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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 outro of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” is an interesting combination of diatonic and chromatic elements. The use of the borrowed chord A# major in the mostly diatonic setting adds an unexpected twist to the progression, creating a unique and expressive harmonic landscape.

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The overall use of chords highlights Queen’s blending of rock with more complex harmonic structures, moving beyond simple major & minor chords and incorporating 7th and inversions. Despite its pop/rock surface, “Somebody to Love” includes interesting modulation and chord choices that could be seen as more typical of more ‘classical’ forms of music.

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“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is a song in the key of G Major with a chord progression marked by the use of common chords and a few borrowed chords from other keys. The usage of minor and major chords conjures a variety of emotions synonymous with the mood of the song. The repetitive nature of the sequence creates a cyclical feeling that gives a strong sense of the song’s emotional journey.

Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones is a classic track that exhibits some very traditional aspects of popular music and blues-based rock. The song is in D major and follows a fairly standard chord progression, using only three chords (D, A, and G), which make up four-measure phrases that are repeated throughout this part of the song.

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