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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” from Verse 1 features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, primarily from the D Major scale but also incorporating chords from the parallel minor and other related keys. This gives the progression a unique and fresh sound that sets it apart from more traditional progressions. Notably, there are several pedal points using the D root throughout the progression, which helps maintain a sense of tonal center.

The chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

The outro chord progression of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator has an interesting and somewhat unconventional structure. It’s composed of four chords and follows a pattern that showcases chromatic motion, a key element often found in the music of Tyler, The Creator. The vamp is harmonically ambiguous, relying on the dynamic interplay between the chords to create tension and resolution.

The outro of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a simple alternating chord progression between G major and A major, which creates tension by avoiding a resolution to the tonic or dominant chords. This makes the progression sound unstable, yet well defined as it repeats. The recurring ascending motion creates a sense of lift throughout the outro, while the lack of a true resolution maintains a feeling of unease. This progression is notable for its simplicity, as well as how it invokes a modal sound that is characteristic of the mixolydian mode often used in rock music.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Outro

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Chord Progression

Eb6sus2, Dm7, C, Eb6sus2, Dm7, C, Eb6sus2, Dm7, C, Dm7, G

Chord Progression Analysis

`E♭6sus2 (bVI6sus2) | Dm7 (v7) | C (IV) | E♭6sus2 (bVI6sus2) | Dm7 (v7) | C (IV) | E♭6sus2 (bVI6sus2) | Dm7 (v7) | C (IV) | Dm7 (v7) | G (V)`

Borrowed Chord:
`E♭6sus2 (bVI6sus2)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”: `Cm (i) | E♭ (III) | G (V) | Am7 (iv7)`
2. Sufjan Stevens – “Casimir Pulaski Day”: `G (I) | E♭ (bVI) | Cm (iv) | G (I)`
3. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”: `Am (i) | A (I) | C#m (iii) | C#m7 (iii7) | F#m (vi) | G (VII) | E (III)`

Note that these chord progressions may not have the same exact flow and structure as “Heart Is A Drum,” but they share a similar use of borrowed chords, mixture of major and minor chords, and emotional depth.

Musical Analysis

The outro of “Heart Is A Drum” starts with the borrowed chord E♭6sus2, which creates a sense of tension and emotional depth. This chord is followed by Dm7 and C major chords, which give a sense of familiarity within the context of the key. The sequence E♭6sus2 – Dm7 – C is repeated three times, contributing to a cyclical, contemplative atmosphere. The section concludes with a Dm7 to G major, which provides a final sense of tension before resolving back to the overall key of the song.

Overall Analysis

The outro of “Heart Is A Drum” by Beck features a non-diatonic chord progression that includes a mixture of major, minor, and suspended chords. This chord progression results in a sense of longing and unresolved tension that is appropriate for an outro section. Additionally, the progression includes a borrowed chord, the Eb6sus2, which is borrowed from the parallel minor key and contributes to the unique, emotional quality of the song.

Style Analysis

Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” is characterized by its introspective, contemplative mood. The featured non-diatonic chord progression, combined with the use of a borrowed chord, showcases Beck’s ability to evoke complex emotions through his music. The presence of major, minor, and suspended chords, along with the repetition of the main chord progression, creates a sense of unresolved tension and longing that is fitting for an outro section.

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

Eb6sus2, Dm7, C, Eb6sus2, Dm7, C, Eb6sus2, Dm7, C, Dm7, G