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“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.

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.

“I Am The Walrus” is a composition by The Beatles in which the song varies in key and progressive elements, with fascinating uses of borrowed chords from parallel modes and chromatic bass motion. The melody resides predominantly within a pentatonic framework, frequently rotating around subversions. The Bridge section beautifully showcases Beatles’ experimentation with descending chord progression built around chromatic movement.

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.

The song ‘Today’ by The Smashing Pumpkins is a classic example of mixing major and minor modes in rock music. The majority of the song is modal, centered around D major and B minor. However, the bridge section changes gears and revolves around E minor.

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