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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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 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.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince shows the artist’s flair for the unusual. While the song is primarily in A minor, Prince takes liberties with creating unexpected shifts in harmony, which gives the song its unique character. The song revolves around five chords: Am, G, Em, F, and G, repeated throughout the verse. This circular progression offers a sense of continuity, yet Prince’s interpretation and arrangement create a sense of unpredictability.

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is in the key of B minor. The chord progression for the section provided, which is the verse, is unique due to its simplicity, making it easily accessible and memorable. Even though it is incredibly simple, consisting of just three chords, the progression manages to evoke a strong sense of melancholy and longing, which resonates powerfully with the song’s lyrical themes.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones is a rock song in the key of C major. The chord progression is simple and effective, reflecting the band’s blues and rock ‘n’ roll influences. The overall structure includes three verses with the same chord progression.

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