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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck, from the album Morning Phase (2014), features a simple but effective chord progression in the key of C major. This song can be classified as alternative folk rock, and the harmonies used in the chord progression are quite common in this genre, as well as popular music in general. The progression creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance, elevated by Beck’s lyricism and vocal delivery.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Say Goodbye” by Beck features a simple, yet unique combination of major and minor chords. It is primarily built around the key of G major, but includes a chromatic twist with the inclusion of the A# major chord. The progression is fairly repetitive, which provides a stable and recognizable backbone for the chorus.

The song “It’s A Fire” by Portishead features complex harmonic structures, distinguished by a fusion of pop, rock, and elements of jazz harmonies. The band, known for their trip-hop style, employ chromatically richer harmony and non-diatonic chord progressions in this piece. The chord progression of ‘It’s A Fire’ is consistent with this approach as we see the frequent use of suspended and minor chords alongside major ones, which creates a sense of unresolved tension. Borrowed chords, usually taken from the parallel minor or major key, are also used frequently to add stylistic color to the harmony.

“The Rip” by Portishead is a classic example of the Trip-hop genre. It features simple, yet effective harmonic progressions that offer a melancholic tone which is widely utilized in this genre. The distinctiveness of this particular chord progression lies on its subtle shifting between minor and major tonalities, as well as its use of borrowed chords.

Verse 1

“Take Me Home Country Roads” is written in G major. The song is characterized by a strong, consistent beat and a simple, memorable melody which are typical characteristics associated with country and folk music. The progression follows a predictable sequence, also typical of these genres, and contributes to the song’s classic, feel.

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