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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The chord progression throughout this verse of Beck’s “Lost Cause” is predominantly in the key of F Major with some chords from its relative minor (D minor). The use of borrowed chords adds variety and color to the progression, and the alternation between F major and C major chords creates a strong sense of tonality and grounding in the key of F Major. The use of Am and E7 chords provides a brief tension and leaning toward the parallel key of F minor before resolving back to the original key. This adds interest and complexity to the otherwise straightforward progression.

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