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The chord progression in Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” from Verse 4 features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from parallel modes. The progression showcases a smooth, soulful, and somewhat melancholic atmosphere that blends elements of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul.

The chord progression of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar is intriguing and rich. The progression has a smooth, soulful sound with interesting uses of borrowed chords that add an alluring complexity to the song.

The key of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ is G Major, a common key for pop and country songs which provides a bright and uplifting sound. Throughout the song, only four different chords are used: G, D, Em and C. The progression is repeated consistently, with only the sudden introduction of an F major chord (borrowed from the parallel minor of G) towards the end of the song during a transition phase.

This chord progression is in the key of Am. The work can be seen as a mix of the Western tonal harmony, incorporating the use of inversions alongside nondiatonic chords. Tame Impala employs the elements of neo-psychedelia with unique chord progressions and arrangements. The alteration between two chords creates a revolving feeling, reinforcing the title “alter ego”.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” composed by Paul McCartney, is a pop song that sits in the key of D Major throughout. However, it does borrow chords from the parallel minor. This technique, known as modal interchange or borrowed chords, is common in popular music and especially in classical compositions by iconic bands like The Beatles.

Daniel Caesar – Get You – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Em, F#m7, Bm, A7, Em, F#m7, Bm, A7

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (ii), F#m7 (iii7), Bm (vi), A7 (V7), Em (ii), F#m7 (iii7), Bm (vi), A7 (V7)
`Borrowed Chord: Em (ii borrowed from D minor)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers: Cmaj7 (I7), Bm7 (ii7), Em7 (iii7), A7 (V7), Dm7 (vi7), G7 (V7 of Cmaj7)
2. “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack: Fmaj7 (I7), Gmaj7 (V7 of ii), Em7 (ii7), Am7 (vi7), Dm7 (vi7), G7 (V7 of Fmaj7)

Both “Lovely Day” and “Killing Me Softly” employ similar R&B/soul chord progressions utilizing borrowed chords, creating a lush harmony that evokes emotional warmth. The play between major and minor tonalities and smooth chord transitions are characteristic of these songs and create a connection to Caesar’s “Get You.”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in “Get You” starts with a borrowed ii chord (Em) from the parallel minor key, D minor, immediately establishing a unique and evocative sound. This is followed by the iii7 (F#m7), vi (Bm), and V7 (A7) chords, all diatonic to D major, giving the progression a sense of familiarity, while still retaining its distinctive color. The progression then repeats, reinforcing the overall harmony.

The use of the borrowed chord (Em) creates a mix of both minor and major tonalities, which contributes to the song’s warm and emotional atmosphere. The presence of the iii7 (F#m7), vi (Bm), and V7 (A7) chords provides a sense of resolution and direction to the progression, with the V7 chord functioning as a dominant, driving the tension towards the next repetition of the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Get You” by Daniel Caesar is a soulful R&B ballad featuring a smooth and emotive chord progression that is both melancholic and uplifting. The progression is derived from the key of D major, but features a borrowed chord from its parallel minor key, D minor, which adds a unique flair to the song. Daniel Caesar’s vocal performance, accompanied by soulful instrumentation, creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional evocation that is characteristic of the R&B genre.

Style Analysis

“Get You” is a contemporary R&B and soul ballad, evoking the classic feel of timeless artists such as Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, but with updated production and arrangements. Caesar’s delivery is smooth and heartfelt, his voice blending with the instruments to create a rich and enveloping atmosphere. The combination of the soulful chord progression, borrowed chords, and Caesar’s silky vocals project a nostalgic and emotional feel that is characteristic of the genre.

Chords in the Chorus section of Get You by Daniel Caesar are:

Em, F#m7, Bm, A7, Em, F#m7, Bm, A7