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The chord progression in the verse 2 of Beck’s “Morning” is an example of a common progression in popular music, involving the I, IV, iii, and ii chords. The harmony is mostly diatonic, staying within the key of E major. The progression features regular 4-chord phrases and a smooth, consonant flow between chords.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is primarily a folk and indie rock song that features an interesting harmonic structure in the Hook 2. The progression adds complexity and emotional depth to the song by diverging from the standard conventions of Western popular music. The chord progression includes a borrowed chord, which adds richness to the overall sound.

Beck – Morning – HOOK 1

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Chord Progression

G, A, E, B, D, A, B, D, A

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (bVI) – A Major (I) – E Major (V) – B Major (II) – D Major (IV) – A Major (I) – B Major (II) – D Major (IV) – A Major (I)

“`Borrowed Chord: G Major (bVI)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord progression: G Major (bVI) – A Major (I) – E Minor (v) – B Major (II) – D Major (IV) – A Major (I) – E Minor (v)

2. The Beatles – “Across the Universe”
Chord progression: G Major (bVI) – A Major (I) – E Major (V) – B Major (II) – D Major (IV) – G Major (bVI) – A Major (I)

3. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord progression: Bb Major (bVII) – A Major (I) – E Major (V) – G Major (bVI) – D Major (IV) – A Major (I) – E Major (V)

Musical Analysis

Starting with a borrowed bVI chord (G Major) evokes a sense of surprise and intrigue, as it’s not typically found in the A major key. The progression continues with the standard I-V chord progression (A-E major), giving the song a sense of resolution and familiarity within the key. Next, we have the II (B major) and IV (D major) chords which provide a strong secondary dominant function, adding tension and interest to the harmony.

The progression then returns to the tonic chord (A major) and repeats the II-IV-I sequence again, which reinforces the harmonic cycle, creating a feeling of stability and completion.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Beck’s “Morning” is a 9-chord progression in the key of A major. This chord progression employs borrowed chords and has a unique structure that includes secondary dominant chords and mediant substitutions. The chords are mostly major with a mix of some minor chords.

Style Analysis

The chord progression in “Morning” is characteristic of Beck’s eclectic style, combining both traditional and unconventional harmonic structures. The secondary dominant and borrowed chords reflect popular music of the late 20th century and contemporary alternative music, showing innovation and exploration beyond standard chord progressions.

Chords in the HOOK 1 section of Morning by Beck are:

G, A, E, B, D, A, B, D, A