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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of “Give Me The Night” by George Benson demonstrates the use of extended and borrowed chords. The progression consists of a mix of diatonic chords and chords borrowed from the parallel minor, which is a characteristic of jazz and R&B music. The use of the Db/Eb also adds a layer of harmonic ambiguity that creates tension, enriching the overall sound of the piece.

The pre-chorus section of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” is a smooth and interesting progression that exhibits characteristics of the jazz, funk, and R&B styles. It features a mix of seventh chords and inversions, and utilizes both diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key.

“The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles presents us with a classic example of their innovative approach to harmony and composition. Drawing from various sources of influence, the song incorporates elements of traditional pop ballad form with a hint of the Baroque harmonic palette. This song is an excellent study in complex harmony and modulation within a pop music context, a trait that underpins much of The Beatles’ later work.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song that alternates between heavy distortion and calm sections. Interestingly, the song is mostly in E minor, but uses a lot of power chords (5th chords) and sus2 chords which give the song a distinctively undecided, floating feeling, as these chords don’t have a clear major or minor character. The song uses a rather straightforward progression with a few deviations and embellishments which provide tension and release.

“When I Was Your Man” is a pop power ballad with a chord progression that tends to lean towards traditional pop and soul structures. It’s set in the key of C Major. However, the song has a few interesting deviations from the standard pop song structure.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Bridge

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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