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The chord progression in the intro of “Loner” by Kali Uchis is a mixture of simple diatonic harmony and some more complex non-diatonic chords, which creates a jazzy and ethereal atmosphere. It is a 4-chord progression that resolves on F#m, making it a loop. The style of this progression is reminiscent of the Neo-Soul genre, and it can be found in some other songs across various musical styles.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

The chorus from Jeff Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” in the key of C major beautifully demonstrates a diverse range of chords and harmonic techniques. The chord progression incorporates diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and some unexpected harmonic twists, all of which work together to create a sense of emotional depth and tension throughout the chorus.

“Penny Lane,” written by the Beatles, utilizes key changes and borrowed chords to create an interesting and complex tonal palette. The song is best understood to primarily be in the key of A Major; however, it frequently borrows chords from the parallel minor key, uses unexpected dominant chords, and briefly modulates to other key areas for color and variety. This is characteristic of several Beatles songs, and it’s one of the ways they added complexity to their music while still remaining accessible.

“I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” is a well-known hit by Elton John from the album “Too Low for Zero” released in 1983. The song is a blend of pop, rock and blues styles and showcases Elton John’s proficiency in blending different music genres. The verse uses a straightforward I-V-vi-IV progression which is a common progression in pop music.

The Chorus’s

Kali Uchis – Loner – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Amaj7, Abaug, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m

Chord Progression Analysis

A Major 7 (I), A Flat Augmented (bVI+), A Flat Minor (bVI-), F Sharp Minor (vi), A Major 7 (I), A Flat (bVI), A Flat Minor (bVI-), F Sharp Minor (vi), A Major 7 (I), A Flat (bVI), A Flat Minor (bVI-), F Sharp Minor (vi)

Borrowed Chords:
“`
A Flat Augmented (bVI+)
A Flat Minor (bVI-)
A Flat (bVI)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Put It All on Me” by Ed Sheeran (ft. Ella Mai): [‘Gmaj7’, ‘Bm7’, ‘Em7’, ‘Amaj7’]
2. “Sara Smile” by Hall & Oates: [‘Dmaj7’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘F#m’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘Em7’]

While the exact progression in “Loner” is unique, these examples show arrangements with extended chords and the use of the I – vi progression, which are stylistically similar.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the tonic, A Major 7, establishing the tonality of the piece. The A Flat Augmented chord creates an interesting juxtaposition, borrowing the bVI+ from the parallel minor scale (A minor). Following this, the Abm chord is the bVI- in relation to the tonic, creating a brief moment of harmonic tension before resolving to the F Sharp Minor (vi) chord.

The Amaj7, Ab, Abm, and F#m repetition adds a sense of familiarity to the progression, while still maintaining its unique quality. The borrowed chords from parallel minor scales bring an added emotional depth and character to the progression.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Kali Uchis’ “Loner” features a mix of major, minor, and augmented chords, which contributes to the song’s unique sound and emotional depth. The progression has an unconventional and intriguing quality, while still maintaining a sense of harmonic coherence.

Style Analysis

The chord progression in Kali Uchis’ “Loner” reflects elements of R&B, soul, and jazz. The use of extended chords (such as Amaj7) and borrowed chords from parallel minor scales contribute to the song’s lush, expressive quality commonly found in these genres.

Chords in the Chorus section of Loner by Kali Uchis are:

Amaj7, Abaug, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m