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“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a unique and stylistic piece, displaying a blend of various genres and influences. The verse 2 chord progression is quite simple, but the harmonic choices create tension and provide a sense of movement throughout the progression. Combining the elements of rock, folk, and alternative music, this chord progression is both intriguing and musically satisfying.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Morning” is an interesting mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the progression. The use of borrowed chords and the mix of major and minor keys gives the piece a flowing, emotional quality.

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

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.

The chord progression in the chorus of Radiohead’s “Knives Out” is an interesting and unconventional one, making use of some borrowed chords and a mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall style of the song can be described as alternative rock with some influences of jazz harmony and chromaticism, creating a unique and moody atmosphere. The progression is mostly diatonic, but it also incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel modes to add color and tension.

Beck – Paper Tiger – Chorus

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Chord Progression

E, C, A, E, C, A, E, C, A, E, A, G, D, E

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I), C Major (bVI), A Major (IV), E Major (I),
C Major (bVI), A Major (IV), E Major (I),
C Major (bVI), A Major (IV), E Major (I),
A Major (IV), G Major (bIII), D Major (bVII), E Major (I)

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Borrowed Chords: C Major (bVI), G Major (bIII), D Major (bVII)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead (Verse Chords):
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G Major (I), B Major (#III), C Major (IV), C Minor (iv)
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2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles (Verse Chords):
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A Minor (i), A Major (I), C# Minor (iv), G Major (VII), G Minor (vii)
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3. “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis (Main Progression Chords):
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A Major (I), E Major (V), F# Minor (vi), D Major (IV), G Major (bVII), A Major (I)
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These similar progressions also blend major and minor chords to create an emotional context in their respective songs. However, it’s important to note that they differ in terms of harmony, chord quality, and overall structure.

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “Paper Tiger” repeatedly uses the progression I – bVI – IV, which is an interesting mix of diatonic and borrowed chords. E major serves as the tonal center, giving a sense of resolution when returned to after each progression. The use of borrowed chords C Major (bVI) and G Major (bIII) introduces chromaticism which adds color and depth to the progression. Additionally, the final inclusion of the D Major (bVII) chord creates a sense of closure before resolving back to E Major (I).

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Paper Tiger” by Beck is an interesting mix of major and minor chords which gives the song a unique and slightly melancholic vibe. While the song is in the key of E major, it contains several chords borrowed from the parallel minor key and features unusual harmonic movement. This creates a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Beck’s music.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of Beck’s unique style, which often combines unconventional elements to create compelling and memorable music. The incorporation of borrowed chords and alternating between major and minor chords adds emotional contrast, making the chorus feel both familiar and unexpected. This duality can create a sense of intrigue, drawing the listener in.

Chords in the Chorus section of Paper Tiger by Beck are:

E, C, A, E, C, A, E, C, A, E, A, G, D, E