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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a song from his album “Sea Change,” released in 2002. The style of this song is primarily alternative rock, with elements of psychedelia and baroque pop. The outro of “Paper Tiger” features a simple chord progression of E, E7, and Bm, with interesting harmonic techniques, such as secondary dominants and borrowed chords.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” showcases a unique blend of chords that are not commonly heard together in popular music. The mix of major, minor, and borrowed chords creates an interesting and engaging sound. Its distinctive quality can be found in the use of the A# major chord, which is not diatonic to the key of G major.

The song “Space Oddity” by David Bowie features a complex and varied chord progression that incorporates elements of both traditional and experimental popular music. The song is in the key of C Major, and its progression is characterized by the use of modal interchange, or the borrowing of chords from parallel scales. This is indicative of Bowie’s varied musical influences, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop while also incorporating experimental techniques associated with progressive rock.

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 chorus of Weezer’s song “Say It Ain’t So” can be analyzed as a simple and memorable chord progression in the key of C major. The progression features a repeating pattern of four chords: Am, E, F, and C.

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