Chris Isaak – Wicked Game – Verse 1
Wicked Game < All Analyses
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.
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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’)
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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:
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House of the Rising Sun by The Animals:
Am (‘i’), C (‘III’), D (‘IV’), F (‘VI’),
Am (‘i’), C (‘E’), E (‘VII’).
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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.
What are the chords in: Chris Isaak – Wicked Game – Verse 1?
[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’]
