amongst songwriters for its simplicity and versatility.

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#