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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.

The chord progression of “Say Goodbye” by Beck uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords within the key of G major. The verse features a total of 8 chords: G major, A# major, A minor, and C major. The use of a borrowed chord (A# major) adds an interesting twist to the progression and provides a unique color to the harmony.

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.

Patterns in music are fundamental for creating musical identity. This repetition ensures the music is coherent and familiar for the listener. In the case of “Perfect” by Smashing Pumpkins, the song makes use of a common popular music chord progression known as the I – vi progression.

The song “3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle oscillates between an A major and a C# minor structure, with a D major introduced at the end of the progression. The dominant chords are A (represented as Asus2) and C# (represented as C#m). The final D chord can be seen as a modulation, adding a somewhat unexpected resolution that doesn’t adhere to the traditional rules of tonic-dominant resolution in either major or minor keys.

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