George Benson – Give Me The Night – Outro
Give Me The Night < 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.
What are the chords in: George Benson – Give Me The Night – Outro?
Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7
