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“Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth jazz and funk-influenced style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates a strong use of extended and altered chords, which create a richer texture and interesting harmonic movement. This particular chord progression is reminiscent of other popular songs from the same period and genre, displaying the influence of jazz harmony on contemporary R&B and pop music.

The chorus of “Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth chord progression that explores both diatonic and borrowed chords, creating a sophisticated sound that is characteristic of the jazz and R&B styles prevalent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The progression is comprised of chords that stem from the Fm7 key but also includes a borrowed Dbmaj7 chord.

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“Somebody To Love” by Queen is a classic rock ballad in the key of G major, drawing heavily from influences of gospel music and blues progressions. Its bridge, aside from the characteristic gospel and rock elements, includes a modulating progression that is particularly interesting due to its use of borrowed chords, which adds contrast and emphasizes the emotive quality of the song.

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The bridge of “Say Goodbye” by Beck features a simple two-chord progression. However, this simplicity allows space for an interesting interplay between melody and harmony while still evoking strong emotions. Despite being simple, the progression still manages to create a sense of tension and resolution.

The bridge of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. This creates a sense of continuous flow, which is commonly found in many popular music songs. The progression contains primary chords (G, C, and F) and a secondary chord (Dm7).

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