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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is in the key of B minor. The chord progression for the section provided, which is the verse, is unique due to its simplicity, making it easily accessible and memorable. Even though it is incredibly simple, consisting of just three chords, the progression manages to evoke a strong sense of melancholy and longing, which resonates powerfully with the song’s lyrical themes.

“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” from Verse 1 features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, primarily from the D Major scale but also incorporating chords from the parallel minor and other related keys. This gives the progression a unique and fresh sound that sets it apart from more traditional progressions. Notably, there are several pedal points using the D root throughout the progression, which helps maintain a sense of tonal center.

“Glory Box” by Portishead is a Trip Hop masterpiece which blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and electronic music together in an innovative and influential way. The song’s chord progression, as illustrated by the verse, is D minor, D minor with C in the bass (notated as Dm/C), B minor 7 flat 5, and B flat major 7. This particular chord progression gives an overall melancholy and haunting feeling throughout the song and sets the tone for the track.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a psychedelic rock song often regarded as one of their finest works. It’s innovative from both a melodic and harmonic perspective, using complex chord structures, chromatic touches, and key changes. The song is primarily in the key of E major.

Chris Isaak – Wicked Game – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The entire verse revolves around the chords B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’) and E major (‘IV’). The A major is the 7th degree in B minor key and the E major is the 4th degree in B minor key.

““
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’),
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’),
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’),
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’)
““

Similar Chord Progressions

A number of other artists have used similar progressions to great effect and have created similarly emotive songs. One prominent example is the classic “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals. Here’s the core chord progression:

““
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals:
Am (‘i’), C (‘III’), D (‘IV’), F (‘VI’),
Am (‘i’), C (‘E’), E (‘VII’).
““

Note the use of both minor and major chords to create suspense and interest, as well as the use of borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. We can see similarities between this song and “Wicked Game”. Both use a borrowing technique to include major chords from the parallel major key, and both songs have a haunting, melancholic feel underscoring the emotive lyrics.

Musical Analysis

The song begins on the tonic chord (Bm – ‘i’), providing a sense of home base. This is then followed by A major (‘VII’), which acts as a subtonic chord. The subtonic chord provides a strong pull back to the tonic chord.
Finally, we have the E major (‘IV’) chord – this is a borrowed chord from the parallel major scale (B Major), which adds more color and tension to the progression, making it interesting and less predictable.

Overall Analysis

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak utilizes a repetitive three-chord-per-measure progression throughout the song. It is notable for its haunting, melancholic, and mysteriously romantic sound largely because of its repeated progression and very carefully chosen blend of major and minor chords, within the key signature of B minor.

Style Analysis

Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” is typically categorized as a ballad within the rock genre. Its haunting and emotive melody are not unlike those of many classic rock ballads, and the alternation between minor and major chords helps to amplify the emotional tension and expressiveness of the song.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak are:

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’]