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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Give Me The Night” is a classic R&B and jazz-infused song by George Benson, released in 1980. The song was written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones. It features a smooth, soulful groove, lush harmonies, and a sophisticated chord progression that is characteristic of the late 70s and early 80s R&B and jazz fusion style. The verse of the song makes use of diatonic chords with a few borrowed chords, giving the progression a rich and interesting harmonic content.

“Give Me The Night” is a smooth jazz, R&B, and funk-infused composition by George Benson. The pre-chorus is particularly interesting, as it features a brief but captivating chord progression that navigates through a variety of moods before looping back to the main progression or chorus of the song.

“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is composed in the key of E minor. The song has quite a simple structure and harmony with a strong emphasis on the I-IV-V (D-G-A in E minor key) chord progression which is one of the most common patterns in popular music. This I-IV-V progression vests the song with its harmonic backbone and creates a strong, wide-open sonic canvas.

The chord progression of the chorus of California Kids by Weezer displays a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of F Major. The progression has a common pop-rock feel with some chromatic harmonic elements, bringing a more interesting and engaging effect to the listener.

Killer Queen’ is one of Queen’s signature songs, abounding with Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant melodic invention, clever harmonies, and theatrical presentation. Its chorus in particular uses an array of chords to create a sophisticated and fluid progression. Before embarking on a note-by-note analysis, we can note that it principally operates in the key of G Major and involves a number of borrowed and secondary chords that bring intrigue and depth to the progression.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Chorus 3

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Chord Progression

Db/Eb, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7

Chord Progression Analysis

Db/Eb (sus♭II), Fm7 (vi7), Bbm7 (i7), Cm7 (ii7 borrowed from Db minor), Dbmaj7 (Imaj7), Fm7 (vi7), Bbm7 (i7), Cm7 (ii7 borrowed from Db minor), Dbmaj7 (Imaj7)

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Cm7 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key.
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – Overjoyed:
Bmaj7 (Imaj7), Gm7 (vi7), Cm7 (ii7), F#m7 (v7), Bmaj7 (Imaj7), Gm7 (vi7), Cm7 (ii7), F#m7 (v7), Bmaj7 (Imaj7)

2. Michael Jackson – Human Nature:
Dmaj7 (Imaj7), Bm7 (vi7), C#m7 (ii7 borrowed from D minor), F#m7 (iii7), Dmaj7 (Imaj7), Bm7 (vi7), C#m7 (ii7 borrowed from D minor), F#m7 (iii7), Dmaj7 (Imaj7)

3. Earth, Wind & Fire – After the Love Has Gone:
Abmaj7 (Imaj7), Fm7 (vi7), Bbm7 (ii7), Ebmaj7 (V7), Abmaj7 (Imaj7), Fm7 (vi7), Bbm7 (ii7), Db/Eb (sus♭II)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with a Db/Eb slash chord, which acts as an extended chord that creates tension and harmonic ambiguity. The following sequence of Fm7, Bbm7, and the borrowed Cm7 creates a sense of motion and movement in the piece. The resolution to the Dbmaj7 provides a sense of stability and release before the progression repeats.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Give Me The Night” is a blend of jazz, R&B, and pop elements. The use of extended chords, borrowed chords, and harmonic ambiguity are characteristics commonly found in jazz and R&B music. The repetitive nature of the progression also reflects the influence of pop music on the piece.

Chords in the Chorus 3 section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Db/Eb, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7