Chris Isaak – Wicked Game – Verse 3
Wicked Game < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The three chords used in this progression are B minor (Bm), A Major (A), and E Major (E). Here is the breakdown:
– Bm (i)
– A (VII)
– E (IV)
This progression is a good example of modal mixture, also known as modal interchange.
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Borrowed Chord: ‘E Major (IV)’
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Similar Chord Progressions
A similar chord progression can be found in “Zombie” by The Cranberries (Em – C – G – D), Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” (Dm – C – Gm – A) and Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” (G#m – E – B – F#).
The chord progressions in these songs follow a similar pattern to “Wicked Game,” using a stable home chord, a pivot chord, and a hanging resolution.
The Cranberries’ “Zombie”:
– Em (i)
– C (VI)
– G (III)
– D (VII)
Madonna’s “Like a Prayer”:
– Dm (i)
– C (VII)
– Gm (IV)
– A (VI)
Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”:
– G#m (i)
– E (V)
– B (III)
– F# (VI)
Musical Analysis
The progression starts off with B minor (Bm), the tonic (i) and stable home chord. The progression then moves to A Major (VII), which is a subtonic major, providing a pivot to an unexpected turn. The progression resolves back to the E Major (E), the subdominant (IV), rather than the anticipated tonic, B minor (Bm). This provides a sense of hanging in mid-air, keeping the listener engaged for the return to the tonic.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
Chris Isaak’s music often blends elements of rock, pop, and country, often with a late 1950s and early 1960s rock-and-roll influence. “Wicked Game” in particular is characterized by its moody ambiance and atmospheric guitar tones. Harmonically, the borrowed chord (E Major) provides a bit of an unexpected twist, showcasing Isaak’s penchant for infusing his music with emotional tension and release.
What are the chords in: Chris Isaak – Wicked Game – Verse 3?
[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’]
