Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Give Me The Night” is a jazz-funk composition with a rich harmonic texture and a catchy melody. It was produced by Quincy Jones and released in 1980. The verse chord progression of this piece features a series of diatonic seventh chords, with one borrowed chord from a parallel minor key, which are common to the jazz and R&B styles.

The chord progression in the chorus of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” is an example of a smooth and groovy R&B progression from the early 1980s. It has a mix of minor chords, a major chord, and a major 7th chord, creating a soulful and slightly melancholic character. The progressions use diatonic chords from the F minor scale, with a hint of modal interchange.

“I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles is a song that stands out because of its unique chord progressions and thematic material. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is particularly captivating and somehow unusual compared to common pop/rock tunes.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is predominantly in the key of C minor. The song features a strong emphasis on repetition and minimalism, with the chord progressions mostly consisting of repeated chords within each section. The song has a moody and dark atmosphere, fitting the industrial rock genre.

Chord Progression Analysis (Pre-Chorus 2):
C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7)

Borrowed Chords:
There are no borrowed chords in this specific chord progression.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Pre-Chorus 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Dbmaj7, Bbm7, Db/F, Db/Eb

Chord Progression Analysis

1. Dbmaj7 (I7)
2. Bbm7 (vi7)
3. Db/F (I6)
4. Db/Eb (I7/♭VII)

“`
Dbmaj7 (I7) → Bbm7 (vi7) → Db/F (I6) → Db/Eb (I7/♭VII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – “Overjoyed”
Chord progression: Cmaj7 (I7) → Em7 (iii7) → Dm7/G (ii7/IV) → F/G (V7sus4/I)
2. Earth, Wind & Fire – “After the Love Has Gone”
Chord progression: Fmaj7 (I7) → Dm7 (vi7) → Gm7 (ii7) → C11 (V11)

These songs feature similar smooth harmonic progressions with a mix of jazz, R&B, and pop sensibilities. Like George Benson’s “Give Me The Night,” they utilize extended chords, inversions, and create a sense of forward momentum through diatonic and chromatic movement.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with a Dbmaj7, it is a major seed and sets the tonal center. Then, it moves to Bbm7, the relative minor; this movement creates a strong sense of forward momentum. The following chord, Db/F, is an inversion of Dbmaj7, with F as the bass note, providing an ascending bass line to drive the progression. Finally, the Db/Eb is an interesting variant of the I chord with a ♭VII (Eb) in the bass, adding tension and expectation before resolving to the following section or repetition.

Overall Analysis

“Give Me The Night” by George Benson is a jazz-fusion piece with a strong R&B and pop influence. The pre-chorus utilizes a smooth harmonic progression, involving the use of common jazz chords and inversions. The progression is primarily diatonic, with a few chromatic alterations, allowing for a sense of tension and resolution that contributes to the overall groove and smooth melody.

Style Analysis

George Benson is well known for his unique fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop elements, making his chord progressions stand out among other artists. The pre-chorus of “Give Me The Night” exemplifies this by blending these genres into a smooth, harmonic, and engaging progression. The use of extended chords and inversions is typical of jazz harmony, while the chord movement and overall progression are reminiscent of R&B and pop music.

Chords in the Pre-Chorus 2 section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Dbmaj7, Bbm7, Db/F, Db/Eb