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The bridge of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. This creates a sense of continuous flow, which is commonly found in many popular music songs. The progression contains primary chords (G, C, and F) and a secondary chord (Dm7).

The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily composed in the key of E minor. The song consists of four sections: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, and Bridge. The chord progressions in the song are relatively simple, with a distinct alternation between E and C chords in the verses, while the chorus and bridge sections feature a broader range of chords such as A, C, and G.

Chord Progression Analysis (Verse 2):
E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), F major (♭VII; borrowed chord from E Phrygian), E minor (i)

*G major (III) and F major (♭VII) are both non-diatonic chords in E minor, with the F major chord being borrowed from the E Phrygian mode.

The chord progression in Muse’s Hysteria (verse 2) is a fairly unique progression that revolves around a minor tonality with some hints of E7 acting as a secondary dominant. It seems to have an ambiguous key center, fluctuating between E minor and A minor. The progression is repeated, providing a sense of tension and familiarity throughout the verse.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles uses some of the most common chords in the key of C Major, which is the tonic of the song. It also contains few instances of chord extensions, inversions, and secondary dominants, which are widely used in pop music composition.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

C, Dm7, C, C, Dm7, C

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I) – Dm7 (ii7) – C Major (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles: C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)
2. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: C Major (I) – A minor (vi) – F major (IV) – G major (V) – E minor (iii) – A minor (vi)
3. “Imagine” by John Lennon: C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – G major (V) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – E Major (‘V/vi’)

While the specific chord progressions above are not identical to that of “Heart Is A Drum,” they share some similarities in their use of simple major and minor harmonies in establishing an emotional connection with the listener.

Musical Analysis

The progression consists of only two chords: C Major (I) and Dm7 (ii7). It begins with a tonic chord (C major) which establishes the home key. This is followed by a Dm7 chord, which is the ii7 chord in the progression, creating a sense of smoothness and warmth compared to a more traditional ii chord (Dm). The progression then returns to the tonic C major, before repeating. This simple, yet effective structure provides the foundation for the emotional landscape present throughout the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

As an alternative folk rock song, “Heart Is A Drum” incorporates elements of both folk and rock styles with its acoustic instrumentation and layered production. The simplicity of the chord progression is reminiscent of traditional folk styles, while the presence of a seventh chord (Dm7) adds an additional layer of harmonic complexity commonly found in popular music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

C, Dm7, C, C, Dm7, C