Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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 chord progression in Verse 3 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” features an interesting mixture of diatonic and chromatic chords with noticeable tonal shifts. The progression is G – A# – Am – C – G – A# – Am – C, with an emphasis on the G major key. This progression conveys an expressive and slightly unstable mood, creating tension and release with the inclusion of borrowed and non-diatonic chords.

** The Beatles are well known for their creative and unusual use of chords and harmonies. In “Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds”, there is a clear example of their innovative harmonic vocabulary. They employ a variety of common, borrowed, and chromatic mediant chords to create a remarkable soundscape that complements the psychedelic theme of the song.

**

“In My Life” is a song written by The Beatles which stands as a hallmarks of their inventive songwriting and command of complex musical structures. The song is primarily in the key of A Major, but it employs a number of borrowed chords and modal interchange to create a more interesting and richer harmonic landscape. The melody, rhythm, and lyrics of this song are poignant and memorable, making “In My Life” an enduring classic in the Beatles’ catalog.

“Save Me” by Queen is in the key of G Major and it features a number of modulations to closely related keys. It resonates a distinct rock ballad style incorporating unique variations of common chord progressions from rock and pop genres. The progression’s utilization of inverted chords also brings depth and character to the melody.

2.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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