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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the hook of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” is in the key of C major and follows a strong diatonic harmonic structure, with the exception of the Dm7, which acts as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (C minor). The progression exudes a feeling of longing and nostalgia, typical of many popular songs in the indie-folk genre.

“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 progression from B to A to E is a common progression in pop and rock music. This progression utilizes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, meaning that the chords all belong to the same key and it suggests the use of borrowed chords. A Perfect Circle tends to use a lot of downward motion in their chord progressions, moving from higher to lower pitches, which can give their music a distinct ‘heavy’ feel.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar features some interesting and often non-diatonic chords. It provides a smooth and lush sound that complements the rest of the song. This progression shows influences from R&B and neo-soul genres, which often use extended and borrowed chords.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John, released in 1972, is a melodic and harmonically sophisticated example of his pop/rock style. The piece is in the key of G, and the chord progression of Verse 2 introduces some harmonies that exploit john’s expertise in using extended and altered chords, which lend colorfulness and a feel of departure and return. The use of slash chords like G/B and D/F# creates a descending bass line that is very characteristic of pop and rock music, creating a sense of melodic movement within the chords themselves. Verse 2 is navigated skillfully between simplistic and complex harmonies.

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