Adele – Set Fire To The Rain – Outro
Set Fire To The Rain < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘F’, ‘G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is the chord progression in the Outro:
– A minor (I)
– G major (VII)
– D minor (IV)
– A minor (I)
– G major (VII)
– A minor (I)
– G major (VII)
– D minor (IV)
– F major (VI)
– G major (VII)
The G Major (VII) chord is a borrowed chord from the parallel major (A Major), interesting that this chord is commonly found in pop music. Here’s code block for the borrowed chord:
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G Major (‘VII’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
The Avril Lavigne song “When You’re Gone” follows a similar pattern:
– C major (I)
– G major (V)
– A minor (VI)
– F major (IV)
This progression structure of I-V-VI-IV shares similarities with the I-VII-IV-I-VII in ‘Set Fire to the Rain,’ with a major to minor chord shift emphasizing a melancholic tone.
John Legend’s “All of Me” is another example of similar progression:
– F major (I)
– G major (VII)
– A minor (III)
– G major (VII)
Again, the VII chord is typical for pop music and is borrowed from the parallel major, as with ‘Set Fire to the Rain.’ The arrangement is a bit different, but the overall mood conveys a similar emotional charge.
Musical Analysis
The Outro begins with an A minor chord, providing a moody, minor tonality. This begins a descending progression, where the chord roots decrease in pitch. The use of repetitions of ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’ serve to emphasize the somber and solemn tone of the song.
‘Set Fire To The Rain’ is known for its intense climax, and the D minor to F major shift signals the beginning of this climax. D minor and F major share two common tones (D and A), making this transition smooth but poignant. The progression from ‘Dm’, ‘F’, ‘G’ forms a common IV-VI-VII progression, which creates a sense of motion and tension, building up to the song’s dramatic conclusion.
Overall Analysis
“Set Fire To The Rain” is a song that largely follows the conventions of pop music, with its simple and repetitive chord progressions echoing those in many similar genres. The chord progression observed in the Outro is primarily a combination of minor and major chords that provide a melancholic and intense undertone to the song’s overall theme. The song is in the key of A minor and the chord progression in the Outro starts on the key’s root chord (‘Am’).
Style Analysis
The chord progression itself tends to lend ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ its signature expressively mournful and emotionally charged style. Adele’s songs are typically characterized by rich, expressive melodies over relatively simple but effective chord progressions. The chord choice fits with her soulful pop style, and the progression is in keeping with typical pop/rock and soul harmony.
What are the chords in: Adele – Set Fire To The Rain – Outro?
[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘F’, ‘G’]
