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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 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 Rolling Stones’ “As Tears Go By” is primarily in the key of G major and follows a Verse-Verse-Verse-Outro structure. The harmony is relatively simple, incorporating primarily diatonic chords from the G major scale as well as a few borrowed chords and inversions.

Chord Progression Analysis (Outro):
G Major (I) – A Major (V/vi, borrowed from E minor) – C Major (IV) – D Major (V) – G Major (I)

The chord progression in the outro of Weezer’s “Undone – The Sweater Song” follows a repeating pattern with a combination of major and power chords. The overall key of the progression is G major, and the chords follow a predictable pattern that is rooted in rock and alternative music styles. The chord progression uses borrowed chords from the parallel key of G minor, specifically the B♭ major chord.

“A Star is Born – Shallow” is primarily in the key of G major and has a fairly simple and straightforward chord progression with an intriguing twist toward the end. The song features a common I-V-vi-IV chord progression with an occasional ii-chord (Am) substituting for the vi-chord (Em). Then, it introducess a borrowed chord (Bm) which creates an interesting, unexpected color in the harmony.

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