Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the pre-chorus of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” can be described as a smooth, jazzy, and mellow progression influenced by R&B and jazz-funk styles. It features a combination of diatonic chords and extensions, which create a sense of sophistication and complexity.

“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.

“Bullet with Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins can be categorized as alternative rock. The chord progression showcases the grunge influence, with an emphasis on power chords and the use of suspended second chords which are often used to create ambiguity or tension.

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is an experimental and ambient piece released in 2000 as part of their album “Kid A.” The piece defies traditional pop and rock song forms, delving more into the territory of electronic and experimental music. The outro chord progression is simple but intriguing, serving a hypnotic and unresolved quality that keeps the listener engaged.

“Someone to Love” by Queen exhibits a blend of rock and gospel music, showcasing their musical brilliance and theatrical elements. The chord progression forms a classic example of a departure from the typical I-IV-V root progression seen in much of popular western music, demonstrating Queen’s ingenious writing style.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Outro

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7

Chord Progression Analysis

Fm7 (ii7), Bbm7 (v7), Cm7 (vi7), Dbmaj7 (bIIIMaj7), Fm7 (ii7), Bbm7 (v7), Cm7 (vi7), Dbmaj7 (bIIIMaj7), Fm7 (ii7), Bbm7 (v7), Cm7 (vi7), Dbmaj7 (bIIIMaj7), Fm7 (ii7), Bbm7 (v7), Cm7 (vi7)

Borrowed Chord:

`Dbmaj7 (bIIIMaj7)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On”
Dmaj7 (IMaj7), Gmaj7 (IVMaj7), Em7 (ii7), A7 (V7), Dmaj7 (IMaj7), Gmaj7 (IVMaj7), Em7 (ii7), A7 (V7)

2. Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
E (I), F#m7 (ii7), Emaj7 (IMaj7), F#m7 (ii7), G#m7 (iii7), Amaj7 (IVMaj7), E/G# (I6/4)

3. Herbie Hancock – “Maiden Voyage”
Dm7 (i7), Em7 (ii7), Fmaj7 (IIIMaj7), Gmaj7 (IVMaj7), Dm7 (i7), Em7 (ii7), Fmaj7 (IIIMaj7), Gmaj7 (IVMaj7)

While these example songs are not direct copies of the George Benson chord progression, they demonstrate a similar level of harmonic sophistication, modal mixture, and fluidity between chords, which can be seen as characteristics influenced by jazz and R&B.

Musical Analysis

The primary feature of this chord progression is the presence of the borrowed chord Dbmaj7 (bIIIMaj7). In the key of F minor, the III chord should be an Abmaj7; however, the Dbmaj7 is a borrowed chord from the parallel major (F major) key. This borrowed chord adds color and interest to the progression and creates a slight tension before resolving back to the Fm7 (ii7) chord. The progression begins with the Fm7 (ii7) chord, creating a sense of stability and familiarity for the listener since Fm7 is the tonic in this segment. From there, the chords move in a descending pattern, offering a smooth transition between chords and ultimately resolving back to the Fm7 (ii7) chord to start the sequence again.

Overall Analysis

The outro of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a smooth, soulful chord progression that is common to jazz, R&B, and pop music. The progression has a descending movement with alternating minor 7th and major 7th chords. This repetition creates a sense of ambience and resolution, making it an ideal conclusion to the song.

Style Analysis

The outro chord progression of “Give Me The Night” is heavily influenced by the concept of modal mixture, which is commonly found in jazz, R&B, and pop music. The borrowed chord, Dbmaj7 (bIIIMaj7), adds an additional level of harmonic sophistication and richness to the progression, which is characteristic of Benson’s sophisticated musiciansmith. This fluid and cohesive progression evokes a sense of relaxation and satisfaction, in keeping with the song’s overall feel and groove.

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

Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7