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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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 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.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Hook 3

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Chord Progression

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G major (V), Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7), F major (IV), C major (I), F major (IV), C major (I)

“` Borrowed Chord: Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “No Surprises” by Radiohead: [‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’]

Musical Analysis

The opening chord, G major (V), progresses to Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7), creating a descending motion that hints at a plagal cadence (IV to I), but then follows with F major (IV), offering a sense of resolution before landing on C major (I). This movement adds tension and interest to the progression, while the repeated IV – I (F – C) cadence establishes a strong sense of tonality and resolution.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of the indie-folk genre, marked by the use of relatively simple, diatonic harmonic structures, often accompanied by acoustic instruments and introspective lyrics. The borrowed chord from the parallel minor contributes to a sense of longing and reflection, echoing the themes often found in this style.

Chords in the Hook 3 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C