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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The overall tonality is in the B minor key. The smooth, soulful sound of the progression is achieved through the use of minor chords, mixed with major seventh chords, and the cycle of fifths progression in some measures.

The chord progression in Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” from Verse 4 features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from parallel modes. The progression showcases a smooth, soulful, and somewhat melancholic atmosphere that blends elements of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul.

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” utilizes a chord progression that elevates the song’s emotional resonance, serving as a climactic counterpart to the reflective verses. This section combines lush harmonies with straightforward pop sensibilities, creating a poignant and memorable musical moment that aligns with the song’s thematic exploration of self-awareness and complexity.

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a unique four-chord cycle in its chorus – ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’. The song is in the key of E minor, and therefore, the functional analysis would interpret this progression as i-IV-bVI-III. The bVI and III are borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. This chord progression creates a moody atmosphere that aligns with the overall melancholic and introspective theme of the song.

Your Song, like many of Elton John’s pieces, is known for its prominent piano accompaniment and strong melodic hooks. The song is in the key of D Major, which is why the frequent return to the D Major chord provides the sense of home and finality in the piece.

Daniel Caesar – Get You – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Em, F#m7, Bm, A7, Em, F#m7, Bm, A7

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (ii), F#m7 (iii7), Bm (vi), A7 (V7), Em (ii), F#m7 (iii7), Bm (vi), A7 (V7)
`Borrowed Chord: Em (ii borrowed from D minor)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers: Cmaj7 (I7), Bm7 (ii7), Em7 (iii7), A7 (V7), Dm7 (vi7), G7 (V7 of Cmaj7)
2. “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack: Fmaj7 (I7), Gmaj7 (V7 of ii), Em7 (ii7), Am7 (vi7), Dm7 (vi7), G7 (V7 of Fmaj7)

Both “Lovely Day” and “Killing Me Softly” employ similar R&B/soul chord progressions utilizing borrowed chords, creating a lush harmony that evokes emotional warmth. The play between major and minor tonalities and smooth chord transitions are characteristic of these songs and create a connection to Caesar’s “Get You.”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in “Get You” starts with a borrowed ii chord (Em) from the parallel minor key, D minor, immediately establishing a unique and evocative sound. This is followed by the iii7 (F#m7), vi (Bm), and V7 (A7) chords, all diatonic to D major, giving the progression a sense of familiarity, while still retaining its distinctive color. The progression then repeats, reinforcing the overall harmony.

The use of the borrowed chord (Em) creates a mix of both minor and major tonalities, which contributes to the song’s warm and emotional atmosphere. The presence of the iii7 (F#m7), vi (Bm), and V7 (A7) chords provides a sense of resolution and direction to the progression, with the V7 chord functioning as a dominant, driving the tension towards the next repetition of the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Get You” by Daniel Caesar is a soulful R&B ballad featuring a smooth and emotive chord progression that is both melancholic and uplifting. The progression is derived from the key of D major, but features a borrowed chord from its parallel minor key, D minor, which adds a unique flair to the song. Daniel Caesar’s vocal performance, accompanied by soulful instrumentation, creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional evocation that is characteristic of the R&B genre.

Style Analysis

“Get You” is a contemporary R&B and soul ballad, evoking the classic feel of timeless artists such as Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, but with updated production and arrangements. Caesar’s delivery is smooth and heartfelt, his voice blending with the instruments to create a rich and enveloping atmosphere. The combination of the soulful chord progression, borrowed chords, and Caesar’s silky vocals project a nostalgic and emotional feel that is characteristic of the genre.

Chords in the Chorus section of Get You by Daniel Caesar are:

Em, F#m7, Bm, A7, Em, F#m7, Bm, A7