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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” is a song that sits neatly within the Pop-Rock category and is known for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics. It has a very simple chord progression that affects a moody, melancholic ambience. This type of progression is very common in popular music across all genres due to its simplicity and potential for various melodic and lyrical directions.

“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a significant example of their high level of technical composition skills. This track, which is played in the key of A Major, incorporates variations in the conventional chord progressions by using borrowed chords and shifting harmonic and melodic structures, showcasing their profound understanding of music theory and ability to use those ideas creatively.

The Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

Chris Isaak – Wicked Game – Verse 3

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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.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak are:

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