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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Think I’m In Love” by Beck is a pop-infused indie rock piece that features an easy-going, catchy melody and a simple yet effective chord progression. The use of repetitive chords throughout the Outro creates a sense of stability and familiarity. The Outro builds upon the tonal center of F Major established earlier in the song and prolongs the tonic, adding to the song’s overall sense of closure and resolution.

“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 consists of five unique chords: Am, D, G, Em, and D repeated in a structured pattern. The progression is in the key of G major, with one borrowed chord. This chord progression is a good example of Weezer’s mix of rock and pop styles, displaying a strong use of diatonic harmony with a touch of chromaticism.

“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is highly complex and represents an exceptional use of harmonic structuring. The richness of the piece lies in Brian Wilson’s innovative and unpredictable songwriting, who was making significant use of modulation at the time, constantly shifting keys, in this case especially during the transition bridge.

The bridge of Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an intriguing chord progression, which presents both diatonic and borrowed chords, as well as chromatic harmony. The song’s key is C major, but it touches on the parallel minor key and incorporates unusual chords such as the Eb major chord, which adds tension and surprise. The chord progression and harmonic rhythm are fairly consistent throughout the bridge, creating a sense of unity.

Beck – Think Im In Love – Bridge

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Chord Progression

Am, Bb, Gm, Bbm, F, Am, Ab, Gm, Bbm

Chord Progression Analysis

– A minor (i)
– B flat Major (bII)
– G minor (viiº)
– B flat minor (bII)
– F Major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– A flat Major (bI)
– G minor (viiº)
– B flat minor (bII)

Notice that borrowed chords are quite prevalent in this progression, particularly the bII, which appears in both major and minor forms, suggesting the use of the Neapolitan chord.

Similar Chord Progressions

– The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever” (Bridge): F# Major (V), G Major (VI♭), A Major (♭VII), E Major (IV)
– Radiohead – “Paranoid Android” (Section 2): Am (i), F#m (iv), Dm (vii), G (III), Bb (V), A (IV), Dbm (i)

Musical Analysis

The aforementioned Neapolitan chord (bII) in this progression provides a sense of harmonic tension, as it is not native to any diatonic major or minor scale. The resolution from Bbm to F may indicate a temporary modulation to F, particularly as the progression moves from F to Am, which may suggest a plagal motion. However, the use of Gm and Ab muddies the waters again, creating a sense of ambiguity and a lack of clear resolution.

Overall Analysis

The bridge of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is an interesting combination of chords, showcasing unusual harmonic choices and unexpected modulations. The tonal center of this progression appears to be ambiguous, as several key centers are explored throughout the progression, creating a sense of harmonic tension and release.

Style Analysis

Beck is known for his eclectic style, combining elements of folk, rock, and electronica, among others. This chord progression is a reflection of this eclecticism, with its unconventional harmonies and key changes. It feels adventurous, experimental, and somewhat unpredictable, which is characteristic of Beck’s music.

Chords in the Bridge section of Think Im In Love by Beck are:

Am, Bb, Gm, Bbm, F, Am, Ab, Gm, Bbm