Music Theory Alchemy

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The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is a fairly simple one that revolves around two key centers, Ab major and Eb major. The main chords used are based on the I-IV-V structure which is common in rock and pop music. It features a major I-IV relationship and an unexpected chord, F major, which adds some harmonic interest.

This is simply a repetition of the F major chord, played four times. This does not provide much variety or harmonic interest, but it might create a sense of stability and could be used to produce a strong tonal center.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

Patterns in music are fundamental for creating musical identity. This repetition ensures the music is coherent and familiar for the listener. In the case of “Perfect” by Smashing Pumpkins, the song makes use of a common popular music chord progression known as the I – vi progression.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John is primarily in the key of Bb minor (the verses and chorus), but its outro transposes to the key of C Major, which gives a sensation of resolution. The chord progression in the Outro is a simple two-chord progression (I – V), which is extremely common in all styles of music and impacts the listener with its familiarity and stability.

Beck – Think Im In Love – Outro

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Chord Progression

F, F, F, F, F, F, F, F

Chord Progression Analysis

F Major (‘I’) – x8

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All chords are diatonic.
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Similar Chord Progressions

While it’s not common to find many songs that use a progression that consists solely of one repeated chord, there are other artists and songs that employ simple, minimal chord progressions or prolonged repetition of a single chord:

1. The Velvet Underground – “Heroin”
Chord Progression: D Major (‘I’), A Major (‘V’)

2. The Beatles – “She’s Leaving Home”
Chord Progression: E♭ Major (‘I’), D Major (‘♭VII’), D♭ Major (‘♭VI’)

3. Radiohead – “No Surprises”
Chord Progression: G Major (‘I’), D Major (‘V’), E♭ Major (‘♭VI’), C Major (‘IV’)

These examples employ simple, minimal chord progressions, although they do not match the exact chord pattern found in the Outro of “Think I’m In Love”. Nevertheless, they can help highlight the unique nature of Beck’s musical choices and provide some context for understanding his simplistic approach to harmony.

Musical Analysis

Throughout the Outro, Beck uses the repeated F Major chords to establish a firm tonal center, creating a strong sense of resolution. The repetitive nature of the chord progression in the Outro supports the song’s simple and catchy melodic lines, as well as the laid-back, easy-going atmosphere of the piece. The use of F Major also adds a sense of warmth and light-heartedness, which is very characteristic of Beck’s early sound.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Think I’m In Love” fits in with Beck’s distinctive amalgamation of styles that often blend elements from indie rock and popular, alternative music. The song’s simple arrangement, with a focus on the piano and guitar, along with the minimalistic chord progression, are typical of Beck’s earlier, more stripped-down sound. This particular chord progression prominently features a repeated tonic chord, which can be seen as a nod to minimalism and perhaps even influenced by experimental or drone music.

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

F, F, F, F, F, F, F, F