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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck is a blend of folk and country with a touch of alternative rock. The song features an interesting chord progression, especially in Verse 3, which includes a mixture of major and minor chords as well as a few borrowed chords.

The given chord progression is from Beck’s song “Sexx Laws” and runs as follows: B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#. This progression features chords mainly from the B Major key, but includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor key as well. The harmonic movement showcases Beck’s interesting approach to songwriting and shows some influence from the soul and funk genres.

“Save Me” by Queen is a rock ballad that uses a complex mix of traditional popular song structures and common rock chord progressions. The song structure is largely verse-chorus, but then there’s a bridge serving as the solo section, and finally ends with repeating choruses. The chord progression for the chorus utilizes a variety of chord inversions, diatonic chords, and non-diatonic or borrowed chords, which are typical of Queen’s music style.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails is a song with a dark and moody atmosphere. The chord progression in both the verse and chorus of the song features certain borrowed chords and chromatic tones that give the piece this distinctive quality. The song seems to be in the key of C Major, but certain chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor) are used to create a sense of tension and emotional turmoil.

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

Beck – Lord Only Knows – Chorus

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Chord Progression

F#, B, F#, B, E, G#, B, G#, G, F#, B

Chord Progression Analysis

F# Major (V), B Major (I), F# Major (V), B Major (I), E Major (IV), G# Major (VI+), B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), G Major (bVI), F# Major (V), B Major (I)

Borrowed Chord:
`G Major (bVI)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead: [‘G Major (I)’, ‘B Major (III)’, ‘C Major (IV)’, ‘C minor (iv)’]
2. “Blackbird” by The Beatles: [‘G Major (I)’, ‘A minor (ii)’, ‘B flat Major (bIII)’, ‘C Major (IV)’, ‘D Major (V)’]
3. “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis: [‘A Major (I)’, ‘E Major (V)’, ‘F# minor (vi)’, ‘G Major (bVII)’]

Note that the chord progressions listed are not identical to the one in “Lord Only Knows” but share some elements of chromaticism and the use of borrowed chords or feature unexpected harmonic shifts.

Musical Analysis

The chorus begins with a strong V-I cadence (F# Major to B Major), which establishes the tonality of the piece. This cadence reoccurs throughout the progression. The E Major chord (IV) functions as a subdominant chord, preparing the listener for the arrival of the G# Major (VI+) chord, which is borrowed from the B Harmonic minor scale, creating tension.

This tension is resolved with the return to the tonic B Major (I) chord. The progression then moves to G# Major again. The G Major (bVI) chord is a borrowed chord from B minor and adds some chromaticism and surprise factor to the progression. The progression ends with a V-I (F# Major to B Major) cadence, providing a sense of closure.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Lord Only Knows” is in the key of B Major and features some chromaticism and borrowed chords that give it a unique and somewhat unexpected sound. The chords move predominantly in fourths and fifths. The nature of the progression is reminiscent of rock and folk music, but Beck’s quirky and stylistic approach also evokes an alternative feel.

Style Analysis

Beck’s choice of chords and the way he employs borrowed chords and chromaticism reflects his penchant for alternative rock and indie music, infusing traditional rock/folk harmony with his unique and individualistic style. The harmonic choices make the progression memorable and instantly recognizable as a Beck composition.

Chords in the Chorus section of Lord Only Knows by Beck are:

F#, B, F#, B, E, G#, B, G#, G, F#, B