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The bridge of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is an interesting combination of chords, showcasing unusual harmonic choices and unexpected modulations. The tonal center of this progression appears to be ambiguous, as several key centers are explored throughout the progression, creating a sense of harmonic tension and release.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day, released in 2004, is an alt-rock anthem that largely follows a 4-chord progression throughout the song. The key signature of the song is E minor (derived from the root chord), and essentially all chords used in the song are diatonic, meaning they are derived from the scales of the key. The chorus shifts to a progression in C Major. However, it returns to E minor at the end.

The “Glory Box” by Portishead chorus progression is based in D minor and moves between this primary D minor chord and three other chords: Dm/C, Bm7b5, and Bbmaj7. The Dm/C chord is the same as the D minor, but with a different note in the bass (C). The Bm7b5 is a half-diminished chord. The Bbmaj7 is major seventh chord.

The chord progression for Radiohead’s “All I Need” chorus features a simple and repetitive structure, with a strong emphasis on the tonic (C major) and its relative minor (E minor). The progression then ends with a brief move to the dominant (G major), before returning to the tonic. This accessible sequence reflects the song’s emotional vulnerability and simplicity, while also showcasing the band’s ability to create emotional depth in their music.

Beck – Think Im In Love – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Ab, Eb, F, Ab, Eb, F

Chord Progression Analysis

Ab Major (I) – Eb Major (V) – F Major (♭VI) – Ab Major (I) – Eb Major (V) – F Major (♭VI)

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F Major is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor scale (Ab minor) ♭VI
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”

C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV)

2. The Rolling Stones – “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”

C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V)

In both of these examples, the featured artists also use variations of the I-IV-V chord progression, which is a classic pattern within pop/rock music, but they have their unique twists to make the progression their own.

Musical Analysis

The use of the I-IV-V structure in the progression rooted in Ab major is a very common and familiar musical theme found in many styles of music, particularly in pop and rock music. By substituting the expected V chord (in this case, Eb major) with a borrowed chord (F major) from the parallel minor key, the progression adds a sense of harmonic surprise. This borrowed chord provides a smooth transition back to the I chord (Ab major), despite the harmonic differences, resulting in a pleasing resolution with some unexpected twists.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is a fairly simple one that revolves around two key centers, Ab major and Eb major. The main chords used are based on the I-IV-V structure which is common in rock and pop music. It features a major I-IV relationship and an unexpected chord, F major, which adds some harmonic interest.

Style Analysis

Beck is known for his eclectic style, incorporating various genres and techniques into his music. In “Think I’m In Love,” he seems to be drawing inspiration from 60s-70s pop/rock traditions which frequently used I-IV-V chord progressions. However, as mentioned earlier, the F major chord adds an element of harmonic intrigue that can be attributed to Beck’s creative and distinctive sound.

Chords in the Chorus section of Think Im In Love by Beck are:

Ab, Eb, F, Ab, Eb, F