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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is a song with a somewhat unconventional chord progression in the hook that features major and minor chords, as well as a borrowed minor chord. It has a melancholic and introspective feeling to it. The style can be associated with the indie folk-pop genre.

The chord progression of the chorus in Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” is relatively simple and straightforward, yet effective in creating a memorable and catchy tune. The song is in the key of A major, and the progression maintains a predominantly diatonic harmony.

“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins, was released in 1993 on their second album, “Siamese Dream.” The song is classic-’90s alternative rock with its layered guitars and emotionally raw lyrics. key is “E minor.”

The verse of “Megalomania” by Muse is characterized by distinctive harmonic progressions, dynamic contrasts, and notable melodic lines that are typical of the band’s alternative rock style. Throughout this verse, Muse uses common harmonic devices such as secondary dominants, diatonic and chromatic mediants, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and deceptive cadences to create a sense of tension and forward momentum.

The chord progression of Verse 1 from Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” features a fairly simple harmony with some unique embellishments. The common use of suspended chords and added extensions give the progression its distinctive atmosphere and modern sound.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

C, Dm7, C, C, Dm7, C

Chord Progression Analysis

C (I) – Dm7 (ii7) – C (I) – C (I) – Dm7 (ii7) – C (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Bob Dylan – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Chord Progression: C (I) – G (V) – Am (vi) – C (I) – D7/F# (V7/ii) – G (V) – G7 (V7)

2. Nick Drake – “Northern Sky”
Chord Progression: C (I) – E7 (III7) – Am7 (vi7) – C/G (I) – Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) – G (V)

3. José González – “Heartbeats”
Chord Progression: C (I) – E (III) – Am (vi) – Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) – G (V) – C (I)

While none of these progressions are identical to that of “Heart Is A Drum,” they all demonstrate a similar inclination for simplicity and emotion, by blending the stability of the diatonic chords with subtle harmonic twists that add character and depth to the music.

Musical Analysis

The simple, repetitive chord progression effectively communicates an introspective, pensive mood that is consistent with the song’s theme. Alternating between the tonic and subdominant chords in this way creates a sense of stability, as the movement between these chords is neither driven by the strong dominant-tonic relationship, nor surprising with any borrowed chords or dramatic modulations. The use of a minor seventh chord—a more emotionally complex sound—adds depth to the subdominant harmony and contrasts subtly with the straightforward major triad on the other chords.

Overall Analysis

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is a simple, yet emotional and effective piece, written in the key of C major. The chord progression of the verse revolves around the tonic (C) and the subdominant (Dm7), resulting in a gentle, down-to-earth feel, characteristic of Beck’s folk and alternative music influences.

Style Analysis

This chord progression reflects Beck’s signature blend of styles, drawing from folk, alternative, and even a hint of gospel harmony, with the ii7 chord evoking a gentle soulfulness. The minimalist and reflective nature of this progression is consistent with the introspective lyrical content of the song, and the simplicity of the harmonic structure allows for a more prominent focus on the melody and lyrics.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

C, Dm7, C, C, Dm7, C