Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Give Me The Night” is a jazz-funk composition with a rich harmonic texture and a catchy melody. It was produced by Quincy Jones and released in 1980. The verse chord progression of this piece features a series of diatonic seventh chords, with one borrowed chord from a parallel minor key, which are common to the jazz and R&B styles.

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” by George Benson is a romantic ballad in the key of Db major. The piece features a soothing and harmonically rich chord progression that is characteristic of the pop/jazz fusion style popular in the late 70s and 80s. The chorus features a mix of diatonic, borrowed, and secondary-dominant chords, creating an expressive palette of colors and tensions. This progression shares similarities with other ballads and pop songs from the era.

The given chord progression is from the song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails. The overall structure of the song consists of verses, choruses, and a bridge, each with distinct chord progressions that contribute to the song’s moody, melancholic atmosphere. The song is mostly in the key of E minor, with some borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

“Yellow” by Coldplay is written in the key of G major. The song maintains a consistent use of diatonic chords from its own major key, with a predominant chord progression in the bridge and other sections being G – D – Cmaj7. Briefly, the song changes to a minor key using the Dm7 chord as a poignant moment in its structure.

The bridge of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is an interesting combination of chords, showcasing unusual harmonic choices and unexpected modulations. The tonal center of this progression appears to be ambiguous, as several key centers are explored throughout the progression, creating a sense of harmonic tension and release.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Bridge

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Emaj7, Db7, Emaj7, Db/F

Chord Progression Analysis

`Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Ebm7 (vi), Db (V), Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Ebm7 (vi), Db (V), Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Ebm7 (vi), Db (V), Abm7 (ii), Gb (I), Emaj7 (♭VII), Db7 (IV7), Emaj7 (♭VII), Db/F (IV6)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Earth, Wind & Fire – “After The Love Has Gone”:
`F#m7 (ii), E (I), C#m7 (vi), B (V), F#m7 (ii), E (I), C#m7 (vi), B (V), F#m7 (ii), E (I), G#m7 (iii), B7 (V7)`

2. Stevie Wonder – “As”:
`Em7 (ii), D (I), Bm7 (vi), A (V), Em7 (ii), D (I), Bm7 (vi), A (V), Em7 (ii), D (I), F#m7 (iii), A7 (V7)`

These examples also showcase a similar fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop elements with descending chord progressions and the use of minor 7th chords. While the exact chords may differ, the overall approach and stylistic influences are comparable to that of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night.”

Musical Analysis

The descending chord progression creates a smooth and relaxed harmonic movement, making the piece feel mellow and easygoing. The minor 7th chords spread throughout the progression lend a soothing quality to the mix. The borrowed chords, such as Emaj7, add a touch of intrigue and unpredictability to the otherwise straightforward progression.

Overall Analysis

The bridge of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a blend of jazz, R&B, and pop elements. The harmonic progression showcases a series of descending chords, interspersed with borrowed chords that provide an interesting twist to the overall tonality of the piece.

Style Analysis

This chord progression reflects George Benson’s unique blend of jazz, R&B, and pop influences. The use of minor 7th chords and descending chord motion is reminiscent of jazz and R&B ballads. At the same time, the overall structure and accessibility of the progression reflect a strong pop sensibility.

Chords in the Bridge section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Ebm7, Db, Abm7, Gb, Emaj7, Db7, Emaj7, Db/F