Music Theory Alchemy

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The chord progression in the hook of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” is in the key of C major and follows a strong diatonic harmonic structure, with the exception of the Dm7, which acts as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (C minor). The progression exudes a feeling of longing and nostalgia, typical of many popular songs in the indie-folk genre.

“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.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Morning” is an interesting mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the progression. The use of borrowed chords and the mix of major and minor keys gives the piece a flowing, emotional quality.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Hook 2

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Chord Progression

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (I) – D Minor 7 (v7) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)

`Borrowed Chord: D Minor 7 (v7)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”:
Am (i) – D7 (IV7) – G (bVII) – Em (v) – G (bVII) – F#m7♭5 (vi7♭5)

2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”:
Am (i) – G (VII) – Am (i) – Am7/G (i7/VII) – Am7 (i7) – C#m7♭5 (iv7♭5) – C (III) – E (V)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with the tonic G Major (I) chord that provides a sense of stability. The following borrowed chord, Dm7 (v7), is taken from the parallel key of G minor and adds a sense of tension and ambiguity to the harmony. This effect is typical in folk or indie rock music as it adds an emotional impact to the listener.

The F Major (IV) chord re-establishes the major tonality, resolving the tension created by the borrowed chord. The progression continues to alternate between the F Major (IV) and C Major (I) chords, which creates a sense of familiarity and consonance. This repeated use of the plagal cadence (IV-I) helps to impart a hymn-like or spiritual atmosphere to the song.

Overall Analysis

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is primarily a folk and indie rock song that features an interesting harmonic structure in the Hook 2. The progression adds complexity and emotional depth to the song by diverging from the standard conventions of Western popular music. The chord progression includes a borrowed chord, which adds richness to the overall sound.

Style Analysis

“Heart Is A Drum” blends elements of folk and indie rock music, which is evident in the acoustic guitar and the loose, simple drumming pattern. The use of the borrowed chord (Dm7) contributes to the genre’s characteristic mix of melancholy, introspection, and contemplation. This chord progression stands out because it daringly strays from the commonly used major and minor diatonic chords while still maintaining a pleasing and coherent sound.

Chords in the Hook 2 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C